Posted by Jasper on November 12, 2003, at 15:12:50
In reply to Cold turkey, posted by Dr...Not! on November 10, 2003, at 17:31:44
Well, wasn't I surprised to discover today (only two hours ago) that my Effexor addiction is REAL and much more serious than I ever imagined. I've been on Efffexor XR 75mg for about five years now. My mental health has come together nicely over that period. No more depression... no more illegal drug use... no more alcohol... great marriage... beautiful baby girl... etc. etc. everything's going great. Well almost. I started to have a sneaking suspicion that my ever present anxiety disorder and rising blood pressure were being caused by the Effexor. I couldn't figure out why else I would have high blood pressure and anxiety. I'm 40, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I exercise, etc. (interesting my GP never put 2 & 2 together) So I decided to stop taking the Effexor. I knew there would be some uncomfortable side effects associated with stopping since I had forgotten to bring my meds along on a weekend trip a year ago and fealt the ringing/shimmering in the ears. Two weeks ago I started taking half a capsule (opening and spilling half the little white balls down the drain and re-capping) every other day for a week and I figured it was now time to stop all together. Well today it is day four and after nearly fainting in my kitchen a few hours ago and feeling like my heart was going to explode I decided to do a google search on "effexor withdrawl." WHOOAA! I feel so freaking stupid but I had no idea! Now what do I do??? I have a few specific questions: I'm not even sure if the dose I'm on is strong or not? I'm definitely not ready/able/courageous enough to go cold turkey. What dosage schedule can I try to ween off? If I go back to my doc what dose should I ask for... what dosages do they make and what would be the last stepping off dose?How long should I taper off for? I will ask my doctor these questions but I have absolutley no trust in him now since he never even told me that Effexor was addictive in the beginning! Thank you so very very much, in advance, for any help anyone can offer.
poster:Jasper
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031111/msgs/279084.html