Posted by JAMMER on April 5, 2001, at 18:35:42
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE » Pamela, posted by iamneo on April 5, 2001, at 17:42:29
I'm currently on my 3rd attempt to end using this med Effexor XR. first two had major withdrawal effects, which required me to restart. My initial tries, where I crashed were 1 week every other day, then off it, as suggested by my doc. NOT GOOD! I had many of the symptoms listed by many others, the worst were the "brain shivers". These started during of 2nd day of non use. Days 3 & 4 were hell, full blown withdrawal with shakes, hot and cold alternations,lethargy and stupidity.
I choose to do this because of high blood pressure response to using the med ( requiring 2 different BP meds to bring it down), memory issues, and problems with cognitive thinking. and liver function issues.
I'm now at every 3rd day 37.5 mg for 2 weeks, and will move to 18 mg every 3rd day for 1-2 weeks, then end.
I'd like to thank my acupunturist for "bringing me back to reality" by treating me for withdrawal and shock on day 4 of 2nd attempt to end, which really helped. She suggested I return to using the drug, get with a pharmacist for a more "real" tapering plan, which I did. It's going much better now. Thank you Barbara!!!
As for my MD Dr., he never got back to me after I explained in a letter what was happening to me following his 1 week taper plan. In as much as my acupuncturist helped me alot during withdrawal of oxycontin, due to pain in regards to 2 C-spine surgeries 2 months apart. I trust her treatment and advise for Effexor, and am now on the right track.
The key here I've learned is there is no hurry to end using the med. And anyone thinking of going off it should go slow. Pharmacist suggests:
Once down to 1 37 mg daily for 2 weeks.
Start 1 37 mg cap every other day for 2 weeks.
then 1 37 cap every third day 2 weeks.
then 1 18 mg cap (opened, emptied, and re-insert half the agent) for 1-2 weeks. Then end.Perhaps this information will help others. Also, talk therapy and good readings on depression and anxiety due to PTSD, dystymia, due to long standing issues involving abuse, death, and medically botched surgeries. I highly recommend pshycotherapy in conjuntion with any anti -depressant/anxiety issues, in parallel to medication use. It does help if your talking with a knowledgeable expert, who offers tools and methods to deal with issues. It takes more than them just listening. A good book is "From Crisis to Creativity" overcoming adversity. I continue to learn from it.
Best wishes, Jammer
poster:JAMMER
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/58843.html