Posted by SLS on June 1, 2001, at 10:13:56
In reply to Re: My Effexor Nightmare, posted by sl on June 1, 2001, at 9:13:39
>
> Um. I get the impression you stopped cold turkey. And are miserable because of it.
>
> I stopped slowly, and I'm okay. Not fabulous, but okay.
>
> You may want to consider going back on and SLOWLY going off it.
> For specifics on what I mean, see this post...
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/64996.html
>
>
>
> sl
>
> > Hi Everyone, I have been reading other testimonials about the horrible withdrawals from this drug. I stopped taking Effexor almost a month ago. I had been on 75 mg for about a year. The Effexor helped my depression initially, but after several months I began to experience twitching in my left eye, arm & leg. I also gained alot of weight 30 - 40 lbs in less than one year. I seemed to crave carbohydrates constantly. also, a scary hysterical edge seemed to appear a few months into taking the drug. Now,, after one month of discontinuing this drug, I feel so sick, I can barely function. terrible depression (worse than any I had before I went on the drug) My joints are swollen so bad just walking hurts. I am exhausted, and still have to work a full time job and take care of a family. I am commited to getting through this by natural means, and I hope something gets better very soon here. Is there anyone else out there who reovered from this horrible drug without having to go back on it, or another one like it?
> > I really need some help.
Hi.Using Prozac as a substitute to help with Effexor discontinuation is a popular and effective strategy. I have seen a few different ways to go about this. Cam W. would have a better idea than me as to which of them is better. Basically, one substitutes Effexor with Prozac and then tapers and discontinues the Prozac. Much of the withdrawal effects associated with Effexor involve the abrupt loss of the serotonin reuptake inhibition it produces. Because Prozac is also a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it prevents the withdrawal syndrome. The reason it is easier to discontinue Prozac than Effexor or Paxil is that Prozac leaves the body very slowly and smoothly. In fact, Prozac and its active metabolite (norfluoxetine) have a half-life of about a week as compared to the 5 hours of Effexor. Prozac therefore provides an almost built-in smooth taper schedule.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:64946
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/65016.html