Posted by Mireille on July 26, 2002, at 21:57:08
In reply to Re: Going off Effexor, Oracle and Mirielle, posted by Fuscia on July 26, 2002, at 21:26:23
> Hi Oracle,
>
> I believe that the biggest problem with Effexor is for those that are discontinuing it. Maybe it is one of those drugs that once started should never be stopped. I don't know how many folks do great on Effexor and how many do not, but I've read many complaints when one tapers down or stops taking Effexor after being on it for a long period of time; over six months. On the other hand so many say how great Effexor is when they first start drug treatment - you'll hear plenty of hails for it especially within the first couple of months. It's one of those short half-life drugs that makes it difficult to taper down or discontinue without a lot of withdrawal effects. I've often wondered if some of the amino acids would be of help to those tapering off of Effexor - such as L-glutamine, which increases GABA, which has a calming effect. Another possible help would be a free-form amino acid complex, taken a half hour before or half hour after a meal, as well as calcium citrate taken on an empty stomach, especially good at bedtime. I know most doctors suggest a single dose of fluoxetine to help with discontinuing process of some of the short half-life drugs such as Effexor and Paxil. Other doctors suggest Benadryl antihistamine. The withdrawal symtpoms can be quite a difficult experience to go through - that's one reason I'll never try Effexor. It may just be the miracle drug for my problems, and maybe it would be a breeze for me to discontinue, but after what I've read from so many others - I choose to steer clear of it, just in case I decide to discontinue the drug for some reason.
>
> Regards, FusciaThanks for your thoughts, Fuscia. I really think you may be onto something, although I won't know for sure (if at all) until Oracle sends that DES information my way. :)
But seriously ... I was amazed when I last went off Effexor that after three months, I was still having what seemed to be the "withdrawal" effects...even my mother, who hates the fact that I take Effexor, begged me to go back on it...however, I must admit that i had just gotten laid off from a job and it was a tough time, and that seems to really really effect how the drugs work or how going off them works.
I once had a p-doc that said that depression goes in cycles for most of us, that it comes and goes and that you should try going off the drugs when you think you can, especially if you're only on a tiny amount. THere are some new ones out on the market now that are supposed to have less side effects than Effexor, like Celexa...so if I really need meds again I'll consider the newer ones, *maybe*. You are right that Effexor is a very very scary drug and somehow your mind gets addicted to the chemical reactions it causes...although it did work wonders for me the first year or two I was on it (it's only been 2.5 years). Still, since I'm hoping to get pregnant within the next year, I'm going to steer clear so long as I can help it.
Take care,
Mireille
poster:Mireille
thread:113537
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/113896.html