![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 414 to 438 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by Dave001 on September 23, 2004, at 23:32:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Lawsuit » Dave001, posted by Bubblehead on September 22, 2004, at 9:45:04
<snip>
> Dave, I also was on 450mg of Effexor. Let me tell you, on the Effexor I was completely emotionless. I was dead to feeling. Imagine what that does to your life and your family...relationships suffer greatly!!! Add all the side effects and you have yourself a cocktail for a lower depression than you realize; except you are so numb, you can't do a thing about it. You are so dead, you can't even kill yourself if you were to try. Now, remove the Effexor because of all the problems from it and you just opened yourself a gateway to Hell. Keep in mind, this all could have been avoided "IF" I was properly informed about this medicine. Would that not make you want to "blame" someone and possibly "help" others along the way?
>
> I'm sorry for getting upset Dave. No, I take that back. I'm not sorry. What I am sorry of, is that you either did not know all of this OR you simply are really that harsh. I hope it is the first.
>Look, it's not that I don't feel bad for anyone suffering from Effexor withdrawal; I do. My point was merely that that doesn't necessarily mean some one is to blame. Taking powerful psychotropic medications has inherent risks to it, many of which are impossible to predict in a given individual.
Dave
Posted by Dave001 on September 24, 2004, at 0:37:39
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 16:18:15
> I have read a lot of posts about tapering and "cutting the pills". My effexor is in caplets (I think...plastic containers with little particles inside them). Is there some way to open these up and separate the contents? I have a whole bunch of 75mg that I am supposed to start next week, but I would rather stick to 37.5 for a while (what I am on now). Is it ok to dissolve the effexor in water or mix it in food or something instead of just taking the whole capsule?
If I were concerned about withdrawal from Effexor, this is what I would do: check a recent copy of the Merck Index to find out the solubility of venlafaxine. Choose an appropriate solvent and dissolve the contents of the capsules into a solution from which you can easily measure precise
amounts. By using a lot of solvent, you could make it easy to dispense doses with a reasonable accuracy of +/- 1/mg. I would probably fill a 100 ml graduated cylinder with the solution, and then use that to prefill syringes (you can get oral syringes from the supermarket) with the desired amounts for each day. For obvious reasons the most you would need per day in a solution would be < 37.5 mg if you have 37.5 mg caps, or < 75 mg if you have 75 mg caps. Don't know the stability of venlafaxine but you should refrigerate the solution, and preferably use something other than water.I doubt you would notice any withdrawal symptoms if you reduced the dose by 1 mg/day. If there's no pressing need to discontinue the drug, why not? :-)
Dave
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 24, 2004, at 7:57:37
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by Dave001 on September 24, 2004, at 0:37:39
I'm curious, Dave. Do you work for Wyeth?
> > I have read a lot of posts about tapering and "cutting the pills". My effexor is in caplets (I think...plastic containers with little particles inside them). Is there some way to open these up and separate the contents? I have a whole bunch of 75mg that I am supposed to start next week, but I would rather stick to 37.5 for a while (what I am on now). Is it ok to dissolve the effexor in water or mix it in food or something instead of just taking the whole capsule?
>
> If I were concerned about withdrawal from Effexor, this is what I would do: check a recent copy of the Merck Index to find out the solubility of venlafaxine. Choose an appropriate solvent and dissolve the contents of the capsules into a solution from which you can easily measure precise
> amounts. By using a lot of solvent, you could make it easy to dispense doses with a reasonable accuracy of +/- 1/mg. I would probably fill a 100 ml graduated cylinder with the solution, and then use that to prefill syringes (you can get oral syringes from the supermarket) with the desired amounts for each day. For obvious reasons the most you would need per day in a solution would be < 37.5 mg if you have 37.5 mg caps, or < 75 mg if you have 75 mg caps. Don't know the stability of venlafaxine but you should refrigerate the solution, and preferably use something other than water.
>
> I doubt you would notice any withdrawal symptoms if you reduced the dose by 1 mg/day. If there's no pressing need to discontinue the drug, why not? :-)
>
> Dave
Posted by ants on September 24, 2004, at 10:31:59
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » ants, posted by Jiggitykid on September 23, 2004, at 19:46:10
I am going up to 75mg for the first time.
Posted by AIK on September 24, 2004, at 11:36:54
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 16:18:15
Is your doctor aware that you are not going to be taking the 75mg and remain at 37.5mg? The tablets have a scored line in which helps to them break in half and are immediate release. The capsules, however, are extended release (that's why they are in a capsule with little white balls). Do not assume that half of what is inside of a capsule is half of the dosage. Don't be fooling around with stuff on your own without consulting your doctor and pharmacist.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 24, 2004, at 14:33:45
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by ants on September 24, 2004, at 10:31:59
This is something that only you and your doctor are qualified to decide. I'm curious as to why you are going up on the dose, if you feel that the 37.5 is working?
> I am going up to 75mg for the first time.
Posted by kananee on September 24, 2004, at 14:53:36
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 16:18:15
Several people on this post have taken the capsules apart and painstakingly sorted out the little particles into 1/2, 1/4 etc. They stated that splitting up the particles in the capsules in this manner worked for them. But my psydoc told me not to do this, saying it doesn't work the same. So I'm chiming in w/Jiggetykid -- don't do anything like that without consulting with a knowledgeable pharmacist.
> I have read a lot of posts about tapering and "cutting the pills". My effexor is in caplets (I think...plastic containers with little particles inside them). Is there some way to open these up and separate the contents? I have a whole bunch of 75mg that I am supposed to start next week, but I would rather stick to 37.5 for a while (what I am on now). Is it ok to dissolve the effexor in water or mix it in food or something instead of just taking the whole capsule?
Posted by ants on September 24, 2004, at 15:39:53
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » ants, posted by Jiggitykid on September 24, 2004, at 14:33:45
well I am only on 37.5 to get started on effexor. My doctor didn't think it would be enough. I don't know if he actually thought abotu it that much, actually, but I am pretty sensitive to any medication-pretty much I got through my first 23 years of life only ever taking a Tylenol-so I am thinking maybe 37.5 will be enough.
I talked to a nurse at my doc's office, and she said to go ahead up to 75 next week and if it doesn't seem like it is much different or better than the 37.5 then I can come back down. I think she is thinking I won't know if its working until it is, as many people on this site have mentioned.
Thanks so much for the replies! I was totally freaking out yesterday, as this is my first anti-depressant experience, but I think it is going to be good for me.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 24, 2004, at 15:52:42
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 9:57:01
Posted by Dave001 on September 24, 2004, at 17:33:48
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » Dave001, posted by Jiggitykid on September 24, 2004, at 7:57:37
> I'm curious, Dave. Do you work for Wyeth?
Heavens no. Why do you ask?
Dave
<snip>
Posted by Dave001 on September 24, 2004, at 17:56:41
In reply to Re: please be civil » Dave001 » Bubblehead, posted by Dr. Bob on September 22, 2004, at 16:35:20
<snip>
> > You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
> >
> > Bubblehead
>
> Please don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.I apologize for not redirecting this post to administration, but I am concerned that other members of this thread will not see it if I were to do so.
I want to make it clear that I would prefer that people not feel like they're walking on egg shells when posting to me, so if there is any way for you to "exempt" those whom you feel are being uncivilized toward me from suspension, it would be nice. I would hate for anyone to get suspended on account of giving it to me straight what is their mind. I am not offended by comments like the above at all, although critism that challenges one's ideas is more productive and thought-provoking.
Dave
Posted by kananee on September 24, 2004, at 21:00:51
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by Dave001 on September 24, 2004, at 17:33:48
Hmmmmm.....I wanted to ask the same question. Why one might think Dave has a connection with Wyeth seems reasonable given the content and tone of his first two posts. I guess I'm also wondering -- given Dave's point of view and the amazing statement that he had no withdrawal symptoms -- why he would post on a board that's all about Effexor's horrible withdrawal symptoms
> > I'm curious, Dave. Do you work for Wyeth?
>
> Heavens no. Why do you ask?
>
> Dave
>
> <snip>
Posted by Dave001 on September 25, 2004, at 17:40:23
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » Dave001, posted by kananee on September 24, 2004, at 21:00:51
> Hmmmmm.....I wanted to ask the same question. Why one might think Dave has a connection with Wyeth seems reasonable given the content and tone of his first two posts. I guess I'm also wondering -- given Dave's point of view and the amazing statement that he had no withdrawal symptoms -- why he would post on a board that's all about Effexor's horrible withdrawal symptoms
1.) Look at my posting history.
2.) There is no correlation between Wyeth stock prices and Effexor posts at dr-bob.org.
3.) It would be the world's most inefficient marketing strategy.
4.) Law of the vocal minority, and absent majority dictates that those whom experience unusually bad side-effects or withdrawal from Effexor are most likely to complain about unusually bad side-effects or withdrawal from Effexor than those who did not experience adverse effects -- at least not to nearly the same magnitude. This isn't a new phenomenon; just look at the number of anti [insert drug name/class] web sites. You have your "Prozac survivors," your anti-benzo, anti-stimulant, anti-Effexor, and anti-GHB groups; the list goes on an on... Extrapolating statistics from only one cohort does not produce objective results.
Posted by dbh on September 25, 2004, at 19:22:11
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » kananee, posted by Dave001 on September 25, 2004, at 17:40:23
In item #4 you imply that the majority of those who stop taking Effexor do NOT experience side-effects. I hope this is true, and that I am among the majority who don't. I hope to start weaning myself off 75mg per day Effexor XR this next week, after consulting with my family physician.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 25, 2004, at 19:25:52
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by dbh on September 25, 2004, at 19:22:11
I hope you are one who doesn't. Please post and let us know.
> In item #4 you imply that the majority of those who stop taking Effexor do NOT experience side-effects. I hope this is true, and that I am among the majority who don't. I hope to start weaning myself off 75mg per day Effexor XR this next week, after consulting with my family physician.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 25, 2004, at 19:42:16
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » kananee, posted by Dave001 on September 25, 2004, at 17:40:23
No one has brought up stock prices. It was mentioned, first by me, because you seem so ready to defend the drug. Also, how do you know that those who experience this awful withdrawal are indeed, a minority? Do you have proof of that? Do you have proof that the majority of people who take it have no problems? Or perhaps, could it be that most folks think they have a month-long flu or are having heart or neurological problems, like so many of us were told by physicians, until we came here and connected the dots? What makes people who have struggled or are struggling through this so angry and hurt (and unless you have been there, you CANNOT know or even begin to sympathize) is the patronizing tone of the posts, whether intended or not. Perhaps you truly are here to show both sides of the issue, but the feeling those of us who have been to hell and back get is that you are saying, "Hush now, your experience isn't all that important, so shut up."
Odds are you are a very nice person and are not intending to express this, but this is exactly how it is coming across. Your posts make it sound as if those of us who are trying to 1)heal, 2)share experiences and 3) help others through this horrible withdrawal are nothing but big babies who won't take responsibility for our lives. Sir, that is so far from the truth. Needing treatment for depression can be a touchy subject because of the social stigma of any kind of mental illness, but to have someone come in and imply that we are hot-headed, immature whiners who blame others for our problems is nothing short of spitting in our faces. Can you see why your posts stir up so much anger?
Because of my personal experience and my desire that no one else suffer the way I did, of course I'd like to see the drug at the bottom of the ocean. But practically, I do realize that for some, and in my mind a MINORITY, it does work, and taking it off the market isn't the right idea. What I want, and what the petition says, is for the drug company to reveal the information about the addictive properties of the drug and the withdrawal that it can/does cause. Funny how asking for a corporation to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for something that it does/produces seems to illicit a response that we are not taking responsibility for our lives.
Would we be here, sharing information and supporting each other, if we weren't responsible? Would we be trying to encourage others to get well and sharing how we are healing if we weren't responsible? You know nothing about our lives, and to imply what your original post in response to the class-action post did (which was more than imply, you stated) is insulting. You requested immunity for those who answered your questions about your post; I can only hope that applies to me. You asked for the truth - you have it.
> > Hmmmmm.....I wanted to ask the same question. Why one might think Dave has a connection with Wyeth seems reasonable given the content and tone of his first two posts. I guess I'm also wondering -- given Dave's point of view and the amazing statement that he had no withdrawal symptoms -- why he would post on a board that's all about Effexor's horrible withdrawal symptoms
>
> 1.) Look at my posting history.
> 2.) There is no correlation between Wyeth stock prices and Effexor posts at dr-bob.org.
> 3.) It would be the world's most inefficient marketing strategy.
> 4.) Law of the vocal minority, and absent majority dictates that those whom experience unusually bad side-effects or withdrawal from Effexor are most likely to complain about unusually bad side-effects or withdrawal from Effexor than those who did not experience adverse effects -- at least not to nearly the same magnitude. This isn't a new phenomenon; just look at the number of anti [insert drug name/class] web sites. You have your "Prozac survivors," your anti-benzo, anti-stimulant, anti-Effexor, and anti-GHB groups; the list goes on an on... Extrapolating statistics from only one cohort does not produce objective results.
Posted by kananee on September 25, 2004, at 22:06:33
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » Dave001, posted by Jiggitykid on September 25, 2004, at 19:42:16
Well said, as usual, Jiggitykid. Excellent, in fact, as well as rational. Often I thiink of you as the soul of this board . . .
Posted by Bubblehead on September 26, 2004, at 9:46:10
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » Dave001, posted by Jiggitykid on September 25, 2004, at 19:42:16
Thank you Jiggitykid for writing what's in many of our hearts about this issue.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 26, 2004, at 19:22:24
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by Dave001 on September 24, 2004, at 17:56:41
> I want to make it clear that I would prefer that people not feel like they're walking on egg shells when posting to me, so if there is any way for you to "exempt" those whom you feel are being uncivilized toward me from suspension, it would be nice.
Thanks for being so accepting, but I'm afraid that if people could be uncivil to you, they might think they could be uncivil to others.
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 26, 2004, at 19:32:07
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » Dave001, posted by Jiggitykid on September 25, 2004, at 19:42:16
> the patronizing tone of the posts
>
> to imply what your original post ... did ... is insulting.Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused.
I've asked you to be civil before, so now I'm going to block you from posting for a week.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dave001 on September 26, 2004, at 23:30:02
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » Dave001, posted by Jiggitykid on September 25, 2004, at 19:42:16
> No one has brought up stock prices. It was mentioned, first by me, because you seem so ready to defend the drug. Also, how do you know that those who experience this awful withdrawal are indeed, a minority? Do you have proof of that? Do you have proof that the majority of people who take it have no problems? Or perhaps, could it be that most folks think they have a month-long flu or are having heart or neurological problems, like so many of us were told by physicians, until we came here and connected the dots? What makes people who have struggled or are struggling through this so angry and hurt (and unless you have been there, you CANNOT know or even begin to sympathize) is the patronizing tone of the posts, whether intended or not. Perhaps you truly are here to show both sides of the issue, but the feeling those of us who have been to hell and back get is that you are saying, "Hush now, your experience isn't all that important, so shut up."
>I'm sorry if it feels that way. In reality, though, all I said was that frivilous lawsuits hurt us all in the long run, and that I did not think that the reported withdrawal symptoms from Effexor -- however unpleasant they may be, are evidence of negligence. I am defending the rights of patients and doctors to use any medication necessary to combat depression. Doctors are already very reluctant to prescribe many classes of medication for fear of malpractice suits, and creating new legal battles as you describe only contributes to this fear. Also, have you considered how a fear-mongering attitude toward Effexor might steer away folks who could really benefit from it?
Anyway, this is my last post to this thread. I am sorry that you got suspended for your post. I didn't see anything uncivil about it.
Dave
Posted by AIK on September 27, 2004, at 16:17:09
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by Dave001 on September 24, 2004, at 0:37:39
In response to the post below regarding dissolving the Effexor XR capsules in water or another solvent, please, any of you tapering down, do not do this unless you ask your doctor or pharmacist (someone who has expertise in this area). In refuting Dave's recommendation I have following input.
1. The contents of the capsule will not dissolve in water. It is formulated to dissolve at various pH levels throughout the GI tract. This is done in order to provide an extended release action.
2. Even if you are able to find a suitable solvent, you would be changing from the extended release action to an immediate release dose of Effexor. Changing dosage forms should never be done without the supervision and recommendation of a health professional.
It is unfortunate that this site has become a pissing contest for us that are looking for support with others during our experiences with the drug Effexor, whether it being the usage or it's withdrawal symtoms.
I am fortunate to say that since I logged on to this site a few weeks ago I have gained more knowledge and support from the same withdrawal symtoms I experienced (because I thought I had contracted a virus, infection, whatever) to find out it was the improper stoppage of the Effexor. I am also happy to say that since I have properly decreased by dosage slowly, I had the most energetic weekend that I can remember. We are on this site to support, share, and be there for one another. I don't want to sound disrespectful Dr.
Bob, "but you knocked off the wrong the person". I would appreciate it if you would post this message, at your discretion of course, so others will not attempt to concoct the "XR capsule recipe" into a tapering down formulation. This is not the place for a lay person to reformulate Effexor. I was under the assuption that this was a support group..like I said before, you knocked off the wrong person.
> > I have read a lot of posts about tapering and "cutting the pills". My effexor is in caplets (I think...plastic containers with little particles inside them). Is there some way to open these up and separate the contents? I have a whole bunch of 75mg that I am supposed to start next week, but I would rather stick to 37.5 for a while (what I am on now). Is it ok to dissolve the effexor in water or mix it in food or something instead of just taking the whole capsule?
>
> If I were concerned about withdrawal from Effexor, this is what I would do: check a recent copy of the Merck Index to find out the solubility of venlafaxine. Choose an appropriate solvent and dissolve the contents of the capsules into a solution from which you can easily measure precise
> amounts. By using a lot of solvent, you could make it easy to dispense doses with a reasonable accuracy of +/- 1/mg. I would probably fill a 100 ml graduated cylinder with the solution, and then use that to prefill syringes (you can get oral syringes from the supermarket) with the desired amounts for each day. For obvious reasons the most you would need per day in a solution would be < 37.5 mg if you have 37.5 mg caps, or < 75 mg if you have 75 mg caps. Don't know the stability of venlafaxine but you should refrigerate the solution, and preferably use something other than water.
>
> I doubt you would notice any withdrawal symptoms if you reduced the dose by 1 mg/day. If there's no pressing need to discontinue the drug, why not? :-)
>
> Dave
Posted by Dave001 on September 27, 2004, at 18:56:47
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by AIK on September 27, 2004, at 16:17:09
> In response to the post below regarding dissolving the Effexor XR capsules in water or another solvent, please, any of you tapering down, do not do this unless you ask your doctor or pharmacist (someone who has expertise in this area). In refuting Dave's recommendation I have following input.
> 1. The contents of the capsule will not dissolve in water. It is formulated to dissolve at various pH levels throughout the GI tract. This is done in order to provide an extended release action.Wrong! Actually, I never said to dissolve in water. I said to check the Merck Index for solubility data, and specifically recommended *against* using water. However, seeing as how you've made the claim that it will *not* dissolve in water, I feel the need to correct your misinformation.
I just grabbed my copy of the Merck Index and have it right here in front of me, and it states the solubility of venlafaxine HCl is 572 mg/ml in water! And its partition coefficient is 0.43 (octanol/water). Not only will it dissolve in water, its water solubility is so high that I retract my original statement and actually *recommend* using water as the solvent. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and don't dissolve too many days worth at once. Also, use distilled water; don't use tap.
> 2. Even if you are able to find a suitable solvent, you would be changing from the extended release action to an immediate release dose of Effexor. Changing dosage forms should never be done without the supervision and recommendation of a health professional.I think the intelligence of the OP is high enough to realize that dissolving (dissociating the drug into individual *molecules*) the Effexor will destroy the integrity of the extended release formulation! Sheesh! :-) Obviously, you just take several smaller doses spread out to maintain a consistent level.
I am by no means suggesting this is a convenient or even desirable method of tapering, but if the withdrawal effects are *that* bad, then it would certainly seem worth it to me.
Dave
<snip>
Posted by AIK on September 28, 2004, at 9:43:01
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by Dave001 on September 27, 2004, at 18:56:47
You are right. I am wrong. The spheroids are not ph dependent. Would they be time dependent however? (for those of you who are following us, we are referring to the white balls inside the capsule). This has created some interest and experimentation on my part (like I don't have enough to do). Support group, this has nothing to do with ingesting the drug...don't attempt it at this point. In fact, Dave did say earlier that it may be an alternative to tapering with capsules, but doesn't recommend it. I think he has raised the hair on the back of our necks when he minimizes our physical and mental pain. Also using asterisks when he refers to "if the withdrawal effects are *that* bad". Yes, it is *that* bad for these readers or they wouldn't be on this site. Dave has contributed a good part to this as well. It has raised our awareness that playing around with dosage changes or altering dosage forms, (tablets/capsules in this case) other than what was prescribed for YOU without supervision, is not acceptable. You could wind up being more of a mess than when you started. To my support group I'd like to add that I'm on my 6th day of a dosage decrease and I haven't experienced throwing up or dizziness (like I did initially), and the mood swings have lessened as well. Just get these bursts of energy. In fact, on Saturday, it was non-stop. Upon awakening, I got cleaned up and dressed and motored the entire day. The "old me" would shuffle to the kitchen and perch somewhere (kitchen, sofa, desk) and remain there as the day passed by. Day after day. That's when I was on the drug. (To refresh your memory, I was put on this for pain, not anxiety; it didn't do "squat" for my pain...was I that brain-dead not to have realized this sooner?)OK folks, have a good one and a better one tomorrow. I'm here if you need to talk.
> > In response to the post below regarding dissolving the Effexor XR capsules in water or another solvent, please, any of you tapering down, do not do this unless you ask your doctor or pharmacist (someone who has expertise in this area). In refuting Dave's recommendation I have following input.
> > 1. The contents of the capsule will not dissolve in water. It is formulated to dissolve at various pH levels throughout the GI tract. This is done in order to provide an extended release action.
>
> Wrong! Actually, I never said to dissolve in water. I said to check the Merck Index for solubility data, and specifically recommended *against* using water. However, seeing as how you've made the claim that it will *not* dissolve in water, I feel the need to correct your misinformation.
>
> I just grabbed my copy of the Merck Index and have it right here in front of me, and it states the solubility of venlafaxine HCl is 572 mg/ml in water! And its partition coefficient is 0.43 (octanol/water). Not only will it dissolve in water, its water solubility is so high that I retract my original statement and actually *recommend* using water as the solvent. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and don't dissolve too many days worth at once. Also, use distilled water; don't use tap.
>
>
> > 2. Even if you are able to find a suitable solvent, you would be changing from the extended release action to an immediate release dose of Effexor. Changing dosage forms should never be done without the supervision and recommendation of a health professional.
>
> I think the intelligence of the OP is high enough to realize that dissolving (dissociating the drug into individual *molecules*) the Effexor will destroy the integrity of the extended release formulation! Sheesh! :-) Obviously, you just take several smaller doses spread out to maintain a consistent level.
>
> I am by no means suggesting this is a convenient or even desirable method of tapering, but if the withdrawal effects are *that* bad, then it would certainly seem worth it to me.
>
> Dave
>
> <snip>
Posted by dbh on September 28, 2004, at 13:20:52
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by AIK on September 28, 2004, at 9:43:01
AIK, that was an incredibly "lucid" post. I'm serious, that was a joy to read. It went right to the heart of the matter, IMO.
I started my own "tapering" process yesterday, stepping down from my normal 75mg XR to 37.5. My doctor (a GP), first suggested going to 37.5 for "a week or two" and then stopping completely. I said I would be more comfortable tapering off more slowly than that, so he then suggested alternating 75 and 37.5, then going to 37.5, then taking 37.5 every other day. How long I stayed at each level he left up to me. He gave me a box of 37.5 capsules plus a script for another 30. He then said he would see me in 6 weeks. :-/
So, here I am, "on my own" for the next 6 weeks, left to my own devices for deciding how much to take and for how many days.
I am going to follow his original advice and drop straight to 37.5 and just see how that goes. If it goes real easy, I might stay there for only two weeks. If it goes real bad, I will start alternating 37.5 and 75, although I am concerned about a possible "roller coaster" effect. I have read where the "half-life" of venlafaxine (Effexor) is only like 5 hours, but I don't know about the XR (timed release) version. So my concern is that by alternating dosages, my body could get even more screwed up than purely reducing the dosage.
In other words, this feels like a chemistry experiment.
So far (this is just the beginning of my second day at 37.5) I have had no strong symptoms. I have had MAYBE some mild symptoms, but so far nothing worth mentioning.
BTW, I tend to post a LOT, so if there is a more "appropriate" place for me to post, such as a new thread, please let me know.
David
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