Posted by Mark H. on March 22, 2000, at 18:32:06
In reply to Effexor withdrawal, posted by Susan on March 22, 2000, at 18:06:40
Oh, for heaven's sakes, there is an enormous amount of documented evidence that withdrawal from Effexor can cause serious nausea and flu-like symptoms for weeks or even months in some individuals. You should be tapered off of the drug over a period of a month or two, at your discretion, until you are finally just barely "chipping" a small fraction of a pill as your final dose.
My truly serious flu-like symptoms lasted for six weeks BEYOND my final chipped dose. My rebound effects were almost unbelievable. My psychiatrist says that one of his patients needed seven MONTHS to get off of Effexor.
Happily, there are those on this forum who have reported quitting cold turkey with no ill effects at all. Good for them. But your doctor is being insensitive and incredibly negligent to expect you to quit without a protracted period of gradual withdrawal considering your symptoms.
Give her a print-out of this note if you wish. If she blows you off, take it to an attorney, and in one telephone call I guarantee you your doctor will change her mind. At best, she is completely ignorant; at worst, she is liable for your needless suffering and downtime. Boy, stories like this really piss me off!!
poster:Mark H.
thread:27871
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/27876.html