Posted by LeanneF on June 13, 2003, at 14:38:23
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by River1924 on January 12, 2003, at 18:52:31
Hello. I was on Effexor for a year and a half. A week ago I took my last pill. No, I didn't just stop. I tapered off over a period of 3 months. I can't imagine how anyone could just stop taking this drug! My withdrawals have been horrible the way it is! I have had all the classics: vertigo, dizziness, tremors, muscle spasms, heart palpitations, and severe episodes of depression. The second day I stopped taking them I thought was the worst day of my life. I didn't know how I could get through anything. I cried for no reason and then just suddenly stopped. Yesterday, my perception was off and I sideswiped a parked car. Despite all of this, Effexor helped me through some tough times. Some of the withdrawal symptoms have been really rough, but I can't imagine what my life would have been like the last year without it. Every day is a little better. Every day I feel a little better. The sudden depressive episodes were mostly gone after the second day. My advice to everyone (especially the person thinking of stopping cold turkey) is go off VERY slow, but don't be afraid of the drug. It is hard, I won't deny that, but it also depends on the method you choose to stop taking them. And please remember, just like with depression, take things one day at a time. Although one day you may feel absolutely awful, remember that tomorrow you will be a little bit better, and the next day even better. And if you ever feel like you can't take it, remember that you are not alone.
poster:LeanneF
thread:104118
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030609/msgs/233725.html