Posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 12:02:51
In reply to Re: Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by flyingdreams on January 16, 2004, at 15:55:40
I am very grateful for you all and your open-ness and honesty.
I have been on E for about 1.5 yrs - ending with 225mg/day...150 in a.m., 75 at lunch. I have NEVER been impressed with it. I am also on Wellbutrin for last 6 mo. Doc switching E for Lexapro but wean off and clear out from E first. Minus 75mg each week. Am now at zero for 3rd day. W/D is horrid! I've read through all the postings and can second just about every symptom ('cept the "eye-squeeze", thank God). The worst for me the what y'all call the brain shivers/phasing...I've been calling "zings". These would begin sporadically within hours if I was late with a 75mg dose and are now a constant companion. Also used to just be limited to the brain - now goes down to my toes. I remember a time (as a recovering alcoholic) when I might MISTAKENLY think this a "cool buzz"... This plus tearfulness and sleepiness has now caused me to miss 1-1/2 days work. I am glad the weekend looms ahead 'cause I despise the idea of missing any more work - I am impatient with physical illness that way.
Thanks to you all there are a few troublesome situations I have been experiencing that I had no idea the E w/d may be causing. As my body further dispels this poison, I'll pay attention to see if any needs to be addressed by GP. Of particular concern: I don't recall anyone mentioning minor numbness of the limbs and/or extremities when in one position for very long. Has anyone noticed something like this?
I have been reading the postings for hours now, so I cannot focus enough to address anyone specifically. There are a few thoughts I would like to share if you will bear with me:
a) My doc is replacing the E with Lexapro (a sister to Prozac). The plan was to begin the Lexapro after I have been without E for a full week, however, because of the severity of the w/d, I am now laying in wait for the postman to deliver my Lexapro today - she has me beginning it early. I will do my best not rush to attack the man and rip the package from his hand when I see his truck! So this echoes what others have said about Prozac/Lexapro being used for w/d relief. Although, I do not know what would be done if I was not to begin it anyway.
b) Something those of us in this boat of depression need to remember (I am writing this to remind myself as well): Depression has an organic basis, is a physical illness. We often are still bombarded with the undercurrent of prejudice that says our illness is strictly "mental" and we, therefore, "weak" or "less-than". I believe this is why the "shame" happens. If this were the case, then, it would stand to reason that those who who do not suffer with depression are "strong" and/or "mentally healthy". Believe me, I know many who do not have the illness of depression who still could not be considered "mentally healthy" by any stretch of the imagination. Except for times like this - w/d from an A/D, or times when my depression is out of control, I am often can be grateful for this illness. (Again echoing what someone else on this site has said). Because of my depression I have been led to psychotherapy. Because of psychotherapy I have come to explore me and have come to a greater appreciation for the love of others' and the brighter side of humanity. Because of therapy I have been led to become a spiritual seeker in general and a seeker of God. This reveals to me the beauty and purpose of life that my illness tries to strip away and that many never find need to consider.
c) The "organics" of depression: It is also my belief (I can give no scientific quotes - just my belief) that our physical world had been stripped of much that is nutritional and good for our bodies and bombarded with much that is poisonous. That is why vitamins are now recomended when they were once poo-pooh'd for general nutrition. If we are affected by our environment at such a level as general health, then it does not take a leap of faith to comprehend deficiencies in neurotransmitters in our brains due to environmental issues. Increasingly we are unable to biochemically have healthy bodies by existing, eating & drinking. Then there are social and esoteric environmental factors...I, for one, would like to come to the place where I am able to speak of this illness and treatment as openly and honestly as I would talk to others of, say, diabetes. I am sure if I had diabetes and my sugar was out of control causing me to take a sick day, I would feel no guilt or shame. But, alas, I too am victim of the whispering tones used when speaking about depression and am still afraid of the perception of others.
d) I thank whoever it was that said we are responsible for our own treatment and/or health - not our doctor(s). This is one more lesson learned. I am not sure how to put this into practice, however. It was posted by someone that the doctors (supposedly) did not even know of the Effexor side effects. Why not? Did the pharmaceutical companies not know? Why not? Who do we trust and how do we get the truth before the damage is done? Daily we hear of what was thought to be good yesterday is actually bad or vice-versa.
Thank you for letting me speak my peace, my hope is that I have encouraged someone. Also, again thank you for sharing and encouraging me. God bless.
poster:zingaling
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040122/msgs/304641.html