Posted by harryp on May 7, 2004, at 17:52:21
In reply to Effexor, Suicide Tapering Off Meds, posted by Laurie S on May 7, 2004, at 9:53:09
I just wanted to add that Prozac seems less likely to cause wacky psychological symptoms than some of the newer drugs, although I would avoid SSRI's (especially Paxil) based on your response.
I also wanted to mention that your doctors may (with perfectly good intentions) attribute your near-suicide to depression and use it as "proof" that you shouldn't have been going off the Effexor.
In my opinion, you were nearly the victim of a psychological effect that has been observed (especially during withdrawal) in many people on the post-Prozac SSRI-style drugs. In short, I think you nearly died because of a drug effect--not because of any mood disorder.
Depression after your experience would be very normal! I think you should stay on some AD for a while, continue therapy, and be very cautious when tapering off meds.
That said, I would try to axe the Effexor eventually (with great caution, supervision, and Prozac, of course!). I'm glad that many people have responded well to Effexor, but if I were a psychiatrist, it would be the last drug I would try, after multiple TCA's, and both MAOI's w/lithium augmentation had failed!
poster:harryp
thread:344345
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/344500.html