Posted by KimberlyDi on August 4, 2004, at 16:45:03
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal survey, posted by Camille Dumont on July 30, 2004, at 9:58:18
> I thought I'd come up with a little survey for effexor w/d sufferers (i've been there) feel free to answer the questions...
>
> 1)How much were you taking?
>
300mg Effexor XR
>
> 2)How long?
>
I had been on it for a little more than five months. P-Doc wanted me off when my blood pressure sky-rocketed.
>
> 3) How did you withdraw?
>
1st time, Tried to switch to Lexapro. 1st week 150mg of Effexor & 10mg of Lexapro. 2nd week just 20mg of Lexapro. Didn't work, I was incapacitated at that rate of withdrawal the first week. Went back onto Effexor at 300mg.2nd time, got a calender and determined a very detailed schedule of dosage decreases (yes, down to counting the little dots). It was a schedule of alternating dosages. Flipping back from old dosage to lowered dosage each day, but increasing the days of lower dosages inbetween, until I was comfortable at the lower dosage. Then I would begin with a new lower dosage. It took me weeks but it was successful. Plus, I felt in control instead of feeling that Effexor was controlling me.
> 4) How long did your w/d symptoms last?
Going to lower dosage would provoke mild w/d symptoms for about 10 days, or less.
> 5) did you have protracted w/d symptoms?
Even when I was finally off Effexor, the dizziness, tingling hands, and shocks continued for a few months.
> 6) How long did they last?
Months, with decreasing severeness.
> 7) How did you counter them? (i.e another SSRI)
I was used to the feeling by then.
poster:KimberlyDi
thread:371721
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040730/msgs/374102.html