Posted by dancingstar on October 17, 2004, at 18:48:12
In reply to Re: Effexor Cold Turkey / Trazedone, posted by puravida on October 13, 2004, at 2:31:53
My appointment with my internist wasn't until I hadn't taken Effexor for six days. When I asked him if there was anything that would make it better, he suggested that I use Prozac for the purpose of withdrawal, because of the long half life and lack of withdrawal symptoms of the drug.
Having survived six days of hell, I declined and asked if there was an essentially drug-free option. He then suggested 5-HTP. I find it to be minimally effective, but how do I really know for sure? I do feel better though when I add in twice the recommended doseage of St. John's Wort, which makes sense to me, but I came up with that idea all on my own...and I AM NOT A DOCTOR IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM so you take my advice at your own risk. I did this to compensate for the abrupt change in seratonin levels, which might be having a negative effect on some of my physical functions, and I want to give my body a chance to rebuild itself slowly. This could be an inaccurate thought process, but it seems to work for me. I also added in the Omega 3's because I haven't got any appetite, and while I normally eat salmon almost every day, I haven't been able to tolerate animal products during these last few weeks.
It sounds like you are combining so many drugs that you can't get a grip on what's going on with your poor little body. You will be okay. I asked my internist, and he assured me that I would not have a seizure from Effexor withdrawal. He also said that I was in the middle of hell (my word) and that there wasn't anything, that would make it better at this point, except for time. I know it doesn't seem like it, but you will make it through this, but it will take you longer, and it will ultimately be more painful if you keep taking little bits of Effexor, like pulling the Band-Aid off slowly. Just do it. You are the one that said that the drug isn't working for you. You listed the problems here. No, it's not pleasant, but if it's not doing you any good, you are certainly not going to tell me that you are going to let a stupid pill have the power to affect your decisions about your health. Nope, stop taking it if that is what you decide is best for you; and then figure out what you should do from there.
Personally, I am outraged that I was allowed to take this drug in the first place. And I'm not thrilled that you are allowed to combine these heavy-duty drugs in the way that you are. For goodness' sake, it's no darn wonder you are feeling flat out awful, you poor thing! Doesn't anyone out there care????
poster:dancingstar
thread:402477
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041012/msgs/404233.html