Posted by yxibow on January 7, 2009, at 14:39:04
In reply to Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 13:49:14
> I just found this post and I am so glad I am not the only one. I started taking this Med about 1 1/2 years ago. I tried to get off of it about 9 months ago and thought I was going to DIE!! I had brain shocks, eyes twitched, nauseated, cried constantly, slept all day. I was so scared. I really thought I was going to have a seizure and die. My Dr told me the only way to get rid of the withdrawl was to start taking it again which at first I refused but after 2 weeks of hell I got back on it and the withdrawls stopped. So now I am a Effexor Addict. I hate it.
You're not an addict. SNRIs are notoriously difficult to get off of it -- what your doctor maybe should have added or clarified is that you may have to get on the medicine again and go on a slower downtaper to get off of it.
Cymbalta carries a similar risk but it may not be as pronounced, or may be more pronounced, its individual.
But what is the reason for discontinuing it in the first place ? Is it not working? Do you want to go medicine free ? Sometimes that's not always possible at times and there's no shame in having something works that improves your functionality.
Psychotropics are largely palliatives -- they attempt to correct a situation which is not in balance to the best of their abilities, and you continue to take them to get this benefit and improvement of life as long as it is possible, and that you can stand the side effects vs. benefits.
-- best wishesJay
poster:yxibow
thread:872605
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/872610.html