Posted by kalyb on May 16, 2003, at 18:10:20
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by DeanG on May 16, 2003, at 13:15:27
Dean, my heart went out to you while reading your post. You must feel almost cheated. I don't know what to say, not having had the experiences you have had, although my mother was - still is - under the grip of Ativan.
Believe me, I was scared too when I found this board and read all the stuff about Effexor. My psychiatrist didn't tell me anything about addiction, just about possible side effects. But I am actually feeling some benefit of the drug after only a few days, so I will continue with it. Withdrawal, when it comes, I will deal with. I don't think it can be any worse than the agonies I have been going through the last few months without any medication at all... I simply didn't want to exist any more, it was that bad.
For you, my only suggestion - which comes along with a great deal of compassion for you - would be to go back to your doctor as soon as possible and talk this over with him/her. Maybe you can work out a better medication.
I hope you feel better soon, good luck.... and hugs....
> Greetings John and All,
>
> After digesting all of your comments on the side effects and addicting nature of Effexor I am, to put it quite bluntly, in a state of utter shock. After undergoing my physical examination yesterday my doctor decided to put me on Effexor to reduce the severe anxiety attacks that I've been experiencing in the past few months. I relented only after he assured me that the drug was not addicting. Twenty years ago I had severe back problems and was put on Ativan. Five years later I was left with a full-blown drug addiction which made me swear off any medication or stimulants or depressants of any kinds so as not to experience the same hellish withdrawal symptoms again. Here it is 15 years later and totally clean in all this time and my doctor goes and prescribes what he considers a non habit forming drug knowing full well my past history and struggles with addiction. I took my first 37.5 mg just 14 hours ago which I'm to continue for the next 6 days whereby the dosage is to double to 75 mg thereafter. Fifteen years ago I went through a living hell trying to get myself off what the psychiatrist called an addiction worse than heroin. I believe I may have just taken the first steps to revisiting that horrendous period in my life. Although my doctor most certainly has my best interests at heart, I seriously doubt that he's ever experienced first hand the terrifying withdrawal symptoms of a drug addiction and how difficult it is to break. I've been on Effexor for less than a day now and am already feeling its effects. Whereby Ativan acted as a speed, Effexor is having the exact opposite effect of drastically slowing things down. I feel numb and anxiety free but totally able to function as far as my job goes. Unfortunately, I'm not prepared to pay the price of another harrowing addiction. My doctor was adamant that Effexor was not addicting. Unfortunately, after reading all of your posts I beg to differ, and as I cannot afford a repeat of 15 years ago I may have to nip this one in the bud. Of course, that's always easier said than done. I certainly hope I have the willpower to make the right call and find other means of tackling my anxiety disorder and depression. Tonight will be the first test. Good luck and thank you one and all for all of your touching and candid comments.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Dean
poster:kalyb
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/227121.html