Posted by King Vultan on July 13, 2004, at 12:32:03
In reply to Effexor, Discontinuation and Blood Tests, posted by Mile High on July 11, 2004, at 14:40:22
Well, the first thing that strikes me is that 18 months is a very long time to have gone without seeing the psychiatrist again--I would suggest going back in for a follow-up. He should be able to give you an objective perspective on your situation, plus give instructions on how to withdraw from the Effexor if that's what you really want. I have dropped medicines on my own in the past but am becoming increasingly disinclined to do so. It really is best to make changes in medication dosages only under the supervision of a doctor.
The other thing that strikes me is that it may not be particularly wise to discontinue this med with the prospect of a new job looming. The new environment, to my way of thinking, is bound to create at least a few new stresses and anxieties. I understand your self-consciousness about the Effexor (years ago, I was getting a Prozac prescription filled, and the pharmacist announced, with other customers all around me, that someone's Prozac was ready--I was mortified); however, with my current perspective, I feel that you are likely making far too much of this.
I really don't know what information is communicated back to the employer, but in a worst case that they were informed about the Effexor, so what? Millions of people take antidepressants; there are commercials for them all over the place, and more and more people personally know somebody who is taking an antidepressant. Of course, what they are really looking for is stuff like cocaine and marijuana, anyway. They have no reason to be looking for a non-controlled substance such as Effexor, but if I were asked, I would just tell the truth.
In my own case, I take an MAOI and have a medical alert bracelet that I never take off. If I were going to a job interview, I wouldn't even consider removing it, as there is no real reason for me to feel self conscious about it. No employer is going to ask about it, and no reasonable employer would hold it against me even if they found out what it's for. What matters is the whole person, not some of the tiny components thereof that one may feel somewhat insecure about.
So I guess what I'm saying is that if you're applying for a new job, my opinion is that it isn't the greatest time to be dropping a psychiatric med because there's no way to know for sure how you're going to react. I think it's fine if you do decide it's in your best interest to try getting along without it, but I would do it under a doctor's care, and during a period of time when things are somewhat more stable.
Todd
poster:King Vultan
thread:365045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040712/msgs/365669.html