Posted by nsr on October 14, 2004, at 18:19:52
In reply to Help for withdrawal, posted by Ruthie on October 14, 2004, at 16:24:41
Thank you, ruthie, for the link--it was very helpful! I wish to thank those who responded to my first posting yesterday. I have been following this site for some time but missed the info about Omega-3 and niacinamide supplements, and plan to try them.
I began taking Paxil, 20 mg. nine years ago, after two years of therapy for PTSD helped me overcome panic attacks but failed to alleviate depression. It worked great, and I stayed stable for six years, except for once a year when I would try to wean off. I was accustomed to tolerating the discontinuation effects--dizziness, restlessness, mild mood swings-- but always had to go back on Paxil after two or three months because I would gradually grind to a halt due to depression. I also have chronic low back pain, which the SSRI helps quite a bit. During the sixth year, I found that it took more Paxil to keep stable, and with the increase to 30 mg. developed muscle spasms and sexual disfunction. Briefly switched to Celexa--same S/E's--then Effexor 150 mg., which was effective. I have been free of depression and anxiety for over three years, but several months ago I developed such severe twitching in my legs it would wake me out of a sound sleep. Reducing to 75 mg. did not effect my mood but didn't reduce the S/E either. I told my doc I wanted to taper off the Effexor and see how I did, and he gave me some 37.5 mg. caps. That's when the weird S/E's kicked in--odd dizzy sensations when I moved my eyes, migraines, body aches and spasms, beeping and clicking sounds in my ears--I was relieved when I read postings here about Effexor withdrawl, but surprised. I am a mental health professional and hadn't heard of discontinuation syndrome, nor had most of the colleagues I asked. I have been blessed with good doc's who have been frank and receptive throughout my treatment, but nobody prepared me for this. When I told my current doc about the information posted here, he looked skeptical and said he had heard about "flu-like" symptoms, but had not been aware of the apparent neuro effects or how long they last, even when Effexor is taped very gradually. He had suggested Wellbutrin as the next alternative to Effexor anyway so agreed that I may start the Wellbutrin while continuing to taper off the Effexor.
I agree with those who conclude that Effexor is effective for depression as well as chronic pain, but coming off of it is a bitch, and it does seem the pharmaceutical and psychiatric communities need to do a better job getting the word out. Thanks, Dr. Bob, for the forum.
PS--I am interested in Cymbalta, which the manufacturer is advertising as a specific for depressed individuals who tend to have a lot of physical symptoms. I was wondering if those on this site who are taking Cymbalta would comment. Thanks.
poster:nsr
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041012/msgs/403103.html