Posted by outback on December 14, 2004, at 18:08:47 [reposted on December 17, 2004, at 9:42:35 | original URL]
I am a grandmother of 7, and suffered a severe depressive episode four years ago,for which I had to be hospitalised.The phsyciatrist started me on 75mg Efexor,which made me extremely nauseous, headachy, etc. but after many weeks it kicked in", as they say, and I was able to function again and gradually get on with life, although I never felt really well, or looked it. As I hate taking medication, my highest dose ever was only 75mg. After two years, I got down to 37.5mg, and was very stable. I'd meanwhile addressed some of the problems which had caused my depression, and starting to actually enjoy life once more.
My husband and I recently went away for a short break in the country, and feeling so well on vacation as you do, I thought "I don't need this stuff anyomore - I'm fine", and stopped taking the Efexor altogether. I thought I could get myself off at last - went six or seven days "cold turkey" - felt well apart from being a bit highly strung, no withdrawal side effects.Arrived home to unexpected stress and a family dispute. (Excessive stress seems to be my trigger - in fact there is new research which cites cumulative stress events over life as a major causative factor in depression, re. the effect on the brain.)
The stress problems, plus friends family members horrified that I'd gone "cold turkey" and urging me back on it, (you'll spoil everyone's Xmas) ended with me dutifully going back on "it", 37.5mg, once daily, and boy it was like being hit by truck. Headache, nausea, lurking mild depression, tears, numbness in hands and feet, your head and neck undergoes changes in feelings, you can feel this drug gradually engulfing your whole body. Until you have been clear of it, you don't realise what a potent drug this is, and how your body tries to reject it.
The only thing I will say about Efexor is that it was very successul in getting me out of my initial extremely severe depression, which I hope encourages anyone just going onto it.These "going onto it again" symptoms were so severe I thought I am going to beat you, so after seeing my family doctor with his agreement, I have now got a pill cutter and tried a half tablet daily = about 18mg a day - but the depression started to well up, and the side effects are still there.
I have no physciatrist as he has moved interstate. I know my body hates being on this stuff - it is telling me so by showing such a strong rejection.
My dilemma is - do I try to tough out "cold turkey" or do I go back "on it".
I am kicking myself for going "off it", as I was going along well - well if you can put up with the usual side effects of dry mouth, occasional headaches, dry sinuses, bad breath, and what I call "piggy" looking eyes, but at least no depression and able to cope with, and even enjoy, life.
If anyone can help me I would be very grateful.
My daughter wants us to go to Bali with her and grandchildren early next year. I can't go if I am like this. I felt I HAVE spoilt my Xmas and everyone elses, as well as our prospects for a happy holiday.
Should I get back on this and try to get back to where I was, or should I try tapering off. I have to get off it sooner or later. Don't want to take it permanently, as it cannot be good for you very long term.
Is there anyone out there who has successfully tapered off??
poster:outback
thread:430752
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041217/msgs/430752.html