Posted by dsm3r on December 2, 2006, at 16:01:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by KristiVegas on December 1, 2006, at 22:09:39
Hi Kristi -
Just read your post about coming off of Effexor. You can read the medication contra-indications sheet that is provided with your medications. It should tell you what to expect.
As for personal experience, what ever you do - DO NOT STOP COLD TURKEY!!!!!!! What the doctor should do is "titrate" meaning slowly lower your doseage so that you come off the medication without or minimal side effects.
When you stop suddenly, it throws your system into complete chaos. Your body cannot regulate your body temperature, you get hypothermic, then your temperature raises. Your body feels like it's been hit by a semi - it is very painful. You can get excessively tired, irritable, majorily depressed. You can have seizures, loss of motor control (difficulty walking, talking), loss of consciousness and death.
When I was refused my medications by an inept mental health agency, I went through about 90% of the above symptoms. The effect was immediate. Absolutely horrenduous. I am now on 300mg of Effexor. The lower the doseage, the PROBABILITY
of severe side effects are lessened, but there are still side effects.Also note, medications are adjusted higher or lower in an effort to find the maximum theraputic benefit to the patient, while minimizing adverse affects. That is why it's so frustrating. However, only you will know what is working and what is not. Listen to what your body is telling you and relate that to your doctor. If the doctor is not listening or is condescending, kick him/her to the curb and get another. You will be your best adovcate.
Sorry for the long post - I hope this helps. If you have any ?'s let me know.
Blessed journeys -
poster:dsm3r
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061129/msgs/709736.html