Posted by SteelyDan on April 27, 2008, at 10:34:01
In reply to Discontinuation almost always will occur, posted by Questionmark on April 27, 2008, at 0:40:35
> ... [if the drug is taken long enough, at a high enough dose-- and it does not have to be that high or for that long, in my opinion-- at least for drugs that enhance serotonin transmission.]
> People, listen to me. That is not a true discontinuation. (This is not in any way to be critical of you 'SteelyDan', i just want everyone including you to be aware of what i think is the truth.) After reading the first post, i was already planning on commenting something about how i'm sorry but if he/you're not feeling any withdrawal reaction yet he/you probably will eventually in the near future. In my experience it takes at least a few weeks or so for the brain to re-adjust to a lowering of a serotonergic drug's dose. And in my opinion even if you taper slowly, though it's probably better for you and easier on your brain & body, it's merely delaying the worst of the withdrawal. But then when i read that he/you're still on 40mg Prozac too, it makes comPLETE sense why you didn't suffer any withdrawal. 40mg Prozac is a moderate but significant amount, and i wouldn't be at all surprised if it could prevent a withdrawal reaction (at least anything of significance) from Effexor or any other SRI, as i would be willing to bet it did in this case. I'm sorry to be negative. But no, this does not count. People, don't be fooled (esp since most PSYCHIATRISTS don't even seem to realize or want to realize how true this is!!), if you are on a moderate or higher (often even low) dose of a serotonin enhancing drug for an extended period of time (a few months even?), chances are quite good that you will have to suffer through an unpleasant (to horrendous) withdrawal reaction at some point if you discontinue. Just my opinion. I'm sorry but i really think it's true. And everyone--- EVERYONE!!!!!-- should be made absolutely FREAKING aware of this before every Dr. Tom Dick & Harry give them a prescription for one of these drugs. That's not to say they're not worth it for many people. I am one who cannot be without one (namely, Nardil especially). But they are serious drugs that, in my opinion, can truly produce neurochemical, neurophysiological dependence.
> ...
> P.S. Please Steely don't take any offense to this post. A number of others were saying similar things as you, and it's completely reasonable to think that that was a legitimate more-or-less full-fledged Effexor discontinuation. I just really don't think it was. But my frustration has to do with the issue of dependence and countless people being given drugs without being told of their dependence potential-- not anything you said or did. Sorry thats probably obvious & youre probably aware already i just wanted to make sure i didnt offend.
>
> > > That's amazing! Did you add in any other serotonergic medications while you were going off of the Effexor? From my own history and those I've read about on this board, the people who didn't have any withdrawal problems were adding in something else to fill that serotonin void.
> >
> > I am on 40mgs. of Prozac which i am sure helped.I am not offended, however i will point out that everybody is different..everybodys body chemistry is different! Not EVERYBODY will experience discontinuation syndrome. I've been off Effexor for 3 weeks now and i feel great..no withdrawel throughout this whole time..and i was on 300 mgs. for a long time.
So the key word in your post is ALMOST. I agree MOST people will have some withdrawal symptoms to most ssri's, but not ALL people.
This is what frustrates me is that most people here say, "this drug is horrible/that drug gave me severe headaches," so other people read this and it scares them. My point is that EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT!!! Every drug affects every person differently!!
-Dan
poster:SteelyDan
thread:822870
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080420/msgs/825794.html