Posted by desolationrower on January 18, 2009, at 6:21:01
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict » homemommy, posted by yxibow on January 16, 2009, at 19:53:07
> > > Being an addict is a state of mind. It is being obsessed with some goal that doesn't lead to contentment. It doesn't matter what chemical is entering your body.
> > >
> > > -d/r
> >
> > Ummm I am not sure where you get this info you said above but it is an addiction. I cannot stop it tomorrow without have major withdrawls for over a month. I would consider that an addiction. I am so glad it works for me but my fear is if I ever do get off of it that I won't be able to and the long term effects since there is not a study.
>
> Addiction in my view is started foremostly with the use of unnecessary substances, often obtained illegally. Yes, addiction can occur concurrently or as a result of habituation, but Effexor is not a controlled substance and not known for "addictive properties".
>
> Other substances with far more punch have been abused by people, such as Provigil, benzodiazepines, outside of their medical guise.
>
> Continuing to self-hound about being an addict in this situation I really find to be a disservice to yourself and your psyche.
>
> Withdrawals can be for some people very incredible with SNRIs. That doesn't make it an addiction, and if the drug worked for you in the first place, its really a choice, do you want to remain functional and able to keep your own independence and self-worth in society, or do you want to risk the problems of facing an illness unguarded and untreated ?
>
> Its true, there are no long term studies of a number of SSRIs and SNRIs although there are definitely millions of patient-years of information, but I think the slippery slope can go all the way to the mercury fervor that has been described on the board. Do you want to continue to have decay and possible dentures on complex bridges and root canals making it impossible to eat solid or hard food, or do you want to risk the possible minor amount of mercury that theoretically could enter your system?
>
> I wish you the best of your choices.
>
> -- best wishes
>
> -- JayI mostly agree, except whats more important than the 'socially unacceptablity' of drugs, is whether they are personally unacceptable. Of course most people will use societal norms to decide. And i'm not sure the fear of getting off - yeah thats pretty much a given when you start effexor, but that doesn't mean stopping it NOW is a good idea. And there might be some longterm risk; but ADs are better as a prophylactic than as an acute treatement for depression. so maybe you should take it long term. i think thats all that matters; alcohol addiction is bad because it kills your liver and makes you miss work and be beligerant with one's family. IF i gave up my car, it would be terrible: hauling stuff around in the cold, being exhausted, finding new ways to get places. i'm ok with needing things as long as they improve my life.
-d/r
poster:desolationrower
thread:872605
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/874693.html