Posted by SLS on July 24, 2009, at 6:01:35
In reply to Re: Calling SLS » SLS, posted by floatingbridge on July 24, 2009, at 2:05:51
> Polarbear, please let us know how this goes for you. And Scott, am
> I drawing a sound assumption, that nortriptyline can help effexor withdrawal?If it does help, I would guess that it would be barely perceptible. I think the main aspect of Effexor pharmacology that produces the withdrawal phenomenon is serotonin reuptake inhibition (SRI), for which nortriptyline is weak at best.
If you anticipate having to withdraw from an SRI, you might be able to use low-dosage Depakote 250-500mg. Another drug sometimes used to mitigate withdrawal is Benedryl (diphenhydramine). I have seen Periactin (cyproheptadine) reported to be of benefit.
Personally, I have used a flexible-dosing strategy to discontinue Effexor and benzodiazepines without the need for taking any other drugs. It involves taking a small but sufficient amount of drug only when the withdrawal symptoms appear. Towards the end of tapering, I will dose 3-4 times a day by biting off small pieces of a tablet. If you are using capsules, you can pour out the granules and estimate. You don't have to be exact. It actually takes some practice to wait for the very beginnings of withdrawal symptoms and take some medication as soon as they emerge. There is no reason to suffer. The idea is to be flexible with your dosing as the brain is accommodating to change rather than to stick to an arbitrary taper schedule. What you can do is to plan a fixed taper schedule in the beginning and then become more flexible once you reach the point of having withdrawal symptoms emerge.
I am vulnerable to withdrawal symptoms. I suffer most of the common effects, including the "brain zaps". They feel like lightning going of inside your head. I also experience anxiety, ataxia, tremulousness, etc. Now, I have learned how to discontinue Effexor 300mg in two weeks. Of course, taking Depakote or even Trileptal (two anticonvulsants) would be easier.
You might want to go over to the Withdrawal board and ask questions there. The board is relatively inactive, but you never know what will turn up.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:907915
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090721/msgs/908308.html