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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by utsuzy on November 16, 2005, at 1:05:57
I am 5 days off of Effexor and I'm horribly sick! I'm hot one minute and sweating, then cold and shivering the next. I've got the zapping feeling in my head and it doesn't just come and go. It is a constant today. Same with crying. I can't stop crying. I've been on antidepressants for almost 10 years because I had a disabling accident. When I was in the hospital and on morhpine I said that I wanted to kill myself so the doctor put me on antidepressants. I don't remember ever agreeing to be on them and I just took the medicine without really knowing the consequences. Well, this is the consequence. I've asked my doctor for years to get off of the meds because I think they really do more harm than good. And I honestly believe that I will be fine off of them. No one ever gave me a chance to go through the grieving process without being on the drugs. I know that I could have done it and that is why I am so mad at doctor's for giving these things out like candy. I don't want to go back on the meds, but I am in a wedding this weekend and I need to get rid of the zaps, crying, sweats, and shakes. How long will this last? What can I do to make it better? Does it ever get better? Please help, I'm at the end of my rope!
Posted by pseudoname on November 16, 2005, at 1:05:57
In reply to Dr's should never prescribe antidepressants, posted by utsuzy on November 15, 2005, at 13:25:55
You're in Effexor withdrawal. I've been there. It can be AWFUL.
The key is tapering down gradually from your usual daily dose over several weeks. That may not eliminate all the symptoms, but it can help.
Did you quit cold turkey 5 days ago? Then it might help to take at least part of your usual dose again right now and get into a gradually-reduced schedule.
Check out Dr Bob's withdrawal board for lots of specific Effexor advice: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/
Posted by summerflowers on January 5, 2006, at 16:09:50
In reply to Dr's should never prescribe antidepressants, posted by utsuzy on November 15, 2005, at 13:25:55
Hi.I really feel for you.Thats a long time to be on those drugs,those drugs can be helpfull,but it isnt good when they supress the natural grieving process.Im sure it will be very hard but you can do it.These days people have so many stressors when trying to do things like you are.Its so hard.I have a friend who got away from it all while giving up drugs(housetruck in a paddock with kind supportive people who owned the land who didnt annoy him and understood) He was coming off some pretty heavy drugs but he would pace around and around his truck.He did it.My suggestion to you is that you need to see what you have been through ,and what you are now doing. you have to give yourself permission, to be not well during this time.Permisssion to feel sad,angry,to feel the emotions,and also the power to protect yourself,and keep yourself safe,because you can come through it.
This is the end of the thread.
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