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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 10:36:18
Hello, I am new to the board and was wondering if anyone could provide me with information or personal insight on long term withdrawal symptoms from these meds. I myself tapered off Effexor about 3 months ago by taking half of the pellets in my regular dose each day (yes- I actually counted out the pellets!) for about 3 weeks before being done. I was glad to be off the meds, but now I have been experiencing severe anxiety. At first I thought I had acquired an anxiety disorder as my life is really stressful but I think it actually has something to do with the antidepressants. I believe this to be true because I have known other people who have had the exact same problem... for example my brother tapered off his antidepressant meds and boom, 3 months later, he had the same exact experience as I'm having now! I wish the medical community had more information on this. Any personal stories, medical information that anyone here can provide would be much appreciated, thanks.
Posted by Sebastian on February 16, 2004, at 11:56:49
In reply to long term SSRI and SSNRI Withdrawal symptoms, posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 10:36:18
I've stoped my regular meds for 4 month periods at a time. Every time I would go right back to all the bad states of mind. No improvement. Go back on the meds and I'm fine.
Posted by justjustine on February 16, 2004, at 13:27:33
In reply to long term SSRI and SSNRI Withdrawal symptoms, posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 10:36:18
sounds like rebound anxiety. some people also suffer rebound depression after withdrawing. hopefully since it is a rebound effect, it will wear off soon. i think it's similar to how a person's sex drive might come back x10 for a while?
my best advice is just don't let them put you back on effexor!
try some mild benzo's - xanax or klonopin might do it. i'll bet that in a few more months (or less) if you go that route, you'll be able to stop the benzo's as well.
i'm not having an anxiety or depression problems so much as general manic symptoms - can't sleep! if i stay asleep for more than 6 hours it's a miracle...
> Hello, I am new to the board and was wondering if anyone could provide me with information or personal insight on long term withdrawal symptoms from these meds. I myself tapered off Effexor about 3 months ago by taking half of the pellets in my regular dose each day (yes- I actually counted out the pellets!) for about 3 weeks before being done. I was glad to be off the meds, but now I have been experiencing severe anxiety. At first I thought I had acquired an anxiety disorder as my life is really stressful but I think it actually has something to do with the antidepressants. I believe this to be true because I have known other people who have had the exact same problem... for example my brother tapered off his antidepressant meds and boom, 3 months later, he had the same exact experience as I'm having now! I wish the medical community had more information on this. Any personal stories, medical information that anyone here can provide would be much appreciated, thanks.
>
Posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 14:13:31
In reply to Re: long term SSRI and SSNRI Withdrawal symptoms, posted by justjustine on February 16, 2004, at 13:27:33
Thanks for the response Justine. As far as your sleeping goes, how long has that been going on? Do you have good nights and bad nights, or is it difficult all together?
Do you have any idea on how long the rebound anxiety lasts? I can trace it back to a few weeks ago as a starting point. Usually I can handle stressful situations (even without SSRIS) but with the rebound stuff and the recent level of stress I've endured, my back is basically up against the wall.
Posted by justjustine on February 17, 2004, at 1:10:37
In reply to Re: long term SSRI and SSNRI Withdrawal symptoms, posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 14:13:31
i've been having problems sleeping, insomnia i suppose, since about the second week off. but i don't wish i could sleep, i just don't sleep. i don't even try to sleep or really think about it sometimes, except that i know i have to sleep relatively regularly to keep a job and that sort of thing, and my sleep patterns are slowly becoming more regular.
hey, that's what the ambien's for... now if only it would keep me asleep a bit longer...
people tell me i'm restless, i guess they are right? i also have problems eating. i almost never want to eat, and i'm not much good at forcing food on myself, either.
> Thanks for the response Justine. As far as your sleeping goes, how long has that been going on? Do you have good nights and bad nights, or is it difficult all together?
> Do you have any idea on how long the rebound anxiety lasts? I can trace it back to a few weeks ago as a starting point. Usually I can handle stressful situations (even without SSRIS) but with the rebound stuff and the recent level of stress I've endured, my back is basically up against the wall.
Posted by cpallen79 on February 17, 2004, at 8:27:23
In reply to Re: long term SSRI and SSNRI Withdrawal symptoms, posted by justjustine on February 17, 2004, at 1:10:37
I understand how frustrating it is. My situation has been irregular too. Stressful situations compounded with the rebound effects have made me a basketcase this past week. I've had trouble eating during the day, focusing, sleeping. I think I could have handled the severe rebound effects a bit better if I didn't have so much else going on. I'm trying to simplify my life bit by bit but there's some things that can't give, and that's a hard reality for me. As far as the eating goes, I say just try something small every couple of hours to keep yourself going. That way you're not overdoing it but still eating.
This is the end of the thread.
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