Posted by askBob on December 29, 2002, at 22:45:07
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help!, posted by bookgurl99 on December 27, 2002, at 23:51:20
> I wanted to point out that Effexor is not an SSRI, as Prozac is. Effexor is an SNRI (serotonin noripenephrine reuptake inhibitor). As such , the effects of each may be multiplied if they are taken together.
Wow -- thanks for waking me up, bookgirl! I think Sioux's advice is the safest, although lots of people (especially teens) quit cold turkey. If you don't have to work for a living, you can do it. I switched from Prozac (an SSRI) to St. John's Wort (herbal MOAI) and felt great for a year -- until I got overwhelmed with stress from my job and a family tragedy. Ended up in the hospital. That's why you are best off to get advice from a psychiatrist.
If you are broke, go to a hospital that has a psychiatric crisis center -- like someone said, they cannot turn you away for lack of funds. They may insist you stay there for observation while changing your meds, though, and you must ask about expenses and who pays BEFORE you sign any papers!!! And don't go alone. Bring a trusted (and level-headed) friend along who can verify you are not at risk, i.e., suicidal or homicidal.Titrating off meds by mixing half a capsule into OJ might work, but be sure to wash it down with lots of liquids -- otherwise you can burn the lining of your esophagus. If you look up the ingredients of these meds, most are acids, which are apparently safe once in your tummy.
Good luck, and God bless!
poster:askBob
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021223/msgs/133753.html