Posted by John1022 on October 11, 2003, at 17:22:12
In reply to Discontinuing Effexor Neurontin, posted by Arlene on October 11, 2003, at 13:32:08
Hi Arlene,
I am in no way an authority on how to taper your use of Effexor, but I can make a suggestion.
Effexor once worked for me and cured me of my depression, which was 100% seretonin related in my opinion.
When I first tried to stop, I tried stopping cold turkey when I was on 75 mgs a day down to not taking any pilss. That was a bad idea because by that next day I would become extremely dizzy to the point where I HAD to take another to get back up to feeling normal.
I stayed on it about 2 more months and tried to do the same thing and for some reason was lucky in having no withdrawal affects and my depression did not return for 2 years (I don't think it would have ever returned if it wasn't for other drug use that affects seretonin, my biggest mistake in life).
But with that said, if I were you I would taper your use over about a month for both drugs just to be safe (others say it can be done tapering in 2 weeks, but why risk it?) But at least you have the knowledge to taper, my doctor didn't tell me anything or didn't know anything about tapering off Effexor, how unbelievable is that?!?!
I would cut down to maybe 250 mgs for a week, then to 150 for another week, then maybe 75 for another week and then 37.5 for the last week and then see what happens with not taking any for the last week.
I would probably use the same strategy for Neurotin. It is risky though. You might be risking having your depression return worse and possibly not having the Effexor work for you if you do try to go back on again. It probably just depends on the individual case.
Just some suggestions, I would like to see what others think though. Good luck with whatever decision you make
poster:John1022
thread:268362
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031010/msgs/268410.html