Posted by Jenna Starrett on December 18, 2004, at 3:15:23
In reply to Re: Worm - Antidepressants and suicide, posted by PoohBear on July 12, 2004, at 10:08:19
Hi, my name is Jenna, and I am trying to detox from Effexor. I have suffered from depression since 1997 and have success with A/D's to alleviate it, however kept switching due to numerous side effects. My Doctor was trying to switch me from Effexor to Wellbutrin, so he cut my 300mg dose to 150mg after I was on 150mg of Wellbutrin for about a month. I was having terrible side effects from Effexor, "volts" in my body if I waited too long between doses, major thirst and frequent urination, weight gain and overall, it made my depression worse. I had only been on Effexor for about 6 months.... but during this time I got so depressed I held a knife blade under a flame and seared my skin, I guess just to make sure I was still alive! (This is crazy! it was a 3rd degree burn!). Well, 6 days after the reduction of Effexor, it unexpectedly hit me. I woke up after sleeping about 12 hours (not normal for me)and thought I was dying. I began to cry uncontrollably and felt severe "volts" through my whole body (I recognized this feeling from times I didn't take my dose on time) so I assumed I was having a withdrawal from Effexor. I took a pill of Effexor and ate, thinking it would help me feel better, but it was too late. I got a SEVERE headache and began to vomit. I called my Doctor to confirm this was withdrawals, and he said it was (I wish he would have informed me of this before!!!) By this time I had already called my friend because I was too confused and sick to care for myself. I ended up at the ER with morphine in my IV. After this, they placed me on the psych ward for 72 hours so I could be monitored for the withdrawal(my visit to the psych ward cost $900.00!!!). The most ironic thing about this is that I was not depressed at the time (I think the Wellbutrin was really starting to help). I was really hurt that my regular Doctor did not come up to visit or call me (I haven't heard from him since). While in the hospital, the ward Psych Doctor took me from 150mg of Effexor to 0mg. Well.... I am coming up on day 6 again and feeling major "volts". I am too scared to take Effexor for one more moment. I am preparing for pure hell and really scared (but ironically not depressed). Please pray for me... and I will pray for all of you. Thank you, Jenna
poster:Jenna Starrett
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041217/msgs/431137.html