Posted by gardenia girl on March 25, 2005, at 9:22:50
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » miracles, posted by SLS on March 25, 2005, at 7:37:53
Thanks to all for comments.
Scott - RE: I hope we can gather more anecdotes on this board to try and establish the efficacy of various methods of withdrawing from the SRIs.
My info:
Currently taking Claritin (allergies) – still having serious withdrawal
Common ingredients of Benedryl and Claritin must not be the key for my particular chemistryTook Benedryl last night, did sleep better.
Took Benedryl about an hour ago. Didn't go to work. Still experiencing vertigo issues, tightness in neck muscles, feeling of band around my head, confusion, and ears ringing. I AM NOT feeling the intense nausea, irritability, zapping noises in my head every time I move or look in a different direction, GI cramps, adrenaline rushes. Only some of these - some of the time - and certainly not to the degree of suffering over the last few days. Is it the Benedryl or the expected decline of symptoms on the seventh day of withdrawal?
Never took more than the 37.5 mg of E-XR, but took it for four years. I do know that I am the type (don't know if there is a technical or clinical name for it) of person that only needs half the recommended adult dosage of any drug to feel the results. Does that have anything to do with my having intense withdrawal symptoms?
Is there any documentation regarding possible permanent changes to the way our brains will function in relationship to chemistry production / non-production due to use of this type of drug? I used to work for the manufacturer of E-XR and I do still believe that it has tremendous beneficial value. I just want to know what to expect, how to manage my body for the rest of my life...
I guess my biggest question / fear is once these withdrawal symptoms go away, then what? Will I be the same person I was before E-XR?
Data:
Age 51, female, 37.5 mg for four years, highly susceptible to chemicals, tried cold turkey last fall - lasted four days - went back on same dosage, started weaning in November
1 month every other day - no symptoms, 1 month every third day - mild symptoms at end of second day. 1 month every fourth day - mild symptoms at beginning of third day getting progressively worse until next dosage. 3 weeks @ every fifth day - mild symptoms at end of third day getting progressively worse until next dosage
last dose seven days ago - don't want to take any more, don't want the roller coaster, am willing to lash myself to a post and ride out the hurricaneDon't have the same stress factors (1995 got divorced; son went away to college; 1998 company closed the division I worked in; transferred me to another state; 1999 sold home; built another in new state; 1999 mother, brother & father died within a year/I settled all their estates; 2000 trained for new responsibilities at work; 2000 remarried; 2002 got laid off; went back to school for IT cert; 2004 got new job) as when I started the drug and I want it out of my body. I want to have genuine emotions again. I want to laugh and cry, feel joy, sadness, all those things that make humans – human. Found other coping methods (exercise, hobbies, bio-feedback...) for dealing with stress.
Trying to find the most expedient method of withdrawal, with minimal symptoms (temporary masking is OK, so long as mask does not have withdrawal also). My husband is very supportive, loving, intelligent, rational… He and I both deserve better than what I have been able to give lately. I appreciate any suggestions you might have to help with my restoration mission. I will win. Its just discouraging to not know what is happening to my body, how long it will continue, what to do to get relief without using the same drug. It is very encouraging to know that I am not alone – others have been successful in the same quest, and that there is that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
Sorry for the long post. I guess there was much needing to be released. Onward and upward!
poster:gardenia girl
thread:469497
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050323/msgs/475341.html