Posted by apenname on June 27, 2005, at 10:19:56
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XR withdrawals last? » SLS, posted by ariel on June 27, 2005, at 9:33:58
Answers to some questions:
rabble_rouser and others: I take One Daily Essentials multivitamin, Mega Foods brand. This is a "100% whole foods" vitamin that I found after trial and error of different multivitamins to find one I could handle without stomach upset. A google search of "mega foods vitamin one daily" gives links to stores that list the multivitamin's components. I've been taking this vitamin for at least 4 years now, and in that time, I've been on Effexor XR 225 mg, then stepped down Effexor, and up Lexapro, and then discontinued Lexapro for a very depressed week, then Wellburtrin for awhile, and then back on Effexor XR, and now during discontinuation of Effexor XR.
I also take 2 tablets a day of "Caltrate 600 +D", a calcium supplement, either a "store brand" or Wyeth's brand.I don't know whether my neurochemistry, my extra attempts to reduce stress in my life during this Effexor XR decrease, the multivitamin, or all of the above meant that I didn't have side effects until this last step of 37.5mg to 0 mg. I also may have had some earlier on but thought they were the cause of something else (stress, sinus infection, weather change, etc.)
ariel: I got some free sample packs from my psychiatrist which contained 75mg and 37.5mg doses. You can open up a capsule on a tray or plate. I found that the little "beads" aren't all the same size, so I would just push the "beads" to two little piles with the edge of a spoon, and judge equality by eye. You might find counting easier: my husband did. When I was dizzy trying to do this, I ended up having a few beads roll around and I accidentally had them bounce off the plate and onto the carpeted floor (which I then had to vaccuum to keep the cat from eating them). A piece of clean cloth on top of an edged tray made that less likely to happen. Also, preparing the "dose" ahead of time, or having someone else do it has helped.
I leave my half dose on the tray to take with applesauce (my psychiatrist recommended peanut butter), and carefully put the rest back in the capsule to carry with me if I need it.Thanks to the other posters who gave me hope and advice for splitting dosages and dealing with withdrawal side effects!
poster:apenname
thread:486906
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050611/msgs/519820.html