Posted by Detroit on July 1, 2005, at 20:15:51
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by firefly99 on June 29, 2005, at 15:29:22
firefly-
Effexor played a very important role in my life at one time. I also had tried several other medications before getting to Effexor - all with bad results. After taking it about 5 years, I reached a point where I felt it was no longer necessary. I do NOT say that I wish I hadn't taken it, but I do say I wish I knew more about the incredibly short half-life and the potential for pretty severe withdrawals.
I had some pretty bad experience with the withdrawals - mostly because I didn't know they were coming.
You are forewarned and forearmed!
Don't be afraid to take a medication if is needed, but also be aware there are effects from putting any chemical into your body - some positive and some negative. Only you with the expert guidance from your doctor(s) can decide.
My non-expert advice is in three parts:
1) take it if you need it, but don't take it if you really don't... Sounds simple right?2) if you take it, ask for two or three times a day dosing (37.5mg twice daily rather than 75mg once daily). It will help cut the peaks and valleys in your system daily due to the short half life (even in the XR version).
3) if/when you decide to come off the medication, do so with a careful approach designed to minimize the symptoms (what has been referred to on this site as a flexible dosing strategy worked well for me, and even better for another person I advised).
Good luck to you
Detroit
poster:Detroit
thread:469497
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050611/msgs/522150.html