Posted by SLS on July 25, 2006, at 22:49:36
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal: I'm horrified!, posted by wacky on July 25, 2006, at 11:59:53
> Thanks Scott! I didn't know it came in tablets. After what I've read, I'll ask for those. I see my pdoc August 23rd. That's when I'm going to TELL him I want to wean off. I don't care if it takes 6 months - as long as I don't have the horrific withdrawals I've read about. I can't afford to miss work for 2-3 weeks - aside from the living HELL it must be.
It shouldn't take 6 months to taper, but it is good that you are thinking along those lines and have the luxury of time. Everyone's optimal taper rate will be somewhat different, and I believe there should be an element of flexibility allowed in the construction of a program to discontinue one of these medications. There is no reason why you should have to experience chronic withdrawal symptoms. If symptoms persist beyond 12 hours, you are tapering too fast.
To use a flexible-dosing strategy, there is some trial-and-error involved. Remember, though, that if withdrawal symptoms appear, they can be extinguished very quickly by taking a small amount of medication. It usually doesn't take more than 30 minutes after taking the medication for symptoms to ease. This will actually be your most basic maneuver in this taper method, especially once you reach the lower dosages. Once you reach the lower dosages in your taper program, you purposely wait until withdrawal symptoms begin to reappear before taking your next dose of medication. However, you want to take only enough so that you remain symptom free for only 6-8 hours before needing your next dose. You end up taking very small doses (fractions of pills if necessary) several times a day. You will find that the amount of the dose necessary to prevent withdrawal symptoms becomes lower and lower. Starting at the higher dosages, you can follow a more structured schedule. However, you can let the same basic principal guide you to making choices of how much medication to take and when. It is not necessary to allow yourself to experience withdrawal symptoms for extended periods of time. If they appear and persist for more than a few hours, you will know that you have reduced the dosage by too much or allowed too much time to pass. At this point, you can either take a small amount of medication or take your next dose. Adjust your dosing schedule afterwards. It is not necessary to be precise with dose amounts or dosing times. Approximations work well. This taper method allows for a certain amount of flexibility.
I was able to discontinue Effexor 300mg within 2 weeks using this method. Perhaps this is not the right method for you. Your system might be very different from mine. However, it has worked for many others who have tried it.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:666314
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060627/msgs/670552.html