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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by slam on June 11, 2006, at 17:15:26
Hello,
I have been taking 37.5 a day of Effexor forever. So much so that I really don't know if I need it, but, don't know how to get off of it. My Dr. isn't sure either. Once I tried to reduce intake gradually, but felt really strange, majorly uneasy, so my Dr told me to go back to the regular dosage. Had anyone tried to stop taking it and if so how, what, and why? Did you get off of it and what were your complications and method of doing it? I would be interested in anyones feedback. Thanks
Posted by MSWGradStudent on June 11, 2006, at 17:15:27
In reply to Effexor XR - 37.5 a day for 8 years now, posted by slam on June 4, 2006, at 15:49:42
Professionaly speaking, I've never heard of another case where a patient took that little effexor for that long.
Personally speaking, I would seek another psychiatric consult and ask for a review of your current medications. Effexor is not even proven effective at that low dosage and maintainence of a drug this controversial w/no mental health benefits is seemingly unethical.
If you are taking the medication to prevent WD symptoms, you might ask your psychiatrist (or new psych) about using prozac.
I can't speak from any experience as I won't start my prozac until next week but my psychiatrist felt that 7 days Prozac should lessen Effexor withdrawal symptoms...
Good luck to you.
Posted by slam on June 11, 2006, at 17:15:27
In reply to Effexor XR - 37.5 a day for 8 years now, posted by slam on June 4, 2006, at 15:49:42
Gradstudent.
Thanks, when I tried to stop taking it, even though I did it gradually for about 2 weeks, I felt really weird...I was originally put on this drug by my general care Dr for depression. I really want to get off of it and think I will take you advice and go to a real expert and have him/her help me. The general care Dr does not seem to have a solution.
Posted by slam on June 11, 2006, at 18:28:13
In reply to Effexor XR - 37.5 a day for 8 years now, posted by slam on June 4, 2006, at 15:49:42
> Hello,
> I have been taking 37.5 a day of Effexor forever. So much so that I really don't know if I need it, but, don't know how to get off of it. My Dr. isn't sure either. Once I tried to reduce intake gradually, but felt really strange, majorly uneasy, so my Dr told me to go back to the regular dosage. Had anyone tried to stop taking it and if so how, what, and why? Did you get off of it and what were your complications and method of doing it? I would be interested in anyones feedback. ThanksI am sorry, but I am taking 75mg a day....and have been for 10 years. I want to know if anyone has tried to stop and what they did, how they felt and what other medicine their dr may have given while coming off it. thanks
Posted by over 55 on June 16, 2006, at 9:20:19
In reply to Re: Effexor XR - 37.5 a day for 8 years now, posted by slam on June 11, 2006, at 18:28:13
Hi,
Just wanted you to know you are not alone in your journey. I am weaning off Effexor XR (225 mg per day). My Dr prescribed 20 mg of Prozac to replace 75mg. This is the 2nd week and I have eliminated another 75mg this week. I don't feel great. A little fuzzy headed and nausea, but nothing I can't handle. I have worked every day, and just treated myself well the rest of the time. I try to drink more water, rest more and just started Omega 3 capsules besides. I am hoping the rest of the withdrawal gets no worse. I think the key is doing it real slow, espeically if you are not going to a replacement. I do think the Prozac is making a big difference though. Hope this helps.
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