i have been taking effexor for about 8 months. i started off on 37.5 mg and am now on 225mg. i am feeling normal again although i notice if i forget to take it even one day that i go into very bad withdrawl and feel like i am losing control and feel like i now need it in order to survive. if my dr weens me off of it and i cant cope does that mean i will have to take it forever?
2006-10-10 13:28:53 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Interesting Stuff Your Doctor Probably Won't Tell You: Few, if any doctors, will discuss the possibility that Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) could become a permanent part of your life, whether you like the results of Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) or not. Granted that is a very rare adverse effect, but it does happen. It's hard enough to get them to discuss SSRI discontinuation syndrome., let alone get them to admit that Effexor's symptoms are the absolute worst and the longest lasting of all serotonergic drugs. The discontinuation from Paxil (paroxetine) is bad enough, it's much, much worse with Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride).
And the way Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) works on neurotransmitters is very complicated. Your doctor may or may not explain this to you. Here's how it works: First it starts to work on your serotonin. Then somewhere around 200 mg a day it starts to work on norepinephrine. Then around 300 mg a day it starts to work on your dopamine. Mileage will vary for each individual, and there's no guarantee on getting all that much dopamine action.
Your doctor should be recommending that you reduce your dosage by 37.5mg a day every week if you need to stop taking it, if not more slowly than that. For more information, please see the page on how to safely stop taking these crazy meds. You shouldn't be doing it any faster than that unless it's an emergency. Yes, that means if you've maxed out at 375mg a day it'll take 10 weeks to get off of Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride). Believe me, it's better that way. Also, once you get down to that last 37.5mg a day, ask your doctor for a Prozac (fluoxetine) prescription or samples. Generic fluoxetine will even do. 10mg a day is all you need. Even with the proper discontinuation stopping the last 37.5mg can be hellish. Taking two weeks worth of Prozac (fluoxetine) will make the discontinuation a lot easier. So when you're off of Effexor and you cannot function, get on the Prozac for a week or two, then stop taking the Prozac. You'll find you'll have either no discontinuation syndrome, or it won't be nearly as bad.
2006-10-10 13:44:37 · answer #1 · answered by Altruist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry, when the time comes to stop taking effexor you will be weaned off it very slowly. If you notice any symptoms when you've reduced for the first time, try to stay with it for a few days as these will probably fade, if they continue, go back to your doctor and explain.
I am on effexor and I know that if I miss a dose I get seriously dizzy. I'm not sure where you live, but over here in England, gps, often want to see you well for 6 months before they consider reducing and I think that's sensible.
Had you been taking them for much longer, then you would probably need to stay on them even longer before any reduction.
Hope this helps. Best wishes.
2006-10-11 10:07:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you will not have to take it forever. I personally 2 years ago got off 275 mg of effexor cold turkey. It was the hardest thing I had ever done I was extremely sick for a while, not bed ridden but suffering it took me 1 year to feel 100%. Now I control my panic attacks through breathing exercises. I do not recommend taking any anti-depressants because they completely change your outlook on life, total lack of emotions and how you cope with things. However do not go off your medication cold turkey like I did consult your doctor for alternative methods to your problem rather than medication. In my opinion I am happy to have my full range of emotions back.
2006-10-10 14:40:09 · answer #3 · answered by Smellymelly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can´t take effexor forever, the dr must start lowering the dosage little by little so you won´t ger withdrawal simptoms, I think you have to take to take it for 2 years at the ideal dose for the effects to last.
2006-10-10 16:01:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know but my doctor prescribed effexor for me today and said that it will be very difficult to get off of. I am probally going to be on it forever because my problems are hereditary.
2006-10-10 15:32:37 · answer #5 · answered by daisy322_98 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do not stop chilly turkey and flush your drugs. those drugs must be tapered down slowly, over a pair of month each and every, and separately, to circumvent you doubtlessly ending up in a psychological ward (with a bit of luck quickly). tell your well-being care provider which you will attempt to taper them down, and ask for help in figuring out which one to do first. If he/she is adamant which you survive them on the present dosage, respectfully ask why. If the respond is unsatisfactory, request a 2d opinion. shop the prescriptions contemporary however, in case you ought to get decrease back on them.
2016-10-19 04:19:38 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is a tough one....every person is different....it depends on how your body reacts with the drug...since you are a bit dependent on it you may have to be weened off of it but i am not a dr so please check with a dr first...good luck
2006-10-10 13:38:25 · answer #7 · answered by Michael 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do yourself a huge favor, and visit www.naturalcures.com to find out info on natural cures, and info on drugs and legal drug pushers that will shock you!
2006-10-10 13:38:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
that or something like, probably. its nothing to be ashamed of. diabetics have to monitor their blood sugar just as diligently.
2006-10-10 13:31:31 · answer #9 · answered by Bamos 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋