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And yet I know of someone who came off efexor so she could go on something else. fair enough she went through hell but she came off it none the less.

everyones different, thats why its imperative that you stay in close contact with your treating doc so they can closely monitor you

Gyps
xxx

Written by Deleted_User, 8. Jul 2007 05:36 AM

Hey psyche

There is heaps that we don't get told about the medications by doctors or the manufacturers.

We also get fed a very one-sided medical viewpoint of depression and other mental disorders.

It is good that you are starting to look beyond the square.

However - my advice is don't get yourself into too much of a panic. Take things step by step. It is possible to come off the meds - gradually and carefully - but like I wrote to you in my earlier response - I don't think you should do it until you have emotionally healed yourself.

The fact is our mind, bodies and spirits are all interlinked - so when you have healed your mind (thinking/perception/beliefs), you will also probably consciously look after your body well with diet/excercise - and when you feel emotionally and physically fit - and are a happy confident spirit - then you will know that you are strong enough to cope with any of the withdrawal effects of coming off the meds - also if you do it under supervision - you should be fine.

I am coming off my meds at the moment - weaning off very gradually - and I haven't felt any withdrawal effects.

I think I've mentioned the book 'Beyond Fear' by Dorothy Rowe. Can you access this book?

Love Kimberly
xoxo

Written by Wolveress, 8. Jul 2007 01:01 PM

I had no trouble coming off effexor xr 450 mgs and have been back on it for 2 years now 300mg .
greenie

Written by greenie, 8. Jul 2007 08:48 PM

Hi Psyche
you know i've had an experience like that ,but my was with ZOLOFT they only give you the minor side effects in the box . But after 5 days on it i had gone ballistic
so i went to the chemist and got a full printout and nearly fell over ,it was as thick as a Harry Potter novel, so hence i was off them very quickly and back on prothiaden along with the xanax and thats the way it's been since no where your'e coming from sometimes the treatment is worse than the disease . Thinking sometimes i'm haunted is that possible i don't know .hey put youre mp3 player on and try to blast away the dark clouds with some good music .
cheers Will

Written by Deleted_User, 8. Jul 2007 09:11 PM

I was on Effexor 450mg and came off it with no problems - I know someone that had to go into detox to come off 225mg. Every drug reacts to each person differently, but the drug companies have a liability to list the worst case scenario. And these symptoms ARE the absolute worst case scenario. I think you'd find if you looked up most anti-depressants you'd find a similar list of possible discontinuation side effects.

Chances are you'll have no problem (or at least very few) coming off considering you're on a low dose. Like the others said, its important you do it in a controlled environment and ONLY when your doctor advises you too.

I would advise you not to worry yourself - the brain is a powerful thing. Once you start to believe that you will experience horrible withdrawals or be 'hooked for life' then the chances increase dramatically that you will. So chill out, and talk to your doctor about it

Written by babz, 8. Jul 2007 09:12 PM

Psyche

The are always side effects coming off all meds. Don't think coming off effexor will be easy - none of them are easy to come off. Make sure you have you doing it with the doctor's help.

Go Psyche!!!

Studying1

Written by studying1, 8. Jul 2007 10:37 PM

I came off Effexor 400mgs with no problems whatsoever
Mind you, I went on Edronax adter a week, but still, I found it quite manageable
Hope you do as well

Written by Deleted_User, 9. Jul 2007 12:30 PM