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Looking for help and support in stopping Effexor
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (68)Comment receiving replies
Several weeks ago, I was determined to quit effexor since it was not helping me. But the wait-time for an appointment with IBH was weeks. So...I tapered off rather crudely with the "bead method." I'm here, home from work, getting the "zaps" while I write this. For 4 days it's been zaps, nausea, hypersensitivity to scents/light/sound, irritability, fatigue, amongst other things. I'm getting married in a couple months and I heard withdrawal can last weeks, months, even years. For now all I can do is cope with the symptoms and hopefully get approved for short-term disability. God, I hope psychiatry gets the memo soon. Rx meds don't always help and can sometimes make things so much worse. These things shouldn't be handed out like candy. Mental health is so much more than "chemical imbalances," and people need to be treated holistically.
Replies to "Several weeks ago, I was determined to quit effexor since it was not helping me. But..."
Karyna, I so empathize and commiserate with what you are enduring. It's so important for you to be able to have a means of dealing with your symptoms, particularly since you are getting married in such a short time from now. That should be a GLORIOUS EVENT FOR YOU, and I don't want you to live in dread with not knowing how your body and mind will behave. I got help from a trusted neurologist, not from the clueless primary who had prescribed Effexor years before I decided to take back control of what was happening to me. Please see about getting in to see a neurologist who can guide you, assist you, HELP you. Effexor is a horrid drug, and yes it can be hell to get off it. But I don't recommend doing it alone, especially with such a happy event coming up. Strongly advise that you avoid ALL alcoholic beverages (as in toasts at rehearsal dinner, bridal showers, and day of wedding itself). I also do not advise taking on another medication as a "bridge" as so many members have written that they have done. GET MEDICAL HELP.
I have you in my daily prayers, Karyna. Please don't continue this difficult journey on your own. There's another important reason: Stopping this drug abruptly or ineffectively can cause cardiac issues, including reported deaths. That was another reason why I sought medical assistance with the tapering/getting off Effexor: I've had irregular heartbeats for years, and there is history of cardiac disease and deaths on both sides of family tree. The drug created issues with blood pressure which I didn't have this prior to the drug. To this day, I deal with blood pressure issues, AND the irregular heartbeats, and I'm on 2 blood pressure medications.
I'd appreciate knowing what you decide to do, and your progress. 🙏🏽🌺 God bless you and your hubby-to-be.
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I agree with RX meds being handed out like candy. The Medical Industrial Complex has many parallels with the Military Industrial Complex
Those that fall under the umbrella of either absolutely feel they are necessary for their well being or safety.
Most that profit from either, sincerely believe the same.
I was a functional alcoholic and drug user for decades. I saw nothing wrong as I was able to (barely) hold down jobs and relationships. Psychotropic meds can cause a false sense of normalcy until they are gone. I applaud you quitting!!! I used marijuana as a crutch until it was required to stop, in order to become a kidney donor for Mayo. I had no problem discontinuing that.
But it did help the anxiety. I absolutely do not advocate or endorse the use of any psychotropic drug. And I have zero desire to use any ever again. You are a rock star for doing what you are doing!! Through our common destination our paths have crossed. And for this brief moment we travel together. I hope to meet again my friend.