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Weaning off Effexor with CBD Oil
After having my son last year, I had really bad postpartum. I talked to my doctor and she prescribed me Effexor. I started out with 75mg, it wasn't enough, so the doctor prescribed me 150mg. I was on that for awhile, but the side effects were interfering with my libido, so the doctor suggested I wean off of Effexor and start Wellbutrin. As I was weaning, I had the worst withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms were too much, so I quit trying to wean completely off of the Effexor, and was taking the 75mg of that and 150mg of Wellbutrin. It helped, a little, but my goal was to get completely off of Effexor so I'm trying again. And now my goal is to get off of the Effexor and Wellbutrin completely and try something natural like CBD oil. It's so hard dealing with the withdrawal symptoms, I'm trying to tell myself that this is a temporary thing and it'll be worth it in the end. Any advice for the symptoms? And has anyone had success with CBD oil for helping to wean, and using that for depression and anxiety?
Thanks!
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@pankaj Thank you for your reply. That is good to know. My doctor did not mention any withdrawal symptoms associated with the medication swap. I have been reluctant to change over to Celexa. When I asked the pharmacist she said, "you should be ok, but everyone's body is different."
It is not so much the depression piece that impacts my life the greatest, it is my anxiety. I speak with a counselor weekly and have so for the last 6 months. She has provided me with my resources and new tools to help. I have been diagnosed with PTSD, GAD, and Major Depression. I was diagnosed with these disorders prior to seeking therapy. Unfortunately, I am constantly told by health care professionals that if I have anxiety, I have depression. I challenge that.
The reason I brought up CBD/Hemp oils is, I am curious if they will help the withdrawal symptoms. I experience panic and brain zaps when I have tried to come off the medications before.
Currently on:
Effexor 35.7 mg
Effexor 75 mg
Buspirone 10 mg (one a day up to three times a day)
I take it all at night.
I have been on
Celexa-lots of weight gain and no sexual desire
changed to Effexor (same issues and it made me so tired)
Prozac (anxious nonstop)
back to Celexa (same issues and very nauseated)
And back to Effexor
All of these medications were taken with Buspirone. Been on that for 5 years.
I have tried Vistaril as well. It helps but makes me so mean.
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1 Reaction@merpreb Thank you for your reply, so glad there is a community that can help. Often you feel alone when going through these things. Yes, I have spoken with my doctor. She suggested the tampering method and I had not tried it, honestly because I felt scared of having brain zaps. I do know that this may happen and it won't last forever. My husband and I would like to get pregnant within the next year so she suggested Celexa as a safer drug for pregnancy. I was on an antidepressant with my first pregnancy and gave birth prematurely. I just feel like I do know what the right decision to make here is. Should I tamper or move to Celexa and tamper from that? What will cause the least amount of withdrawal symptoms? I know everyone's body is different and there's no way to fully answer these questions. I am here to gain more insight so I can make the best decision.
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1 ReactionAccording to the Pharmacy I see, he told me that the drug your taking will be in your system for a bit and will give other med time to kick in, from my understanding
@lindeyt01
That's the problem with these doctors, no one tells you about the withdrawal!
@grandmar Thank you so much for your support. I had a similar incident where my psychiatric nurse suddenly left the practice when I was in mid-crisis. The only thing the practice could tell me was to find a new clinic (which I had to have a referral to). It was so disheartening. Congratulations on lowering your dosage!!!! I recently reviewed my medical records to get a clear idea of all my medication changes. When I first switched to Efferox I was told to continue to take Celexa at 10mgs and the Efferox at 37.5. I do not recall having as many side effects that time as I have had now. I think this is because I had not been on Celexa very long and both were low dosages. I am definitely not going cold turkey and switch back to Celexa this time around (like my PCP suggests). I am going to follow up with my doctor about a tampering method.
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2 Reactions@grandmar Exactly! I have had 3 new doctors in the last few years due to moving which has not been easy trying to manage all this.
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1 Reaction@debz64 @pankaj it does not have a long shelf life within your body, that's why I experience the withdrawal effects within no time if I am late on taking the medication.
@gingerw Thank you for the link. I am hoping that if I do have any withdrawals, CBD will help.
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1 Reaction@lindeyt01
You are very welcome.
When I lowered my Effexor, that was and has always been the only medication I have been taking.
I'm glad you will be speaking to others.
Please remember that many doctors suggest either going cold turkey or a fast decrease plan.
I know when I questioned my new psychiatrist about how he does the reduction for Effexor, it was MUCH faster than I did it.
Good luck!
Ronnie
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3 Reactions@llndeyt01: Depression and anxiety are two sides of the same coin. I am saying this from experience, because I suffer from both. That is why the long-term treatment of anxiety is with anti-depressants, and not just anti-anxiety drugs. In many cases, a combination of both is used, as in your case [and mine]. Celexa is considered one of the safest drugs because it has virtually no side effects, in most cases. Effexor, on the other hand, is known for strong side effects. If you really want to shift completely from Effexor to Celexa--assuming that this is possible, in the first place--please do it under the supervision of your doctor, and gradually. Effexor is a drug which has to be handled carefully under medical supervision. But please don't worry or panic. Your illness is not something which cannot be handled. You will be fine, and will lead a normal life. It is simply a question of getting good medical advice. Also, pray to God. Prayer has great therapeutic value. I will pray for you. God bless you.
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