Connect
← Return to Elderly mom suddenly off Effexor
Discussion
Elderly mom suddenly off Effexor
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Jun 18, 2023 | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
Hi Anna, I have been struggling with this for going on two years. Like you, the antidepressant I had been on for many years stopped working and I decided to go off by means of what my doctor and I thought was a slow taper. I have since been involved with a site called InnerCompass and a Facebook group called Cymbalta Hurts Worse and have learned a lot about what is called PAWS or Protracted Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome.
It seems the trick to getting off antidepressants is to go much more slowly than my doctor or I realized. Try looking up Anders Sorenson, Psychologist. For another perspective about the use of antidepressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotic meds, Robert Whitaker, a science history writer.
Best of luck to you. Kim
Replies to "Hi Anna, I have been struggling with this for going on two years. Like you, the..."
Kim
Thank you for the three additional reactions. Very kind of you.
Ray
Connect
Hi Kim, I believe I may relate to some degree: Lexapro going south caused debilitating pain which lasted for two years until I found competent care (harder to come by) and relief by beginning Effexor. The positive effect was immediate and lasted 6 years until early last fall when it too stopped working. A slow tapering off and recently stopped and experienced the usual withdrawal symptoms, a sense of disorientation being the worst. Last week I was prescribed Trintellus 10mg. and as of yet I'm not sure if it will work of not. I should find out this week. So much of the science around this is theory; almost everyone having different experiences. Long ago I took Paxil for a few years and wanting to be free of drugs, simply stopped with no trouble at all. Incomprehensible. Nonetheless, I so appreciate your references and will see what they reveal.