getting off meds???? confused - Anxiety Message Board

kathryn+2 · 06-11-2006, 01:21 PM

I have been on 75ml.of effexor now for 2 yrs. I.ve always had anxiety issues ,but hit the wall after some very stressfull events that hit me all at once .Now things have leveled off and I want to try life without the meds. My question is ....my DR. (GYN) told me to taper off by doing the 75ml. one day..a 35ml. the next for about a month ,then go down to a 35ml untill I feel i can do a 35ml every other day etc. Now I'm being advised that that is not the right way to do it ...that by doing the high dose ,then the low dose ,then the high dose again ,my body will get confused ...which actually makes sense to me .Are there any books out there that might go into detail on how to do it the right way? Now I don't know just HOW to do it

Thanks ....really need some advice

haileysheets · 06-11-2006, 11:33 PM

Honestly, I would follow your doctor's advice. My friend just tried slowly weaning herself off of her Effexor by just doing a gradual cutback over a few weeks, and she developed HORRIBLE side effects. There actually might be something to your doc's advice to going back and forth between a high and low dose for a while. If you feel hesitant to trust his advice, I would ask your family doctor about it or maybe even a pharmacist. Getting a second opinion might make you feel better.

I was able to gradually wean myself off of Celexa 3 months ago since I am TTC. I had zero side effects, but I think Celexa and Effexor are two fairly different anti-depressants.

kathryn+2 · 06-12-2006, 01:42 PM

Well,thanks..maybe i will try it my Dr's way and see what happens. It's a lot easier than opening up the capsules and counting the beads inside. I did buy a book on an internet bookstore site that deals with how to get off safely. Guess i'll read that too,but in the meantime i'll follow my Dr's advice. She's a great Dr. and I do trust her. She always takes a lot of time with me even if it's just for a pap to discuss how I'm doing. At least an hour every visit. It's rare that you can find a Dr. that will do that.

trg247 · 06-12-2006, 10:18 PM

the big thing with effexor is the longer your tapering takes the better you will feel. Also drink plenty of water

take care
trg247

malibu82 · 06-13-2006, 06:21 AM

Hi kathryn, I was on effexor for about two years and when I wanted to come off it the doctor told me just to gradually reduce the dose. Even with a gradual reduction I had a terrible time coming off it.

I have never heard of a doctor saying take a high dose, then low dose etc, but you never know, it might be the key to coming off it successfully. I would give it a try. What your doctor is saying actually makes sense. Sort of making your body think that you are still on the same dosage, but alternating between a lower dose.

It sounds like you have a very good doctor there.

Good luck with coming off the effexor.