GETTING OFF MEDICATION ?
Q.IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS SUCCESSFULLY GOTTEN OFF DEPRESSION MEDICATION OR SUCCESSFULLY SUBSTITUTED HERBAL REPLACEMENTS?
A.I weaned myself off Effexor about six weeks ago, and I've been feeling fantastic! I had been taking Effexor for 2 years, and for about 1 1/2 years was up to a dosage of 280 mg. During these two years, I gained over 20 lbs unexplainably (though now I'm pretty sure it was from the meds). I also became concerned about taking Effexor b/c I would experience severe and frightening withdrawal symptoms (terrible anxiety, nightmares, panic, dizziness, nausea) if I missed a dose or my prescrip ran out. With my pdoc's approval, I gradually began lowering my dosage. I also finally convinced her that there was something wrong with the fact I was gaining weight despite a healthy diet and dedication to my gym regimen. She ordered a thyroid test. For some reason, I don't think she understood the severity of the withdrawal symptoms I experienced, because she didn't seem concerned. I felt totally helpless and out of control while in withdrawal. Luckily my husband helped me through it, and held me while I lay in bed shaking, brain flooding with disturbing nightmarish thoughts and images. The thyroid test revealed that my platelets were dangerously low, and I learned from the Effexor drug packaging info that "FREQUENT" side effects include weight gain and thrombocytopenia (low platelets). My pdoc oddly withdrew from me, seemingly unconcerned. She told my regular doctor that I could stop the Effexor "if I thought I should". This was very confusing! My regular doctor referred me to a hematologist who ordered a bone marrow test to rule out anything more serious. I was VERY freaked out and meanwhile still suffering withdrawal. It took about 3 weeks before I wasn't feeling like I was climbing the walls, dizzy, and hung-over. I felt unsafe while driving because I did not feel alert. I was crying at the drop of a hat. But, I was determined to quit the Effexor because of the effect it was having on my blood.
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