Tapering

Hi Friends~ I have a question I started effexor xr 1 week before I started tapering.  Does any one know if this will help and or hurt my process? Thanks a bunch! <3

[ricart70]

HI gg   in my experience the painkillers neutralize any effect that the antidepressant provides.Until you are done with your taper the ad med will probably do little or nothing,good or bad.When is your day 0 on your taper schedule?  How much are you taking of what painkiller?  I guess at least the antidepressant will have built up to therapeutic levels in your system by the time you get off the pain meds.That could be helpful.

[boognell]

Taking Effexor for one week won't help or hinder your "process." I don't understand what your "process" is exactly, so talk to your physician; make sure they know what you are doing.

[gg636]

I hope that is the case~ I tapered down all last week from 45mg to 25mg hydrocone.  I started tapering again today to 22.5mg.  I really hope the AD works.. Iam so proud of eveyone that has ct and is now clean.

I often read post that my fellow friends on Medhelp have days that they are depressed and I thought it should only get better day by day- instead of up and down. I am so praying that every day gets better for everyone.. <3

[vicki595]

In my opinion, I don't think the AD will hurt anything. Don't stop taking it,though, without speaking to the prescribing physician. You might ask, also, what he/she thinks about the possibilities of opiates "neutralizing" the AD.

Also, your taper needs to be slow over a long period of time, dropping down by small amounts.

[gg636]

Thanks Vicki- I dropped in my taper today from last week I was @ 25mg today I droped to 22.5 <3

[ImDONENoMore]

It's hard to tell - AD's can sometimes take weeks before you feel any benefit, and with the other drugs in your system, it's hard to say whether they're making a difference or not.

But I do think it's a good idea to stay on them - at least short-term.  I didn't do a prescription AD when I quit I took St. John's Wort instead.  And that kept all the depression at bay for me.  And then I quit the SJW after I hit my six month mark.  And it hasn't been a problem since.

Definitely check with the Dr. though I'm sure they can offer some insight on this.  And by the way, you're doing great (even if it doesn't feel that way you are)  :)

[vicki595]

That was a good, small drop. Now: s l o w l y!

[gg636]

yes ma'am... Why it so important to do a slow taper- Sucess rate? <3

[vicki595]

I'm not sure about success rate; I haven't read anything documented. But, it seems the more comfortable you are, the less likely you may relapse. By going slowly, your body has a chance to adjust between drops in dosage. It seems to make a difference...

Just want you to be comfy during the process. If you feel okay after 4 days then great!  You're doing very well and you sound good!  Also, this would be a good time to look around for a kind of recovery care for yourself. It can be almost anything from meetings to an addictionologist. You'll need the support when you finally separate from the pills.