Want off Effexor and Wellbutrin

[sylvan_laker]

I have been on Effexor XR since 1999 when they initially thought I was suffering from depression (which actually turned out to be primary progressive MS).  They lowered my Effexor XR from 150mg a day to 75 mg aday and put me on 150 mg of Wellbutrin a day as well.  I would really prefer not to be on these medications because I believe that the depression they thought I was suffering was a result of nobody believing me when I told them what was wrong.  That aside, I know that when I've even missed a couple of days without the Effexor XR, I get these electric shocks that go right through me (I think some call them zingers).  What is the best way for me to get off these meds and is there anything that I could be taking to assist with the withdrawal symptoms, short of being in a coma for a month till they pass.  My doctor doesn't seem to have a problem with me trying to get off of them but my pharmacist  believes that I won't be able to get off of them because of the length of time that I have been on them.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated and most helpful.

Tracy S.
Canada

[LoisMary]

Go to the addiction forum.  There's a lot of really smart people there who will be happy to help you out.  I know you have to be careful getting off certain anti-depression drugs.  I was told I had MS years ago when in reality I had Lymes.  The treatment they gave me caused me to also get drug induced Lupus which led to Fibromyalgia and all sorts of wonderful dibilatating diseases.  So I understand all too well how doctors can screw up your life.  I wish you the best.  You can mail me any time you like. Lois

[jo929]

many many dr jump to the conclusion of depression without giving tests to rule out something else there are so many people that have been put on meds they dont need yes you can get off of the meds but you do not want to go what they call cold turkey you need to taper off gradually and it wont bother you so much ask the dr and he will help if he is any kind of dr i have worked both mental gen hosps and i do know most dr would rather one not take a med if they do not need it     i really feel for you  dr jump to fast now there are things you can take to assist you while getting off this med just ask dr     plese keep us posted it will help a lot of people before they just jump on these meds without the proper tests   thank you for sharing this    lots luck   jo