Life after Effexor and other S.S.R.I.'s/S.N.R.I.'S or is there one?

[lifesawildride]

How many people have been able to stop either an S.S.R.I. or S.N.R.I. (such as Effexor or Prestiq for depression) without having to substitute another mind altering pharmicutical in its place?..ANYONE?..ANYWHERE?

The last phyc doc I had respect for stated, in the late 1990's;"You cant just tapper off an SNRI/SSRI's like Effexor. It MUST be replaced with another SSRI pharmicutical similar in compound(IE: Prozac).Your body now requires this drug to function normally."

I was blown away/ very upset/angry because the side effects of just taking the drug starting to take a big toll on my health after a year or 2.

[dwt7let]

Hi Michael
Did you come off cold turkey ? I used to take beta blockers for the palps, something for nausea, IBS symptoms. You can get some melatonin to help you sleep, ive just ordered some from international pharmacy its an american pharmacy. I carn't sleep coming off dolsulipin.
These pills have switched part of your brain on and its the damage they have done to our bodies. Brain chemistry is altered coming off them and we all suffer, but the quicker you come off the more you suffer. When i came off effexor C/T the Gp's fault I could not function for 4 months. I had to live at my mums I was so ill but i am in a support group and i knew it would be even worse if i went back on them and second time round is worse because we are addicts after 2 months. Your brain remembers the drug. Stay strong you will get through this !!
I found a Dr who treated withdrawal and he helped me my own Gp only offered me valium or to back on them !!
Take care
Lorraine

[remar]

The side effects should start letting up for you soon. Like I said, It took me a good two months to start feeling better. The nausea and brain zaps were horrible. Hang in there.

[lifesawildride]

thanks for your support..week 7 off Effexor..simply grueling.

[lifesawildride]

Hello,
I want to thank you for your supportful e-mail.This is week 7 off Effexor .simply grueling.
Hope all is well on your end of the world.
I am trying to get in shape for my 1st race in 4 weeks. Gain a little weight back. If the side effects dont get a little better soon I will not be able to do either.sigh
Health and Happiness,
Michael

[remar]

I tapered off of Effexor without starting another antidepressant. It took me two months and was the hardest med I've ever stopped. All of you that are trying to do this hang in there. It can be done.

[lifesawildride]

SSRI withdrawal still being denided and ignored by m.d.'s in the U.S. Not so in Austarlia or Europe, saying it mimics heroine withdrawl or perhaps even worse.