I think you are doing the right thing by going off the medication. You will experience some side effects- that is normal.
As You Go Off an Antidepressant…Work closely with a doctor. Think of your doctor as your partner in healing, suggests Hedaya. Don’t go off medication without medical supervision.
Taper the medication. Experts agree that the best way to avoid withdrawal side effects is to wean off the medication. By reducing the dosage in small increments, the brain can gradually adjust to the change in chemical balance and slowly adapt to living without the drug. For some people, experts say, this process may take up to a year.
Get psychotherapy. While drugs can often cover up problems, therapy can help uncover and address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral treatment, for example, can work to change maladaptive behavior, bring out stifled emotions and provide you with the tools for dealing with future issues. In fact, extensive clinical research has shown that for some conditions, psychotherapy is superior to medication in the long run.
Time it right. It is best to go off medication, Hedaya suggests, when any external factors that may have led to depression or a panic attack are resolved or at least under your control. It may be beneficial to go off medication when not undergoing a major life change or enduring stress.
Exercise. Study after study provides strong evidence that exercise plays a major role in lifting mood, boosting energy, improving immune function, reducing stress, anxiety and insomnia, increasing sex drive and elevating self-esteem.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Consider consulting a nutritionist who can suggest foods that will positively impact mood, energy level or help treat (or at least not worsen) any other conditions.
Find a “centering practice.” Dr. Richard Mackenzie of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles recommends exercises such as yoga or meditation to get in touch with your inner compass, find equilibrium, reduce stress, stabilize mood swings and relax.
Get your hormone systems tested. “Everybody should make sure they have a very thorough evaluation of their nutritional status, hormones, minerals, vitamins and immune system,” says Hedaya, “to enhance possibilities of reducing dosage or going off medicine.” Treatable hormone imbalances like an underactive thyroid or deficiencies of amino acids and minerals can rob you of energy, sexual vitality and feelings of well-being.
Consider vitamin supplements. Hedaya reports success in patients coming off Efexor, for example, by taking 25-50 mg. of Vitamin B6 daily. He notes, however, that excessive doses on a prolonged basis can be toxic.
Turn to friends and family. “These are people who have been in a patient’s life far longer than a therapist,” says Glenmullen, “and will continue to be there long after therapy is complete.” Glenmullen also suggests making use of community resources such as church or support groups.
SOURCE: ABC News article, Aug. 25, 2002
I found a
site that deals with getting off Effexor.
This site is
frequently asked questions about Effexor (BE SURE TO READ THIS ONE!!)
It seems like many people have experienced some of the withdraw symptoms you mentioned. I hope these sites can help answer some of your questions. {{{{{ Shelly }}}}}
