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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by scrapper on March 7, 2006, at 21:18:55
Hi everyone. I thank God I found this site! I just registered a moment ago and desperately need some input.
I've been under constant psychiatric care, since March of 1989....yes, 1989! At one point, in 1994, I was taking 17 medications a day....yes, 17! I was so grossly overmedicated, I spent most of my days and nights in bed - asleep, drooling or both. At the time, I was going through the mental health clinic of a large East Coast hospital, being 'treated' by residents and getting assigned a different 'doctor' every six months, each time their rotation changed. (The supervising psychiatrist, was absolutely useless.) Usually, the change in 'doctor', meant an 'adjustment' in medication. Without fail, the new resident always believed he/she was smarter than the last! (You name it, I was on it!) Once, a 'doctor' asked me if I was ever on one particular medication. Since I was familiar with it only by its generic name, I said 'no'. It turned out to be a drug that made me extremely suicidal...and I paid a dear price. Now, If he had followed proper procedure, he would have reviewed my chart and seen the notation! (Instead of relying on the patient's fried memory!)
They had more diagnosis' for me, than I can recall. They labeled me everything from 'bi-polar', to 'multiple personality disorder'. I was the gamut of psychiatry...a genuine Freudian dream (or nightmare, depending on who's viewpoint!), per se!
Now, to the present.
I've been on Effexor XR for several years, taking the maximum dosage of 300 mg. daily, for most of that time. I want to discontinue it, cold turkey. (I was able to quit smoking that way, with no problem whatsoever...2 packs a day, for 35 years!)
I'm sick of the whole mess! No body wants to take the bull by the horns, but ME! I want to completely detoxify myself. I also take 100 mg. of Seroquel and 12.5 mg. of Ambien CR at bedtime. (Additionally, I take 25 mg. Atarax and 1 mg. Ativan, PRN. These geniuses leave it up to me - which to take, when, why and how!)
I'm a born-again Christian and strong in my faith. However, I realize that I'm also a human being. (Right now, I just want to lock myself in a closet with my Bible and let the Lord do the rest.)
I deeply resent taking pills to feel normal...which I DON'T FEEL most of the time, anyway! I want to throw them all in the garbage, because that's just what they are!
Today, I've been reading about the ill-effects of Effexor and cannot understand WHY the FDA allows such poison on the market. No, I take that back...I DO understand...$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!! Meantime, people like me (and you, perhaps) are serving as virtual guinea pigs, while the drug companies get fatter and richer! Unfortunately, in my case, the taxpayers are footing the bill!
Please advise me, as to the best way to self-detoxify. For obvious reasons, I'm not currently under ANY doctors' care and MUST do this, sans medical supervision.
I'm not afraid. Considering the HELL these quacks have put me through since 1989, this should be a snap. (Besides, remember...I have Jesus on my side!) Please reply, as soon as possible.
Thank you and God bless.
Posted by detroitpistons on March 7, 2006, at 21:18:55
In reply to 'Cold turkey' Effexor (etc.) withdrawal..., posted by scrapper on March 7, 2006, at 12:59:54
I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I wouldn't do it. I was on Paxil and I just wanted off, so I quit cold turkey despite everything I read on the internet. Everybody told me DON'T DO IT! Of couse, I still did it, and I regret it to this day. I almost feel like it screwed me up worse than I already am.
I am currently on Effexor and I'd never quit it cold turkey because it's worse than Paxil. The half life is very short. Quitting Paxil was an 8 week long nightmare. Imagine what quitting Effexor would be like.
Right now, you are being VERY IMPULSIVE as I was when I made that decision. Get a grip. Just taper off. What's 2 more months or 4 more months at this point? Seriously, what difference does it make? You will thank me in the end.
If you're like me and you can't be convinced not do it, you can take Benedryl to ease some of the discomfort. I needed something to help me sleep at night too. You can go to the withdrawal section of the website to get more tips, but those tips will probably only put a small dent in your withdrawal discomfort.
I was a complete wreck when I quit. I felt like I was going batshit crazy through this process. After about a month, I'd get a day where I would feel better and would start to think that the process was almost done, and then....The next day would be hell and my hopes would be crushed. Withdrawal plays more tricks on your mind than actually taking the drug as directed. DON'T DO IT. Be patient and taper.
If/when you get down to 37.5mg/ day, you should take some Prozac (very long half life)for that final step. Going from 37.5mg to zero can be very difficult. Often people report no problems tapering down to 37.5, but then can't make the final transition to zero. But to do this, you need to be on an outpatient basis with a psychiatrist.
Don't try to be a cowboy like I did.
> Hi everyone. I thank God I found this site! I just registered a moment ago and desperately need some input.
>
> I've been under constant psychiatric care, since March of 1989....yes, 1989! At one point, in 1994, I was taking 17 medications a day....yes, 17! I was so grossly overmedicated, I spent most of my days and nights in bed - asleep, drooling or both. At the time, I was going through the mental health clinic of a large East Coast hospital, being 'treated' by residents and getting assigned a different 'doctor' every six months, each time their rotation changed. (The supervising psychiatrist, was absolutely useless.) Usually, the change in 'doctor', meant an 'adjustment' in medication. Without fail, the new resident always believed he/she was smarter than the last! (You name it, I was on it!) Once, a 'doctor' asked me if I was ever on one particular medication. Since I was familiar with it only by its generic name, I said 'no'. It turned out to be a drug that made me extremely suicidal...and I paid a dear price. Now, If he had followed proper procedure, he would have reviewed my chart and seen the notation! (Instead of relying on the patient's fried memory!)
>
> They had more diagnosis' for me, than I can recall. They labeled me everything from 'bi-polar', to 'multiple personality disorder'. I was the gamut of psychiatry...a genuine Freudian dream (or nightmare, depending on who's viewpoint!), per se!
>
> Now, to the present.
>
> I've been on Effexor XR for several years, taking the maximum dosage of 300 mg. daily, for most of that time. I want to discontinue it, cold turkey. (I was able to quit smoking that way, with no problem whatsoever...2 packs a day, for 35 years!)
>
> I'm sick of the whole mess! No body wants to take the bull by the horns, but ME! I want to completely detoxify myself. I also take 100 mg. of Seroquel and 12.5 mg. of Ambien CR at bedtime. (Additionally, I take 25 mg. Atarax and 1 mg. Ativan, PRN. These geniuses leave it up to me - which to take, when, why and how!)
>
> I'm a born-again Christian and strong in my faith. However, I realize that I'm also a human being. (Right now, I just want to lock myself in a closet with my Bible and let the Lord do the rest.)
>
> I deeply resent taking pills to feel normal...which I DON'T FEEL most of the time, anyway! I want to throw them all in the garbage, because that's just what they are!
>
> Today, I've been reading about the ill-effects of Effexor and cannot understand WHY the FDA allows such poison on the market. No, I take that back...I DO understand...$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!! Meantime, people like me (and you, perhaps) are serving as virtual guinea pigs, while the drug companies get fatter and richer! Unfortunately, in my case, the taxpayers are footing the bill!
>
> Please advise me, as to the best way to self-detoxify. For obvious reasons, I'm not currently under ANY doctors' care and MUST do this, sans medical supervision.
>
> I'm not afraid. Considering the HELL these quacks have put me through since 1989, this should be a snap. (Besides, remember...I have Jesus on my side!) Please reply, as soon as possible.
>
> Thank you and God bless.
Posted by ed_uk on March 7, 2006, at 21:18:56
In reply to Re: 'Cold turkey' Effexor (etc.) withdrawal... » scrapper, posted by detroitpistons on March 7, 2006, at 15:57:17
'Cold turkey' is not a sensible way to come off Effexor. Severe and prolonged withdrawal symptoms may result. Medically, there is *no* benefit from withdrawing abruptly, only harm. You must do a gradual taper.
Ed
Posted by JenStar on March 7, 2006, at 23:28:39
In reply to 'Cold turkey' Effexor (etc.) withdrawal..., posted by scrapper on March 7, 2006, at 12:59:54
hi Scrapper,
it sounds like you've come an amazing distance to get to this point. I can't even imagine how awful it must have been to suffer in that hospital with all those rotating doctors.from everything I've read, it's considered a very dangerous thing to go 'cold turkey' on so many meds at once, especially w/out any supervision.
Many people (doctors, experts, people here) recommend gradually cutting down on dosage. For example, if you take 20 mg/day of something, go to 15 mg/day for 2 weeks, then to 10 mg/day for 2 weeks, then to 5, then to zero. Or similar, but you get the idea. Even going slowly there will probably be some withdrawal symptoms.
Also, if you're taking several meds, it might be appropriate to wean off of them one at a time, instead of all at once.
Would it be possible for you to see a doctor about this very thing, and he/she could help you develop a detox plan? I'd love to help, but I'm not qualified to help build a plan for you.
While you're doing it, here are a few things I've read that can help:
Drink lots of water
Eat lots of whole foods: veggies, whole grains, lean meats
Avoid diet soda and diet products
Exercise regularly, even if you feel like c***
Talk to friends every day to let them know how you're doing, and to ask for help in case you need it
Avoid excess sugars and carbs
I wish you the best of luck with your detox. Please let us know what you decide!
JenStar
Posted by musky on March 8, 2006, at 0:00:41
In reply to Re: 'Cold turkey' Effexor (etc.) withdrawal... » scrapper, posted by detroitpistons on March 7, 2006, at 15:57:17
>My Goodness the one who was on so many meds since 1989... I hope this message gets to you.
I agree with the other comment and dont do it cold turkey. Just think how many meds and how many yrs you been on. If you ask me I would STRongly urge you to do one drug at a time very slowly .. I know this sounds like it would be forever to get clean but think of how long youve been on this stuff... years!!! once another year to get off all of them??? Yes I mean a year. I myself have been tapering off Remeron and it has taken me over 1yr and Im still not completely off. I have been going to acupuncture very successful in helping me with withdrawls... The body needs time to adjust.. Then after off all meds thats when I would detox...
you say you have faith I am christian too and I pray to God when in doubt for guidance and then you will get your answers.. You are a human being that has to be treated as a SYSTEM.. one in delicate balance.. Be patient my friend and you will Thank yourself in the end. Ask yourself this... if you want to truly be rid of drs and pycho diagnosis all over the place, just do one med at a time .... Please.
I would suggest to write out a flow chart of your plan of elimination of each drug. Look at it every day and mentally prepare yourself..
Good LuckMusky
I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I wouldn't do it. I was on Paxil and I just wanted off, so I quit cold turkey despite everything I read on the internet. Everybody told me DON'T DO IT! Of couse, I still did it, and I regret it to this day. I almost feel like it screwed me up worse than I already am.
>
> I am currently on Effexor and I'd never quit it cold turkey because it's worse than Paxil. The half life is very short. Quitting Paxil was an 8 week long nightmare. Imagine what quitting Effexor would be like.
>
> Right now, you are being VERY IMPULSIVE as I was when I made that decision. Get a grip. Just taper off. What's 2 more months or 4 more months at this point? Seriously, what difference does it make? You will thank me in the end.
>
> If you're like me and you can't be convinced not do it, you can take Benedryl to ease some of the discomfort. I needed something to help me sleep at night too. You can go to the withdrawal section of the website to get more tips, but those tips will probably only put a small dent in your withdrawal discomfort.
>
> I was a complete wreck when I quit. I felt like I was going batshit crazy through this process. After about a month, I'd get a day where I would feel better and would start to think that the process was almost done, and then....The next day would be hell and my hopes would be crushed. Withdrawal plays more tricks on your mind than actually taking the drug as directed. DON'T DO IT. Be patient and taper.
>
> If/when you get down to 37.5mg/ day, you should take some Prozac (very long half life)for that final step. Going from 37.5mg to zero can be very difficult. Often people report no problems tapering down to 37.5, but then can't make the final transition to zero. But to do this, you need to be on an outpatient basis with a psychiatrist.
>
> Don't try to be a cowboy like I did.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Hi everyone. I thank God I found this site! I just registered a moment ago and desperately need some input.
> >
> > I've been under constant psychiatric care, since March of 1989....yes, 1989! At one point, in 1994, I was taking 17 medications a day....yes, 17! I was so grossly overmedicated, I spent most of my days and nights in bed - asleep, drooling or both. At the time, I was going through the mental health clinic of a large East Coast hospital, being 'treated' by residents and getting assigned a different 'doctor' every six months, each time their rotation changed. (The supervising psychiatrist, was absolutely useless.) Usually, the change in 'doctor', meant an 'adjustment' in medication. Without fail, the new resident always believed he/she was smarter than the last! (You name it, I was on it!) Once, a 'doctor' asked me if I was ever on one particular medication. Since I was familiar with it only by its generic name, I said 'no'. It turned out to be a drug that made me extremely suicidal...and I paid a dear price. Now, If he had followed proper procedure, he would have reviewed my chart and seen the notation! (Instead of relying on the patient's fried memory!)
> >
> > They had more diagnosis' for me, than I can recall. They labeled me everything from 'bi-polar', to 'multiple personality disorder'. I was the gamut of psychiatry...a genuine Freudian dream (or nightmare, depending on who's viewpoint!), per se!
> >
> > Now, to the present.
> >
> > I've been on Effexor XR for several years, taking the maximum dosage of 300 mg. daily, for most of that time. I want to discontinue it, cold turkey. (I was able to quit smoking that way, with no problem whatsoever...2 packs a day, for 35 years!)
> >
> > I'm sick of the whole mess! No body wants to take the bull by the horns, but ME! I want to completely detoxify myself. I also take 100 mg. of Seroquel and 12.5 mg. of Ambien CR at bedtime. (Additionally, I take 25 mg. Atarax and 1 mg. Ativan, PRN. These geniuses leave it up to me - which to take, when, why and how!)
> >
> > I'm a born-again Christian and strong in my faith. However, I realize that I'm also a human being. (Right now, I just want to lock myself in a closet with my Bible and let the Lord do the rest.)
> >
> > I deeply resent taking pills to feel normal...which I DON'T FEEL most of the time, anyway! I want to throw them all in the garbage, because that's just what they are!
> >
> > Today, I've been reading about the ill-effects of Effexor and cannot understand WHY the FDA allows such poison on the market. No, I take that back...I DO understand...$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!! Meantime, people like me (and you, perhaps) are serving as virtual guinea pigs, while the drug companies get fatter and richer! Unfortunately, in my case, the taxpayers are footing the bill!
> >
> > Please advise me, as to the best way to self-detoxify. For obvious reasons, I'm not currently under ANY doctors' care and MUST do this, sans medical supervision.
> >
> > I'm not afraid. Considering the HELL these quacks have put me through since 1989, this should be a snap. (Besides, remember...I have Jesus on my side!) Please reply, as soon as possible.
> >
> > Thank you and God bless.
>
>
Posted by scrapper on March 9, 2006, at 9:54:53
In reply to Re: 'Cold turkey' Effexor (etc.) withdrawal... » scrapper, posted by JenStar on March 7, 2006, at 23:28:39
Hi everybody!
Here's an update. I've decided to stay on the Effexor, at least for now. According to one response, it seems I may have given the impression I'm STILL on 17 medications, daily. Not so, thank God!! At present, I'm only taking Effexor and Ambien, on a regular basis. (I was also prescribed Seroquil to take WITH the Ambien, but in the past few nights, found that the Ambien alone, is sufficient! I have Rx(s) for Atarax and Ativan, but since I've been water baptized on February 1st, been taking them less and less. The need, simply isn't there, anymore!) It's amazing how quickly a doctor will write a Rx, for such powerful drugs. Especially, a 'non-psychiatrist'! I'm seeing my primary care physician this morning, just to touch base. I haven't seen him since December. He's very conservative with medication dispension and a fine man, to boot! (Once when I was going into the hospital to get my meds adjusted, he actually sat down with me...to take notes on how to care for my cats and FROGS...because I had no one else to do it! How's THAT, for a doctor! He used to be an engineer, but when he turned 40, he began medical school. He'll sit and read a textbook, before taking a chance on anything he's unsure of! He's also called me at home and read from his medical textbooks, to explain anything I was unsure of! Once, he spent over 90 minutes on the phone with me, from his office. We hung up, about 11:00 PM!!) Even though he's not a psychiatrist, he understands me and truly sympathizes with my difficulties. I have to go get ready, now. At one point, he was seeing me every day, when I had a bug no one could diagnosis...and at no charge! All doctors should be like him. I'm sorry I've been away from him for so long. But, that's what drugs can do..when they confuse the 'bijibbies' out of you! Thanks to the Lord and you kind people, I've re-thought my plan. It was a disaster ready to happen! God bless you all!! 'scrapper'
This is the end of the thread.
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