TigerLily CFS and Effexor

[TigerLily]

Hello Everyone!

 

I was so happy to find this forum, and look forward to reading your stories/experiences. I am 42 years old and married with two children. I have been taking Effexor 150 mg for approx. 10 years now. I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Effexor has worked really well for me. There have been times when I have wondered if I needed the AD anymore, and have tried tapering off slowly with the help of my Doctor. I seem to do well for a couple of months, and feel fine, but then I slowly start feeling anxious/low...which has led me/doc to believe that I am relapsing. The last time I decreased my Effexor slowly and then switched to Celexa, hoping it would be easier to wean myself off that, but it didn't work, and I went back on Effexor. After having read some of Dr. Glenmullen's thoughts on this, I am starting to think/hope that maybe I was experiencing withdrawal symptoms after all, and not relapsing. I'm currently struggling with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and would like to come off the Effexor. It would be one less body burden. I have a new Doctor who leans towards naturopathy, and would like to see me off the meds. I guess I need to make sure the time is right. I have to admit that I'm scared, and certainly don't want to feel panicky/anxious/low...but I'm willing to give it a shot with the hope that I can get past those icky symptoms.  I'm going to browse the site, and look forward to chatting with some of you.

 

Thanks for reading my post,

 

Tiger Lily

[Jemima]

Welcome to the forum, Tiger Lily.  When you have time, please put your drug history in the signature area of your profile, like so:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

Here are some other topics that may be of interest you regarding how to taper off Effexor and about tapering in general:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/272-tips-for-tapering-off-effexor-and-effexor-xr-venlafaxine/

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1024-why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/

 

My hunch is that long term antidepressant use contributes greatly to CFS if it doesn't, in fact, cause it.  I went off Lexapro way too fast a year and a half ago and the aches and pains I had during steady use and early withdrawal were nearly crippling.

 

In any event, you'll find lots of solid information and friendly support here.  I'm glad you found us before you started tapering again.

[Finn]

Hello! Welcome to the site!

 

I, along with many other members, are tapering off Effexor currently so you'll definitely find support here.

[TigerLily]

Thank you Jemima and Finn for replying to my post. I see my Doctor on Thursday. I'm going to look at the links about tapering, and since you are coming off Effexor, I'll check out your posts too Finn.

 

Hope you both have a great weekend!

 

Tiger Lily