Weaning Woes

[Taisha]

I am 60 with MDD and currently trying to wean off of Effexor XR 150 mg (have been on this for 20 years) and having a horrible time going off. I would have petit mal seizures in the past if off for 48 hours. I moved out of the country and my new Psychiatrist is trying to help wean me off to try a different medication. I am having the worst upper abdominal cramps. I imagine this is what poor addicts go through when going off heroine. It’s horrific.

But honestly I am sick of taking yet another pill to deal with side effects of antidepressants. They need to do long term studies on this crap because I feel like it’s worse for us than the medication itself.

But I will let you know too how it goes and if I’m able to get off without incident.

God speed to us all treating our disease.

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. I have been on the same meds forever. I have not gone through weaning off, but I just wanted to offer support.

[AUTIGER]

I’m so sorry to hear about this! No doubt, it is a strong medication, and I have always had to have an adjunct medicine to manage my depression. I’ve taken Abilify in the past as well as Rexulti. They worked well but slowed my metabolism to a crawl. I stopped the Rexulti this summer and immediately dropped 20 pounds! Why does your psychiatrist want to change your Effexor? Is it worth it?

[Husbandlover]

Don't give up on medications! Yes, they come with difficult side effects. But. Do you remember what you were like during your last episode of major depression? Isn't medication that brought you out of the worst time worth the side effects.I've changed meds many times, and I understand your frustrations.

Is your doctor possibly weaning you off too fast? Have you contacted them about how terrible you're feeling? I've never been as severe weaning off as you are.