If you wean too fast...

GreenGal · 06-26-2005, 01:05 PM

Hey all,

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but i was wondering, if you wean too fast, will the withdrawal effects still go away? I assume the point in very slow weaning is to try and eliminate as much discomfort as possible, but then I wondered if it could have to do with length of withdrawal effects. I'm withdrwawing from Effexor and just went from 37.5 to nothing and it's put me in a bit of a tail-spin. The thing is, I really want off the drug, and I don't want to have to start opening up the capsules to try and get a smaller dose. I was able to get approved for a short-term disability leave from work and don't have too many responsibilities at home, so thankfully I can afford to be "sick" for a little while. But I just wanted to make sure that the bad feelings will still go away.

Thanks,
Kelly

jillybean · 06-26-2005, 01:15 PM

Hi kelly,

I am not sure if the speed of the taper makes a difference of how long you feel withdrawal effects, I just know they can be more severe. I am in the exact same boat as you are, I have tapered fast off Paxil, took short term, low stress home life, so I can afford to be sick too. The WD has been uncomfortable but not a nightmare....the nightmare was going through WD and trying to hold it together at work. Now that I have a month to dedicate to just me, getting off the Paxil, I am finding it tolerable, but I am also wondering (and hoping) the worst will be over in the next 3 weeks when I am due back to work.

rc1904 · 06-26-2005, 05:08 PM

Hi Green,
Sounds like you are jumping right into cold turkey. I quit cold turkey in March by choice. If you are not aware of what will happen when you do this, I recommend going back on and tapering. Cold turkey is only for those willing to go through severe withdrawal and are able to stay home for a couple of months. (Yes, I said months.) First you need to go to the info on this site that covers withdrawal because it's not that you "might" go through these things, you WILL have withdrawal symtoms and you need to be informed. The reason people taper is because it lessens the severity of the symtoms. If you are in a tailspin now, get ready. Soon you will probably start hallucinating, come down with "paxil flu," have the Zaps, develop sensitivity to light and sound, have epic dreams, experience huge anxiety, etc. I went through this when going from 30mg to 0 and I experienced withdrawal for 54 days straight. As of yesterday I am now 100 days paxil free and doing fine. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. I know you will find a lot of support here.

06-26-2005, 01:05 PM	#1
GreenGal Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 5	If you wean too fast... Hey all, I hope this isn't a stupid question, but i was wondering, if you wean too fast, will the withdrawal effects still go away? I assume the point in very slow weaning is to try and eliminate as much discomfort as possible, but then I wondered if it could have to do with length of withdrawal effects. I'm withdrwawing from Effexor and just went from 37.5 to nothing and it's put me in a bit of a tail-spin. The thing is, I really want off the drug, and I don't want to have to start opening up the capsules to try and get a smaller dose. I was able to get approved for a short-term disability leave from work and don't have too many responsibilities at home, so thankfully I can afford to be "sick" for a little while. But I just wanted to make sure that the bad feelings will still go away. Thanks, Kelly __________________ Started Paxil 2001 for Anxiety Weaned from 40mg to 5mg over course of 6 months Doctor switched me to Effexor 150mg Currently on 75mg Effexor with increased anxiety

06-26-2005, 01:15 PM	#2
jillybean Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 117	Re: If you wean too fast... Hi kelly, I am not sure if the speed of the taper makes a difference of how long you feel withdrawal effects, I just know they can be more severe. I am in the exact same boat as you are, I have tapered fast off Paxil, took short term, low stress home life, so I can afford to be sick too. The WD has been uncomfortable but not a nightmare....the nightmare was going through WD and trying to hold it together at work. Now that I have a month to dedicate to just me, getting off the Paxil, I am finding it tolerable, but I am also wondering (and hoping) the worst will be over in the next 3 weeks when I am due back to work. __________________ Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs

06-26-2005, 05:08 PM	#3
rc1904 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northern California Posts: 269	Re: If you wean too fast... Hi Green, Sounds like you are jumping right into cold turkey. I quit cold turkey in March by choice. If you are not aware of what will happen when you do this, I recommend going back on and tapering. Cold turkey is only for those willing to go through severe withdrawal and are able to stay home for a couple of months. (Yes, I said months.) First you need to go to the info on this site that covers withdrawal because it's not that you "might" go through these things, you WILL have withdrawal symtoms and you need to be informed. The reason people taper is because it lessens the severity of the symtoms. If you are in a tailspin now, get ready. Soon you will probably start hallucinating, come down with "paxil flu," have the Zaps, develop sensitivity to light and sound, have epic dreams, experience huge anxiety, etc. I went through this when going from 30mg to 0 and I experienced withdrawal for 54 days straight. As of yesterday I am now 100 days paxil free and doing fine. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. I know you will find a lot of support here. __________________ rc1904 :-D Paxil/Paroxetine Free Since March 18, 2005 ___________________________________ "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

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