It Might Not Be the Flu!

[janbear]

It Might Not Be the Flu!
From Nancy Schimelpfening,
Your Guide to Depression.

Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Avoid Them
Feeling like you're coming down with the flu lately? If you've recently discontinued an antidepressant you might actually be going through withdrawal. Many people who discontinue their antidepressant abruptly will experience what's called a "discontinuation syndrome". They may experience fatigue, nausea, myalgia, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, hallucinations, blurred vision, irritability, tingling sensations, vivid dreams, sweating or electric shock sensations. Some will experience only minor symptoms and miss the connection with their antidepressant thinking that perhaps they have the flu. For others, the symptoms are so debilitating that they feel they cannot stop their antidepressant for fear of how it will interfere with their lives.

The Most Common Culprits

The discontinuation syndrome is most common with those drugs that have a short half-life (how long it takes for half the drug to clear from your body).

Venlafaxine (Effexor), tricyclics, MAOIs and most SSRIs can cause symptoms. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the one SSRI which generally does not cause problems because it has a half-life of 2-4 days and it's primary metabolite has a half-life of 4-16 days. This long half- life gives it a built in tapering off. The syndrome is rarely seen in the newer medications, nefazodone (Serzone), bupropion (Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron).
Tapering Off Slowly Is Best

The best advice for those who are planning to discontinue their antidepressant is to seek their doctor's approval and advice. When you stop your antidepressant you not only run the risk of withdrawal, but also a possible return of your symptoms. If your doctor has given you the green light to stop, discuss how you should proceed in gradually decreasing your dosage. By gradually decreasing your dose over time you will allow your body time to slowly adjust as the medication leaves your body. It is recommended that you consult your doctor for a specific schedule for discontinuing your antidepressant.


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"I am lighthouse rather than lifeboat. I do not rescue, but instead help others to find their own way to shore, guiding them by my example"Modern Affirmation

And this above all, to thine own self be true. And it must follow as night the day, thou canst not be false to any man. -Shakespeare



flickchic
Trusted Servant



Age: 39
Joined: 21 Jan 2006
Posts: 552
Location: Australia

Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 5:49 pm Post subject:

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thank's for sharing this....I am aware that ceasing these meds abruptly isn't a good idea, however there have been times in the past where I have missed taking mine and I have had some of the above symptoms...the electric shock sensations...I had to wonder if there was something really weird going on when they have happened!!! The vivid dreams are another I've experienced and they're NOT pretty! I knew I suffered the irritability, not that the rest were from it also....you've just restored some sanity...thank's!!!


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felicity




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