another important question...really important...

[raw-siobhan]

I have been on Effexor for 6 months or so. It has really done the trick for me. I have no bad things to say about it except that I had bad withdrawls when I did not have the money to refill my prescription one time. Because I am desperately trying to get to 100% raw (though still struggling with fast food at times) I am wondering if I should consider slowly tapering off this in an effort to rid my body toxins. Any input would be much appreciated.

[Coriander74]

Hiya!

I've been on medications myself for over 2 years now. I, like you, feel well enough to start tapering off however my psychatrist wants me to hang on and see how the regular dosage as well as Raw affects me, THEN she'll work with me on lowering things.

Be patient, enjoy Raw, enjoy yourself, and hopefully you can start weaning off soon... but please do so with a doctor's guidance!!!

[luckitri]

Well I would really like to believe that raw can cure this problem for most if not all. There have been extensive writings on here about this. I had this problem but it was tied to my female cycle which I no longer have - so no problem! I am more likely to get down than others - especially when not feeling well. I really resented that I had to take an Rx all month when I only had the problem for a part of it. I was never able to get myself to take it regularly - I always wanted off. Eventually there will hopefully be raw resources specifically dedicated to problems such as this one. There is so much shame tied up with it for me....never dared to share about it before coming to this site.

[SedonaSun]

I'm all for ridding oneself of meds if possible, but whatever you do, do NOT quit Effexor cold turkey. Doing so can cause bad, bad things... as you noticed from the withdrawals yourself when you couln't get it. Not sure how accurate it is, but I've heard it can cause a stroke if you just quit.

I know that wasn't exactly your question, but wanted to say that just for safety's sake.

Otherwise, I have no personal experience from weaning off meds, but plenty others here do.

Be well, be raw! :D

[raw-siobhan]

I know, thats what makes me mad...this effexor has been so effective in getting me to a content, even keel...but I dont mind telling you, even this evening when I did not take my dose on time I began feeling like a monster - horrible dizziness, headache in the eyes and the top of the head, had to wait several hours until it kicked in after taking my dose tonight. I had to sleep until I felt like I could stand up without falling over or walking into a wall or yelling at my kids. It is insane. Makes me so darn mad.

[sunnydee]

Me too. I feel like a drug addict. Hey, I guess I am. Just like the drug companies want...
It sucks!!! :mad:

[Lay-Lay]

I just wanted to share I have been on soooo many perscriptions for a variety of illnesses and I am pretty sure this included effexor at one time or another. After going raw within just a short period I was able to come off some of my medication, but after a little while longer I became medicine free. I am currently ONLY taking some cleansing herbs. Some of the medicine I was on the doctors told me I would be on the rest of my life like blood pressure, heart, and thyroid meds. I also took a lot of narcotics for migraines. Seems like I was always taking some misc. perscription too for this or that. RAW FOOD MADE ME DRUG FREE! Hope you find the success I did.