Quote:
Originally Posted by monochromatic
No caffeine, no drugs, no alcohol. No sugar in a few days, working on cutting that out.
Magnesium, Fish Oil, Vit B. Lots of tea and water.
I'm bipolar 2 and havn't had problems with mania, so no - lithium hasn't been addressed. I take magnesium or lorazepam when I have anxiety. Lately I've been taking 2 benadryl to sleep.
I hope I'm still washing out the effexor. Do you have any idea how long that lasts?
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Sounds all good to me, except for Benadryl. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. It works the same way antidepressants do, albeit with weaker effect. Anyway, individuals with a known sensitivity to antidepressants should not take this compound.
Wikipedia states the half-life for Effexor (venlafaxine) is:
- 5±2 hours (parent compound for immediate release preparations)
- 15±6 hours (parent compound for extended release preparations)
- 11±2 hours (active metabolite)
The general rule of thumb is five half-lifes for a drug to reach steady state or be completely out of your system. If you've been off it for a week the actual drug is out of your system, but you still are likely under the effects of whatever the Effexor changed in your body. I would talk to your doctor if you are not feeling better after two to three weeks, you should also ask them for a prescription sleep aid to replace Benadryl.