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May 20, 2008
Columnists advise readers to taper off antidepressants very slowly to minimize side effects
In the People's Pharmacy column in the Los Angeles Times (5/19), pharmacologist Joe Graedon and medical anthropology and nutrition expert Teresa Graedon write, "There's little that can minimize dizziness, anxiety, and other side effects common when tapering off drugs like Cymbalta (duloxetine)," and Effexor (venlafaxine).
Physicians "don't always warn patients about the possibility of withdrawal symptoms (dizziness, difficulty concentrating, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, or electric shock-like sensations) when they prescribe such medicines."
While the Graedons "don't know of any good way to diminish the uncomfortable side effects resulting from withdrawal," they caution readers to "take it even more slowly" when coming off antidepressant medications.
Related Links:
- "Side effects of antidepressant withdrawal," Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, Los Angeles Times, May 19, 2008.
Posted by admin at May 20, 2008 09:01 PM