I came across this article regarding US troops in the Middle East.
U.S. military: Heavily armed and medicated - Health care- msnbc.com
I'd like to share withdrawal techniques for 2 popular medications: Venlafaxine & Klonopin.
Venlafaxine: aka Effexor, is an SSNRI antidepressant. SSNRI indicates that the drug inhibits the reuptake of serotonin & norepinephrine, chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Sudden withdrawal is a living hell, but can be done by taking one the following: 1 week's worth of Prozac; 5-HTP - naturally derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia (max. 700mg/day taken in 100mg doses at the onset of withdrawal). Usually by day 4, less than 100mg of 5-HTP is req'd. 400mg of St. John's wort and 25mg of 5-HTP taken each morning will keep severe depression at bay, as will electroshock therapy (.8-.9A, 70-150V).
Klonopin: aka Clonazepam, is a highly addictive drug originally prescribed for epilepsy, but is now prescribed to induce sleep and alleviate anxiety. Klonopin is often prescribed along with Venlafaxine to offset the insomnia associated with high dosages (300-450mg/day Venlafaxine). This drug is much more difficult to quit than Venlafaxine. While most of Venlafaxine's withdrawal symptoms subside within a week when withdrawal is done properly, Klonopin's withdrawal symptoms can persist for months, even while tapering off the medication. Diazepam (valium) is an effective withdrawal agent, but if that is not available in the field, as was the case with this poor American soldier, alcohol affects the same receptors in the brain as Klonopin, and will offset the ugly withdrawal effects of the drug (the sensation that someone took a cattle prod to your head, seizures, convulsions, death). That knowledge could save a soldier's life.
Here's to hoping that you never start taking these drugs. However, if you or someone you know is taking these drugs and finds oneself in the position of sudden withdrawal, you are now aware of some of the options available.
I encourage everyone here to do their own research, hopefully BEFORE you are under the care of a physician for clinical depression or an anxiety disorder. War in the Middle East is hell enough without having to experience chemical withdrawal in the field.
U.S. military: Heavily armed and medicated - Health care- msnbc.com
I'd like to share withdrawal techniques for 2 popular medications: Venlafaxine & Klonopin.
Venlafaxine: aka Effexor, is an SSNRI antidepressant. SSNRI indicates that the drug inhibits the reuptake of serotonin & norepinephrine, chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Sudden withdrawal is a living hell, but can be done by taking one the following: 1 week's worth of Prozac; 5-HTP - naturally derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia (max. 700mg/day taken in 100mg doses at the onset of withdrawal). Usually by day 4, less than 100mg of 5-HTP is req'd. 400mg of St. John's wort and 25mg of 5-HTP taken each morning will keep severe depression at bay, as will electroshock therapy (.8-.9A, 70-150V).
Klonopin: aka Clonazepam, is a highly addictive drug originally prescribed for epilepsy, but is now prescribed to induce sleep and alleviate anxiety. Klonopin is often prescribed along with Venlafaxine to offset the insomnia associated with high dosages (300-450mg/day Venlafaxine). This drug is much more difficult to quit than Venlafaxine. While most of Venlafaxine's withdrawal symptoms subside within a week when withdrawal is done properly, Klonopin's withdrawal symptoms can persist for months, even while tapering off the medication. Diazepam (valium) is an effective withdrawal agent, but if that is not available in the field, as was the case with this poor American soldier, alcohol affects the same receptors in the brain as Klonopin, and will offset the ugly withdrawal effects of the drug (the sensation that someone took a cattle prod to your head, seizures, convulsions, death). That knowledge could save a soldier's life.
Here's to hoping that you never start taking these drugs. However, if you or someone you know is taking these drugs and finds oneself in the position of sudden withdrawal, you are now aware of some of the options available.
I encourage everyone here to do their own research, hopefully BEFORE you are under the care of a physician for clinical depression or an anxiety disorder. War in the Middle East is hell enough without having to experience chemical withdrawal in the field.
