Kava and antidepresants

[Justavaka]

hello everyone. I took my last dose of diazepam 2 weeks ago after long term use, still feel a bit anxious because of withdrawals. Plus, I am still on antidepressants (venlafaxine 75mg), but want to give up them as soon as possible. So is it worth to drink kava while I am still on antidepressants?

 

[dino9832]

I really couldn't tell you how kava and antidepressants would go together. But, I think kava could be an excellent alternative. You CAN'T stop antidepressants all at once! From what I know about them, you have to taper off. Possible, you could see how kava works for you, then start tapering off the antidepressants and see how it goes. Be sure to let your doctor know first. That way, they're aware of what your doing and give you professional guidance.

I'd take it real slow though. You don't want to put yourself in any dangerous predicament. It is a truly personal thing.

 

[verticity]

I'm on Effexor (venlafaxine) and have been drinking kava for some time without problems. 75 mg is a fairly small dose, but nonetheless venlafaxine is notorious for its withdrawal syndrome. If you want to get off the venlafaxine, you should speak with your psychiatrist to set up a tapering schedule, like @dino9832 said. Here is an unofficial guide for tapering off Effexor. Of course discuss this with your doctor. However doctors often expect people to be able to taper faster than is comfortable. For example, if you go from 75 mg to 37.5 mg for a week, and then stop, that may be way too fast. The key is to get the immediate release tablets so you can cut them in half, and taper more slowly.

 

[rayken]

in my personal experience going off of antidepressants was not hard at all. it has been a few years so i cant remember the exact dosages but they were pretty decent dosages that i was on and had limited problems. i have been on and gone off zoloft, lexapro, luvox, and viibryd. the key is taking it nice and slow tapering off. this may take a while but you will have less problems this way.. i still had problems, mainly head zaps and sexual problems (both went away quickly) but i was happy to be off meds. i didnt even discover kava until years later so i can not say about having the two in close timing, but i can say without a doubt i prefer kava all the way

 

[Justavaka]

Thanks alot,I am aware that I have to reduce it slower,I just don't believe that I ever needed pharma drugs.I stopped using subutex,pregabalin,diazepam only venlafaxine left.Will Order kava today to see how it is.Namaste

 

[PsyGuru]

effexor withdrawals are worse than ssri withdrawals as they act on both serotonin and NorEpinephrine receptors.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/506427

of course you may get a worsening of the depression or anxiety. i would be patient and wait for the anxiety from coming off the valium to wear off.