Question About A Bad Reaction From A Prescription Drug

[Fangz]

Over the holidays I was feeling really bad mentally (I won't get into the specifics) and they put me on this dreadful drug called Haldol which made me feel like my joints were on fire and my thinking was severely impaired. Frankly I don't even know how I made it through since I remember feeling completely zombiefied while on it. They took me off it one week ago and put me on a far superior and less harmful drug called Effexor which they say has to build up in your system before it really starts working. Still I've been taking the Haldol from Jan 1st up to a week ago so I was wondering how long it takes for that drug to leave my system completely. Anyone have any knowledge of this? Any pharmacists here? Boy that drug nearly killed me...scares me just thinking how I was on it.

 

[Redmage]

Haloperidol (aka Haldol) is an anti-psychotic agent often used to treat acute conditions. Effexor is a strong antidepressant more often used in long-term treatment.

The half-life of haloperidol is 12-36 hours, with most patients showing half-lives of 18-20 hours. That means that in most patients the concentration of the drug in their blood is cut in half every 18-20 hours. So within 1 day of stopping it, you'd be looking at half the original blood concentration. In two days the concentration would be 25% of the starting point, and so on. After 7 days your blood concentration should be less than 0.8% of where it started. I'd be a little surprised if you were still experiencing side effects at such a low concentration. In another week the concentration will be less than 0.006% of what it was when you were taking the drug regularly.

 

[Fangz]

Thanx mage I appreciate the input.

 

[Fangz]

Oh I forgot to ask how long Effexor takes to build up in your system so it can start working?

 

[venray]

Might be a good idea to call the doc that treated you and ask a few questions. Better safe than sorry.

 

[kis123]

Oh I forgot to ask how long Effexor takes to build up in your system so it can start working?

It can take 4-6 weeks depending on how much you're taking and if any adjustments are needed. I would also advise you to have your liver profiles (LFTs) taken now and within the next 6-8 weeks. Effexor is a great drug to take for depression but it has a rare but nasty side effect on the liver. I was on it for two months and had to come off of it due to the side effect on the liver.

I don't want to spook you, but exercise great care while on this med. You might not get any side effects, but study what they are and watch for any manifestations.

I wish you well.

 

[Fangz]

I've actually been on Effexor before and it's helped a lot (they never should have taken me off it) but right now I feel really depressed and can't wait for it to start working and also if the Halperol is still in my system I can't wait for that to leave. Sucks being really depressed y'know? I feel like shit. I think I'm gonna call my doctor and let him know like venray suggested and get the facts and how long till I'm helped with these meds.