Just a note, and a warning. Effexor withdrawal isn't like Lithium withdrawal. It is BRUTAL. He will likely get even worse until the chemical balance in his system is restored. I consider the hospital more helpful than the police, abuse or not. Why label a mentally ill kid a "bad" kid, especially if he's coming off a medication that may have influenced his behavior? Our one experience with calling the police was not a good one. They didn't seem to "get" mental illness. But, hey, he's in the hospital now and that's a GOOD thing and many people here disagree with me on the police issue. Then, again, I have a mental illness--I doubt the police would have helped me until I got stable. (((Hugs))) Your son is getting help--that's what matters.
