Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Posted by richyrich @richyrich, Nov 2, 2016

I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you

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@notaround

Well I can tell the difference because I don't feel dizzy before I pass out for like half a second. Withdrawal was super dizzy and then just like you, tilting to the side. But that also is vertigo which can be an ear issue.

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I have also had vertigo, pretty severely, during a flare up of my MS

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@farmboy

I was doing alright. Went back to 150mgs of effexor and she also put me on serquel. Here the last 2 weeks I've gotten really irritable and moody. I don't feel part of things and I don't even feel like being around my girlfriend. I think it's the serquel doing this. It's been a long road.

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So happy to hear you are still hanging in there, best of luck with the new regime. I am sorry it has been so tough, but hopefully we can all get through this

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@farmboy

@brightwings I'm going to tell the Dr. I want off the Seroquel and believe me I tell my therapist everything. The reason I don't want to be around anyone is I just don't feel like talking. They're good people!! But I just get quite when I feel this way.

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@farmboy I am NOTORIOUS FOR self isolating when I am down. Some of my friends and family members even call me on a kind of schedule if they don't hear from me often enough!

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@farmboy

@grandmar I've been seeing a therapist. It hasn't done much good. It may or may not be the Seroquel. But I think that's the problem. It seem like the effexor leveled off and started working and then the Seroquel kicked in and I started getting headaches and VERY irritable. I read up on Seroquel and it said it can cause irritably and headaches. So I'm not sure what to think. But I get very irritated and don't feel like myself. It's been a heck of a ride.

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@farmboy
That's the thing about journeys, they rarely take a straight and smooth path.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@brightwings

Golly guys, I just want to share how GOOD I feel. Quite a change from a few days ago. The cold inside my house is leaving. Yesterday I had 2 heaters going cuz it snowed 2xs in 24 hours.
I could not regenerate my energy when I was shivering inside my uninsulated house.
Its the middle of April and this sweet looking old granny should be out kayaking on our beautiful Ozark rivers.
But I FEEL good. This is where all my hard work has taken me. I used to wonder if I would ever be done with doctors, medicine and just feeling crappy.
I stand here today, proudly saying to you all. Do what ever it takes. Happiness is possible.
Bright Wings, smiling at herself this time....

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So happy for you !!

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@mommapsych

@farmboy Would you happen to be a veteran? The company we order CBD from gives a steep discount for vets.

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@mommapsych no I'm not a veteran.

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@cristin1

@farmboy I am NOTORIOUS FOR self isolating when I am down. Some of my friends and family members even call me on a kind of schedule if they don't hear from me often enough!

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@cristin1 I know what you mean. I just kinda stay to myself because it's hard to explain to people how I feel when they ask.

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@grandmar

@farmboy
That's the thing about journeys, they rarely take a straight and smooth path.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@grandmar I've diffently haven't had a straight journey. It's been hell of ride.

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I never want to be around people anymore. I guess there are more reasons than just these wd symptoms, I think it's a combination of things. I do like this forum a lot. I'd hang out with all of you!

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I'd hang out with all of you, too!

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