1. < Depression & Anxiety

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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Mentor
Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @rascal1 "@merpreb Not sure if you saw my reply but I’m extremely anxious and depressed and want..." + (show)
@rascal1

@merpreb Not sure if you saw my reply but I’m extremely anxious and depressed and want to try the Lazarus or Charlotte’s Web CBT oil but don’t know if I can use while I’m still on Effexor and Klonopin . Can’t wean off now as I’m having shoulder replacement surgery May 21. Do you know?

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@rascal1- Klonopin does have an interaction: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/cannabis-with-klonopin-2758-0-703-357.html
There are mixed reviews for Effexor:https://cbdeducationonline.com/cbd-and-effexor/
I would definitely check with your doctor. Are you having problems or have these two stopped working? If your symptoms are extreme CBD might not be enough for you. I have to take 2 antidepressants a long with cbd oil, Zoloft and Wellbutrin.

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2 replies
Mentor
Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @sandij "I feel like I am whining when I tell about these things, but its not to..." + (show)
@sandij

I feel like I am whining when I tell about these things, but its not to be a victim, it is more like gaining realization of how difficult things actually were. It's also difficult during this process to discern between past events that are magnified and come to the surface, and things that are happening now. It is a confusion of the mind. I listen to the youtube videos particularly of wonderbro, he explains it in a way that makes sense to me and brings me back to reality. Our nerves are exhausted and it is easy to confuse anxiety/depression/exhaustion. Add to that the chemicals from the medications and the changes that are made during this process and its a real sh*t storm. My husband is my rock most of the time, but he can certainly push my buttons! I am sure time will make its natural course and keep moving forward, and we will all move right along with it! Hope everyone has a good day today. I am going to get some natural Vitamin D. Love you all.

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@sandij- You do not sound like you are whining or that you are looking for attention as a victim. Each couple, going through difficult times also go through confusing times as you describe, ups and downs and sideways emotions, memories and pushed buttons.
If time shows that he is your rock for most of the time than the good might out way the bad. But keep this in mind. NO ONE is without their quirks and buttons, not you either.
I would take each day as it comes and not what if yourself. Can you do that?

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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 28, 2019

@sandij, @merry
Wise words indeed.
My husband and I loved each other unconditionally but as I said before, the last 5 years of our marriage were difficult.
We each were basing our thoughts and actions based on an misunderstanding on each of our parts.
Now you mentioned you are married 20 years. There is a period of time in every relationship where couples move apart....every couple goes thru it but may not recognize this is a step for all Realationships.
I remember having to go back to why we got together in the first place and examined different parts of our lives together.
.
Did our lifes together now match our intended goals.
This is a non emotional question to consider.
.
How is it different, what changed??
.
Then I realized I had to change some things in myself to get to our intended goal of happy, loving couple.
So I did. He did also,. It took work, lots of work.
AND THE REWARD WAS SO WORTH IT.
We were able to go on another 20 years.
And it takes 2 persons working at it, this is not all on you.
.
One thing I learned in 40 years...Marriage is like a dance. For it to be fun and beautiful, both partners need to move together.
I wish you well, Bright Wings

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@rascal1- Klonopin does have an interaction: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/cannabis-with-klonopin-2758-0-703-357.html There are mixed reviews for Effexor:https://cbdeducationonline.com/cbd-and-effexor/ I would definitely..." + (show)
@merpreb

@rascal1- Klonopin does have an interaction: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/cannabis-with-klonopin-2758-0-703-357.html
There are mixed reviews for Effexor:https://cbdeducationonline.com/cbd-and-effexor/
I would definitely check with your doctor. Are you having problems or have these two stopped working? If your symptoms are extreme CBD might not be enough for you. I have to take 2 antidepressants a long with cbd oil, Zoloft and Wellbutrin.

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The Klonopin and Effexor are no longer working for me. I will check with my dr about use of CBD but am disappointed . Thank you for sending the articles!

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1 reply
rascal1 | @rascal1 | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @brightwings "@rascal1 Yes, klonapin is a benzo. If you use the CBD along with it, something in..." + (show)
@brightwings

@rascal1
Yes, klonapin is a benzo. If you use the CBD along with it, something in your liver changes how it removes medications from your system. So you may end up overdosing or underdosing as you take your perscribed medications.
Tomorrow, call your health food store and ask them what they suggest to help calm you naturally. I love my red clover tea for just that reason.
Hang in there...it will get better! Promise! Bright Wings

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Thank you so much for your advise !!

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @brightwings "Goggle drugs that interact with CBD. I just found it. BW" + (show)
@brightwings

Goggle drugs that interact with CBD. I just found it. BW

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Thank you !!!

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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @rascal1 "The Klonopin and Effexor are no longer working for me. I will check with my dr..." + (show)
@rascal1

The Klonopin and Effexor are no longer working for me. I will check with my dr about use of CBD but am disappointed . Thank you for sending the articles!

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@rascel1
That was smart of you to ask. I myself was surprised at what I learned about the liver...
Bright Wings

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sharonlou | @sharonlou | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@sharonlou When I came off of effexor I had already started to taper when my doctor..." + (show)
@merpreb

@sharonlou When I came off of effexor I had already started to taper when my doctor am on board and gave me great instructions. I don't ever remember brain zaps or dizziness, so I must have had it easier than a lot of people. But I had to go back on another anti-depressant for my depression, which I unfortunately have had most of my life. Originally I was put on it for menopause, hot flashes, etc and depression. It was like over night that it kicked in. I felt so much better. How are you feeling right now?

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@merpreb This is day 3 of cutting my 150mg Effexor dosage back by 25% at my doctor's instructions. I would have bet $$ that I would have withdrawal symptoms because the side effects are so awful if I accidentally skip a dose, but skipping a dose is 100% reduction and so far no problems at all at this initial reduction. I feel geat, no brain zaps at night which always clues me in that I forgot to take it in the morning. It really comes down to how each person reacts to weaning. My reason for starting on Effexor was anxiety so I will be on the lookout for any reemergence; it so often shows up in my dreams first which is kind of interesting. I hope I won't have any problems when I have hip replacement surgery later this year but will make sure all the docs know where I am with the Effexor. You were one of the lucky ones as far as the side effects. None of us knows how we will react until we actually start the process. Appreciate all the info here for sure. Blessings to all.

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4 replies
Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @sharonlou "@merpreb This is day 3 of cutting my 150mg Effexor dosage back by 25% at my..." + (show)
@sharonlou

@merpreb This is day 3 of cutting my 150mg Effexor dosage back by 25% at my doctor's instructions. I would have bet $$ that I would have withdrawal symptoms because the side effects are so awful if I accidentally skip a dose, but skipping a dose is 100% reduction and so far no problems at all at this initial reduction. I feel geat, no brain zaps at night which always clues me in that I forgot to take it in the morning. It really comes down to how each person reacts to weaning. My reason for starting on Effexor was anxiety so I will be on the lookout for any reemergence; it so often shows up in my dreams first which is kind of interesting. I hope I won't have any problems when I have hip replacement surgery later this year but will make sure all the docs know where I am with the Effexor. You were one of the lucky ones as far as the side effects. None of us knows how we will react until we actually start the process. Appreciate all the info here for sure. Blessings to all.

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@sharonlou
So what dosage are you actually taking. I got off cold turkey at 150 mg. Do not do this!!!
I found this site months after my last dose cuz of the horrible ongoing withdrawal symptoms...worse one being a stroke. I am fine now. I look agile.
Hang in there. Keep coming back. We have a great team of helpers to get you thru this.
Bright Wings

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secretwhitepop | @secretwhitepop | Apr 28, 2019
In reply to @sandij "Checking in on day 5 effexor free. I have been vigilant about taking benadryl and ibuprofen..." + (show)
@sandij

Checking in on day 5 effexor free. I have been vigilant about taking benadryl and ibuprofen for the dizziness and to prevent headaches, and continued vitamin D, omega 3, some CBD oil, and I have started taking dessicated liver on the advice of my acupuncturist due to the recent liver issues, and still taking my regular TCM remedy.
I have been eating like crazy!
One thing that is very different is that I have been urinating a lot more frequently, and have no idea why.
The dizziness is quite bearable actually, and sometimes I have some shivering. But this is NOTHING NEW! I have experienced these symptoms even worse at smaller tapers. From 75 to around 68 mg was the worst taper I had ever experienced. From that dose down to nothing has been easier so far. The best thing is that even though the dizziness is keeping me from being super productive (can hardly sew a straight line!) my motivation is back, I have not had to have naps, like I was doing for years and I actually feel like going outside instead of laying in a dark room watching youtube videos all day. I have had some serious crying jags but not coming from an emotional place, just more of a purge or release, and they pass pretty quickly. Same with some of the angry bouts. I actually have some hope that everything is going to be ok with this decision. Hope everyone is having a good day. Hang in there.

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Everything IS going to be ok. You are still the you that you were before this pharmaceutical deluge. (Bear with me, @sandij, I’m not only replying to you, I’m also talking to myself - and hoping I help others, too!)

For years I listened to other people but when did that happen? After my divorce! My self esteem plummeted and I questioned everything. Deciding for ME to go off Effexor after over 20 years was all me!

Yep! The crying outbursts came and I still cry everyday - but like you said, an emotional release. And I let them come.

I count my blessings, get sun, watch sitcoms, and just plain force myself to enjoy the good in life. BUT - don’t get me wrong. That “homesick” feeling is there. The weight is there. And what’s back is the anxiety. Every morning.

Guess what I did and it helped tremendously and I recommend it so so highly! I listen and follow a YouTube guided meditation. This one is nice and worked wonders!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU

Good luck all! Hope this helps some or all who need it.

BUBS! (Short for bubbles)

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