Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@grandmar I understand about the guilt, I feel a large amount and when people say "you shouldn't feel guilty!" I feel even guiltier! There is no logic.

Thanks Ronnie. Drs are so different in their medical viewpoints and how they treat their patients!. My dr has me taking a low dose of each. You are probably so better off without the Klonopin all the time as it is a Benzo and so very addictive, I do appreciate your comments. Thanks for sharing! The best to you!

I’m still confused as I believe the article is comparing to Cannabis which can be cbd and thc together. The thc has the psychiatrist component like Klonopin.

@rascal1
Saw in a later post that you meant to refer to Effexor.

I did not have anxiety UNTIL I was off Effexor for 6.5 weeks and the withdrawal symptoms began. I didn't have the agitation, akathisia, dizziness, or insomnia until then either. I was never on Effexor for emotional, or psychiatric issues--but quitting it, GAVE me those issues. Cause and effect were pretty obvious to me.

I think it's interesting [d*mn irritating] that doctors are pretty quick to tell those quitting Effexor that when they start feeling anxiety that that means you're relapsing and need to go back on the drug, but those same doctors don't tell these patients also now experiencing dizziness and nausea that we should check for gastric problems, inner ear and balance issues, or sinus infections!

Effexor/venlafaxine works by increasing and regulating the levels of two different neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, also called noradrenaline and serotonin) in the brain. At low doses, venlafaxine prevents serotonin reuptake (i.e., it leaves more serotonin in the system). At higher doses, it inhibits both serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake. Serotonin helps control a number of processes within the brain such as mood and emotions, anxiety and aggression, sleep, appetite, memory and perceptions. Norepinephrine is a stress hormone that affects parts of the brain that relate to attention and response and it underlies the fight-or-flight response, together with epinephrine.

Post-Effexor, supplementing with L-tryptophan helped me the most--because the body changes L-tryptophan into serotonin and my brain was used to having more serotonin after many years of being on Effexor. I use L*dtke brand. You must NOT take while still on Effexor.

I've been taking supplements for 10 months. I started out taking them 5 times a day and am now down to 3 times per day. It's not my intention to take supplements forever, but it does take some time for the brain to learn how to make/balance neurotransmitters on its own again. Recently, I've noticed that my most troublesome times (weekends--because I am not distracted by workday tasks) have gotten much better, so I am going to try eliminating the third dose.

Thank you so much for your intelligent and thoughtful reply. I’m taking 15Omg oh Effexor since January along with Klonopin .75mg. I have had much depression and anxiety and just want to sleep all the time to avoid these awful feelings. I was going to try CBD oil but read the contraindications with klonopin and somewhat with Effexor . I have right shoulder replacement May 21 and am so very concerned about all this.
Thank you for your concerned input!

@grandmar
Hi Ronnie,
Curious why the Psychiatrist would say that since Klonopin is an Anticonvulsant and Seizures generally are long term.
Jake

How long did you wait to begin the tryptophan after you quit effexor? @texasduchess

@sandij
If you click on my name, you can read in past posts what supplements/amounts I'm taking. Unfortunately, for each of us on Effexor trying to get off, it's all trial-and-error. My list at least gives you a starting point.

I took about 2.5 months to taper off 25mg regular release Effexor. My last tapered dose (1/8 of the tablet) was 4/14/18. I was fine until the first week of June when I began experiencing insomnia (up to this time, I used to joke that sleeping was my hobby and I lived for weekends--'cause I'd get to sleep in and take naps!).

By 6/16, I had major agitation and anxiety and even when I was tired, I could not shut off circling thoughts and was afraid to go to bed. Because I had researched how to quit Effexor, I realized these were discontinuation effects. That night, I was about to shake apart and was desperately Googling what might help when I came across info about L-tryptophan. I sent my husband out at 8:30pm to Vitamin Sh*ppe (they close at 9). He bought their brand; within an hour of taking a 500mg capsule, my agitation subsided and I was even able to sleep quite well that night.

I thank G*d I was able to get in to see my oncologist (he prescribed the Effexor) on 6/20 and that he was very receptive and read all the info I had printed out about Effexor withdrawal symptoms and was willing to prescribe a small amount of Valium for the worst days. Even so, despite taking some supplements and the occasional 1/2 5mg Valium, I would still experience anxiety, insomnia and vertigo; I even progressed to akathisia. I might have been better served by a less limited supply of Valium--because I only had 15 pills, I was reluctant to take it unless I was really in bad shape. Keep in mind--it took 3-4 months to figure out the dosing and supplement mix that worked for me.

On 8/26, I went to a Care Now because I couldn't control the anxiety and agitation despite having taken a couple of half doses of my Valium. The doctor there was familiar with Effexor withdrawal and had me take three days off work and take 2 whole 5mg Valium each day to "get ahead" of the anxiety. All this bother DESPITE tapering off AND only ever having been on 25mg of Effexor!

Some folks on this thread talk about "toughing it out" and keeping in mind that "the withdrawal effects will eventually subside." Well, I admit it--I'm a big wimp; I found these WD symptoms very distressing and I wanted HELP NOW. In this case, Ab Fab's Eddie ("I want total sensory deprivation and backup drugs!") was my ideal; a drug got me into this mess and I wanted a drug/drugs to get me out of it. So, I take supplements and the occasional Valium as needed. I can tell you that the more time you're off Effexor, the better things get; I have reduced the supplementation and plan to reduce again. But, if I need to, I'll reinstate them.

@sandij
It sounds like you had a beautiful "dance" at the secret room. Good for you both.

Oh no, I don't feel guilt. That was put on me as a kid. I learned what belonged to me and what didn't.
Guilt gives huge negative chemical dumps...makes you feel bad for so long...so its not you, its chemicals.
Just my take on it. Bright Wings