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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njoys | @njoys | 12 hours ago
In reply to @abigailrose130 "I am struggling so much with these withdrawals. I would rate this #3 on the worst..." + (show)
@abigailrose130

I am struggling so much with these withdrawals. I would rate this #3 on the worst things I’ve felt #1 being csf leak to put that in perspective.
I am nauseous and my stomach is killing me and then I’m not nauseous and I’m throwing up non stop. Not to mention the zaps that feel like they’re everywhere in my body. Dizziness, shaking, light sensitivity. Every-time I look around after unfocusing my eyes I have the sensation that I’m falling and it feels like every part of my body is being zapped. Also what’s up with the random crying. It’s day 7 now and it feels like it comes in strong waves. Urgent care couldn’t help, I called the er and they gave me anti nausea medication. I am a nanny and can’t work so I’ve spent the week in bed and I know I’m probably going to get fired but I mean I think it’s a tad bit valid that holding an infant isn’t the best idea I was also told not to drive due to my dizziness and random throwing up spells.
Today was my first day going out and I was dripping in sweat trying to not throw up or pass out.
My mom thinks I just have to keep going and wait it out but I feel like I’m loosing my mind. No doctor I’ve spoke to even knows what I’m talking about and no one knows anything to help the withdrawals it’s so frustrating feeling so sick but knowing there’s no cure and not knowing how long you’ll be sick for. Any advice on literally any of this would be appreciated.

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What dosage were you on, for how long, what did you decrease to, and over what period of time? Your withdrawal symptoms sound extreme. Realize that "waiting it out" could take months. Have you read other posts under this same heading? There is much helpful information here. There is also Outro dot com for information on the proper way to discontinue Effexor/venlafaxine.

REPLY
1916 | @steve9852 | 9 hours ago
In reply to @abigailrose130 "I am struggling so much with these withdrawals. I would rate this #3 on the worst..." + (show)
@abigailrose130

I am struggling so much with these withdrawals. I would rate this #3 on the worst things I’ve felt #1 being csf leak to put that in perspective.
I am nauseous and my stomach is killing me and then I’m not nauseous and I’m throwing up non stop. Not to mention the zaps that feel like they’re everywhere in my body. Dizziness, shaking, light sensitivity. Every-time I look around after unfocusing my eyes I have the sensation that I’m falling and it feels like every part of my body is being zapped. Also what’s up with the random crying. It’s day 7 now and it feels like it comes in strong waves. Urgent care couldn’t help, I called the er and they gave me anti nausea medication. I am a nanny and can’t work so I’ve spent the week in bed and I know I’m probably going to get fired but I mean I think it’s a tad bit valid that holding an infant isn’t the best idea I was also told not to drive due to my dizziness and random throwing up spells.
Today was my first day going out and I was dripping in sweat trying to not throw up or pass out.
My mom thinks I just have to keep going and wait it out but I feel like I’m loosing my mind. No doctor I’ve spoke to even knows what I’m talking about and no one knows anything to help the withdrawals it’s so frustrating feeling so sick but knowing there’s no cure and not knowing how long you’ll be sick for. Any advice on literally any of this would be appreciated.

Jump to this post

Withdrawal was horrible for me. Similar to what you describe. I’m not on a large dose, 75 mg. But I’m a small person, losing 25% of my body weight Due to lack of appetite caused by depression, if that matters. I couldn’t go down to 37.5 as doctor prescribed. I Had same or similar feelings as you describe, fortunately far less intense, I was on 75mg for decades. It didn’t work well, so a doctor doubled it. Within 6 or 8 hours I experienced urinary incontinence and a horrible experience with the same HMO’s Urology dept.

Now I’m back on 37.5 but along with 10mg Prozac. It’s working. We are all different. This is only to suggest that your doctor consider adding an additional SSRI in a smaller dose to accompany that withdrawal from whatever dosage you are using to taper off. I have no idea if it’ll help. It just made a world of difference to me. I think it’s irresponsible for doctors to prescribe drugs from which withdrawal can be so horrible.

Good luck!

REPLY
julishka | @julishka | 6 hours ago
In reply to @abigailrose130 "I saw somewhere online that Benadryl helps with the withdrawals (I think so you just sleep..." + (show)
@abigailrose130

I saw somewhere online that Benadryl helps with the withdrawals (I think so you just sleep through them) but I’ve been taking Benadryl every night and it puts me out. I DoorDashed it due to stores being closed so maybe you could do the same if you don’t want to wait:)

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When I mentioned Benadryl she said don’t take benedryl its linked to development of dementia. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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