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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 8 hours ago | Replies (6454)Comment receiving replies
I hope this postscript of mine can be added to the piece I've just this minute posted on this topic.
I am in UK.
I want to add that the mirtazapine tablets just crumble if I attempt a more gradual reduction than one half a 15mg tablet.
The capsules of Efexor spheroids made in UK are not reliable the way the Pfizer spheroids were. I tapered off those without any withdrawal effects some years ago. (225mg venlafaxine tapered at a steady rate over about 9 months.)
The Royal College of Physchiatrists says the best way to taper is by weight.
The psychiatrist who visited me told other doctors in her transfer report that tapering is up to me.
I have the Maudsley Deprescribing book coming later this week and an appointment with a neurologist because of all the shaking on Jan 8th. I'm afraid of getting no help bec they don't know the person full of vitality and joy I used to be, before "the nasty virus" in early 2023.
Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.
Replies to "I hope this postscript of mine can be added to the piece I've just this minute..."
The Maudsley Deprescribing book arrived today. It's a hefty volume but simply says to taper very gradually.
The advice is to count or weigh efexor spheroids and to mix crushed mirtazapine with water , throwing away the surplus.
And of course pause if withdrawal effects are not resolved.
For me the horrid side effects of venlafaxine & mirtazapine themselves have never resolved so there's no way to tell what is making me terribly dizzy, shakey, nauseous etc.
I'd put so much hope in this book (£45) but I'll send it back.
How did others use it, what did you do differently please?
Trembling has been a major side effect for me. Legs feel so very weak and shaky that I sometimes need to walk with a cane and I need to sit down in the shower. Please tell me if anyone out there has had this problem?
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Ask your pharmacist about a liquid solution. My pharmacist (in the US) has provided liquid solutions of mirtazapine and Effexor to his patients, which is easily decreased over time.