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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 18 hours ago | Replies (6411)Comment receiving replies
Hi there! I am new to Connect, but hopefully can offer some insight. I DID go off 150 Effexor XR (name brand) COLD TURKEY on January 2016. I survived it, but will never in my life EVER go off ANY antidepressant cold turkey. I had taken Effexor for at least 8 years, Zoloft prior to that and and Imipramine (sp?) as the first antidepressant (in all 25+ years on antidepressants.) It all started with running out of meds over a long weekend and deciding it was time to try to get off antidepressants to see how I would do. Since I had recently retired from teaching, thought this would be an ideal time to give it a go. In addition, Effexor just wasn't helping all that much anymore (I thought.) The first 3 days I felt like I was going to die! When I realized that I wasn't dying, decided to keep going to get it all over with. In addition to the symptoms you have heard about, I had deep bone/joint pain that felt like I was being pinched with clamps. Also had skin sensations and peeling, and noticed a strange smell on my skin. Each day got a little better and by the 3rd week started to function a bit more normally. I was very emotional, however, which caused my family great concern. Well, to make a long story short, the depression crept back in full and I am still trying to get my life back. I did everything I could to stay stable, including herbal supplements and took a vacation where I hiked 6 miles daily for 9 days on hilly, rocky terrain. I finally had to accept that I'm a person who will need antidepressants for the rest of my life. With the help of a PCP and counselor, I am on my 3rd antidepressant & may need to resort to going back on Effexor, because nothing seems to be working. All in all, in my opinion, the chronic depression is worse than the withdrawal symptoms that do eventually end. If you are a person with situational depression, you may be successful weaning off Effexor gradually. If I were to do it again, that's what I would do (while replacing Effexor with something else.) Here are the things that helped me with the physical withdrawal symptoms:
1. Get plenty of sleep/rest.
2. Eat a very well-balanced diet (this is not the time to worry about your weight.) Lots of soup & easy to digest foods the 1st few days.
3. Drink plenty of water, including coconut water.
4. Have a glass of wine in the evening (if advisable.)
5. Get outside and walk or other excersize (the warm sunshine will feel good!)
6. Hot yoga 3-4 times per week. Stay in class even if you feel nauseous & can only do a few postures.
7. Soak in a hot tub (with bath salts if available.)
8. Use a good moisturizer on face & body several times per day.
9. Get several professional massages.
10. Take Tylenol for muscle pain, if OK on your stomach.
11. A heating pad is also helpful at bedtime or during naps.
12. If you are single & live alone, make sure a few trusted friends/family members know what you are doing.
13. In general, be kind & gentle to yourself.
14. NEVER give up! Keep going, even when you don't feel like it (which will be often.) YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!
Replies to "Hi there! I am new to Connect, but hopefully can offer some insight. I DID go..."
I especially appreciated your advice. Due to dangerously low blood sodium levels my PCP removed me from effexor xr 75mg -- 1/2 dose for 3 days then off completely on 4th day (was on this for 15 years). I've experienced every conceivable side effect except brain shivers, but now 6 weeks later I'm ready to jump out of my skin. At the same time I have back & knee injuries which have prevented me from exercising ( I'll be returning to gym soon). My question to anyone is just how long these side effects will last. I'm cranky & more impatient with some people ... uncomfortable with myself. I see PCP in 2 days & will request a SSRI (Celexa, Lexapro) in low dose to enable me to function in my life.
I can't thank you enough, I was on pristiq for a year, which was absolutely fabulous,.. Until my work insurance wouldn't cover it, and my Physician told me they will probably cover Effexor xl, he said it basically the same thing (um no),.. Although it has "venaflaxin" in its name.... Not the same drug at all,.. I've Been on the Effexor xl for about two months now, and I do not feel good at all, very tired, I don't sleep, my "drive" for life is gone,.. I feel (for me) this is a terrible drug,.. Now I just want to get off of it as soon as possible,.. Maybe even "cold turkey", as I'm only on 75mg,..amd for only two months,.. I was wondering what you think?, (yes I did read what you had written, which is/was very helpful),.. But I'm still unsure, lol... If that makes sense,... I also wanted to state to you,. I'm assuming your situation may be better than mine,.. But you really should inquire a out the "PRISTIQ",. I can say in all honesty, that, it is very well received, by myself, and an acociate of mine, nothing but good things about it,. And what I've read as well,.. Take care, hope all is well 🙂
Thank you so much careth2 for your post. My mom was on Effexor XR for a few months. Started with the lowest dose till she got to 300. She was on 300 for a week (along with Wellbutrin) but the shaking was so bad, it was like she had Parkinsons. Her doctor has weened her off to zero but we're thinking dr did it too drastically bc mom's got all the symptoms you mentioned,all of which kick in around mid day and get worse till she takes a xanax for bed. she has horrible dreams, she cries constantly, needs to scream to release pressure, says she feels like her head is "big"..she's dizzy etc. it's awful. we're going to her dr. tomorrow to find out about next steps. praying we get her on a better med this time around. glad to know the effexor withdrawal goes away. praying mom can hang on till then
@careth2 I really like your advice. It’s hopeful. I’m getting off effexor and I’m at 12.5 am and again 12.5 pm. And I don’t feel good - have nausea and crying and headache and general anxiety. Dr. wants me to add prozac but I’m afraid because there’s startup issues with SSRIs that might make all this worse. What do you think? Appreciate your kind thoughts.
Thank you for this helpful information! I’ve recently been to a specialty clinic that is offering Spravato nasal spray. I don’t believe it yet, but they are helping people off anti depressants . Will keep you posted, my insurance just approved the medication . Haven’t had my first treatment yet. Google ketamine for severe depression on 60 minutes.
I was on effexor and many other SSRIS SSNIs etc. I was a zombie so I went off of everything by myself. I went to the hospital and went on a mood stabilizer, "Lamictal" and there are newer ones out there. I was either happy or really sad and felt no joy. The mood stabilizer helps the dopamine in your brain and it changed my life. I felt joy, I wasn't tired, I didn't gain weight, I didn't have restless legs anymore. Good luck to you.
Hi Careth2 - I realize that we went through similar experiences while withdrawing from Effexor. Unfortunately, I am also realizing that the anti-depressant that I am using as a replacement is not working at all - Trintellix. Can you tell me if you, in the meantime, found an anti-depressant that is working for you and if it yes, can you please tell me the name of it? I sure hope you are doing fine now!
Hello! I’m new to this page. I was on Effexor for 7 years and got off in June 2020. Everything was fine until October 2020 when I started to feel overwhelmed and anxious. It’s hasn’t stopped. I am wondering if my body is still adjusting form being on the Effexor (it’s Feb. 2022) or am I just depressed and I need to get back on something? Thanks!
Can I ask how long the body pain lasted? I am off of it now for 5 weeks and my body hurts so much. Legs, back, feet...it's awful. Just wondering if this is my new reality. I'm just 51.
Thank you
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I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. My history is similar to yours, I have been on several antidepressants starting with Prozac for 30+ years.