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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (6363)Comment receiving replies
I am really struggling with the withdrawal off of Effexor. I had taken it for about 10 years. First subscribed after divorce of 30 year marriage and then five years later lost my son to PTSD related suicide from serving 3 tours to Iraq. The Effexor was making me physically ill. My BP was off the charts and no bp meds were helping. I was a walking sweat box. By the time I had showered, done my hair and got dressed, I was ready for another shower. At night I had to get up and change my pjs, sheets, blankets or put a dry beach towel down to get back to sleep. At my last PCP I told him I thought I had a kidney infection so he did a urine culture. He found a "considerable amount" of blood in my urine. I was retested the following three months and referred to a urologist. I began reading symptoms of long term use of Effexor and decided it was causing severe physical complications. I found a reputable psychiatrist (good luck with that!) and told her about my physical problems and my concern about the Effexor. She acted like it was a piece of cake to get off of it. She weaned me off of the Effexor (took about 4 weeks) while she started me on Prozac. The Prozac was increased as the Effexor was decreased. I immediately noticed that I didn't have that "foggy brain" that I had had for so many years and felt like my concentration definitely improved. Then BAM! After being off of the Effexor for about two months, my anxiety is off the charts. Before I even open my eyes in the morning, the anxiety is unbearable. I have a little wiener dog that I have to get up and feed and let out. I literally feel like getting in my vehicle and running it into the river. It's total hell. I eat a bit of breakfast and try to get on with my day but within an hour I am literally incapable of taking care of myself or my dog. I become paralyzed with the anxiety. Absolutely paralyzed. I cannot function. I have asked my psych to up the Xanax to 3 or 4 .25 tabs a day but she's refusing telling me I just have to tough it out. By noon or 1:00 I have already taken the 2 tabs allowed for the day and then the anxiety REALLY goes through the roof. I try to stay busy, (I'm retired) but I literally cannot function. If I can heat up a can of soup to eat for the day or load the dishwasher, I feel like I've accomplished something. It is absolutely HORRIBLE. My 60th bday was last week and I was in such horrible shape I couldn't leave the house to go to dinner with my daughter and her family. Now I am having the "flu like" symptoms of withdrawal; achy joints, nausea and diarhea (sp??) and extreme weakness. I can barely stand long enough to get from the couch or bed to the bathroom. And taking a shower doesn't happen but maybe once a week. I'm wondering if I'm going to survive this. It is such a double edged sword. I know the Efffexor was killing me, literally, with my kidney and bp problems but I'm seriously wondering if I'm going to make it through this. All I think about is killing myself because I don't see a way out of this....I know that grief plays a huge part of my anxiety and depression and the holidays are definitely a trigger, but I have never felt this badly in the six years since my son is gone....I feel like a train wreck.....
Replies to "I am really struggling with the withdrawal off of Effexor. I had taken it for about..."
Sadiesmom, I also have been reading about TMS for depression and the good results they have been achieving on many people without the side effects of drugs.
Thank you for your kindness.....hugs.
Never heard of TMS.....what is it?
@sadsadiesmom - I wrote a note to you last night, but my Internet wasn't up to speed, and it never sent.
I can't even imagine how much you are going through right now. I wish I could give you a magic, quick and easy answer, but alas, I'm not a magician. What I can offer is my prayers.
Have you considered calling the suicide hotline? Though it doesn't sound like you're at risk right now, they may very well be able to offer or recommend some resources.
I pray that you'll find the best treatment for all of the pain you're living with right now. I'm glad that you have reached out to this Mayo group. We understand at least to some extent what you're experiencing.
Jim
Jim, thank you so much for your kind words. Baby steps, one foot in front of the other....I just want to find some peace and happiness on this earth...just a little....
yes, wanted to know that as well?
What is TMS?
@bekinprogress @sadiesmom, I believe that Wendy is referring to transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS. You can read more about it here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/home/ovc-20163795
sadiesmom, gosh..bless your soul. I'm not a doctor but when my anxiety and panic attacks were at their highest, .25 did nothing for me! And I'm sensitive to most medicines. I don't take any med except the Effexor. I take about 6 vitamins along with it. Even though I have been feeling good I would still like to get off the Effexor before it starts causing any issues. I got on this chat as I've been thinking about it and now I'm nervous to take the plunge but also glad to know of these symptoms so that it will not freak me out if I have start having some of them. I know how I felt and I couldn't think or get anything accomplished either. If I got my kids home from school I was doing good. I cried and was very scared A LOT! I was scared to take xanax thinking it would make me feel more sad but when I finally did and it took the edge off I'd wished I had done it earlier. I would take one .25 and didn't feel any better. My friend who was a nurse said to take another one that at the hospital they don't give less than .5 in the hospital so I did and was scared since I have am typically so sensitive to meds. My doctor then told me to take the .5 in the morning and the evening but this is when I also started the Effexor. I did me a world of good and I the xanax for 2 weeks 2 times a day and got over my hump and was in a better place. I know it's addictive and that is why they are so careful about using it but my doctor says I have anxiety disorder and that is what xanax should be used for. I still take it when needed maybe once a month or less but I'm thinking I will have to use it when weaning. This just may be a time you need a little more help for a week or so until you are feeling a little better and able to go exercise and function normally. I WISH YOU THE BEST b/c I know what it's like to feel like that and it's awful! Take Care of yourself!
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I am so so sorry to hear of your pain and struggles. Please keep trying to find another doctor more capable of helping you with your symptoms. You can’t always tough it out. It takes strength to ask for help.
Depression and anxiety are so debilitating but they do get better. My thoughts and love for a happy future are sent from Australia for you. Xxx