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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Nov 11 7:38am | Replies (6363)Comment receiving replies
Hi, new.to Connect but not so new to.taking meds for.severe anxiety, major depressive disorder, ptsd. As an adult.child of an alcoholic father and addict mother, I think depression and trauma began very young. I always remained determined to be a "positive happy person", not even realizing the depression I had. 2010, I had been divorced for 2 1/2 years, remarried for 1 1/2. We were expecting our my 4th son, he was stillborn five days before his due date. Since that day almost eight yrs ago, ive had extreme fear of loss and death, my husband got kidney cancer in 2013 and months after I began having nonepileptic seizures. Ive taken what felt like a pharmacy since and am FINALLY out of that dark.hole of hell! Thank the Lord and my determination to never give up hope! I began Remeron last June and it has saved my life in combo w effexor HOWEVER, now id love to wean off and the "zaps" and all the other hell of withdrawal are killing me! As a mom to 4 living boys and a disabled husband, my sanity is greatly needed! Lol ive just taken fish oil and have been doing yoga for about four months. Yoga has been a life saver as well as the remeron even is ive gained 30 lbs!!! I always have been tiny (100 lbs) so weight is fine but being a neurotic ranting lunatic is not going to work, GAAAAHHH! Sorry for the novel, just feeling frustrated!!!
Replies to "Hi, new.to Connect but not so new to.taking meds for.severe anxiety, major depressive disorder, ptsd. As..."
Hi, @queenbtrfly - I would like to add my welcome along with @lisalucier and @jimhd. Withdrawal symptoms from some drugs can sometimes be worse than what they were meant to fix. Each person can react differently when weaning off of the drugs. If you haven't already discussed the problems you are having with your doctor it might be good to seek their help in coming up with a tapering plan to lessen the withdrawal symptoms. I'm struggling myself trying to get off of prednisone so I can understand the frustration.
Hoping you find some relief soon.
John
Hello @queenbtrfly
Let me also add my welcome to Mayo Connect. Here you will find a very supportive community of people who are caring and encouraging.
I certainly admire your desire to keep a positive attitude and I can understand your frustration. You have a lot going on in your life right now and you need the all the support you can get.
You indicated that the combo of Remeron and Effexor has been a lifesaver. May I ask why you are trying to wean off? Was it at your doctor's recommendation or are you having some other problems as a result of the med(s)?
As Jim, @jimhd said there are a lot of discussions on Mayo Connect regarding withdrawing from meds and you might find them helpful.
We look forward to getting to know you. Will you please keep posting and let us know how you are doing?
Teresa
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Hi, @queenbtrfly
As Lisa said, there's been a lot of discussion about stopping Effexor, and I think you'll find some of it helpful.
Having lived with depression and all the other stuff, I can understand how very difficult making changes in meds can be. You'll find that you're not alone in this. I won't say more, as I couldn't add anything new to what others have said about withdrawal from Effexor.
I wish you well. I invite you to go to the Mental Health group, where you can find a number of good conversations going on.
Jim