Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@msrubi52 I started taking anti-depresssnts after having a stroke 11 years ago. The stroke caused a complete personality change in me and I was extremely emotional and constantly agitated. I started with Paxil, then Celexa, then Effexor (generic form). The anti-depressants did help a lot with the emotional part but not quite as well for the aggitation. I would also have outbursts of crying &/or laughing at the weirdest times for no reason. The anti-depressants helped with that too. After being on Effexor for the last 8 years I felt it was actually making me feel worse and when I tried to increase the dose I started sweating profusely. So we decided to try Wellbutrin recently. My doctor weaned me off the Effexor over a month’s time and added the Wellbutrin during my last week of 37.5mg Effexor. On day 3 of no Effexor I started having horrible withdrawals. After a couple days I decided if I was going to go through these withdrawals I would go off the Wellbutrin too (had only been taking 1 week). I really want to see if I can handle life without the anti-depressants. Today is day 19 of no anti-depressants and for the first time I’m not badly dizzy. The withdrawals from Effexor are horrible to say the least. In my opinion, this experience has made me think twice about having to go on them again. However, I will make that decision next month when I see my doctor again. I just know that if I must go back on them I will never go off again and that doesn’t make me happy. I’m trying to make diet changes and some other changes in hopes of helping my issues but not sure what will happen. There are others whose depression is much worse than mine and the anti-depressants help them greatly. I am happy for them! I am just so skeptical now after seeing how these meds truly effect us in the long scheme of things. Sorry for my ‘book’, just wanted to explain my journey a little.

@msrubi52

I only took Effexor long enough to know that it wasn't working for me, so I don't have the experience to help you, but I've read many posts here from people who have suffered various side effects from taking Effexor, not to mention the withdrawal. If you'll browse through the comments, I think you'll find quite a few accounts in answer to your questions.

It sounds like it's a medication to be avoided, but each person is different, and responds to meds in many different ways. I hope you learn enough to help you make an informed decision.

Jim

Hello, everyone:
I just joined the group a few moments ago so this is my very first post. I, too, have been on Effexor XR for an extended period of time (20 years) and am so glad to have found this group. It is heartening to know I am not the only one who has experienced these God-awful side effects and has tried several times to switch, taper off, or go cold turkey. Blessings on you all and keep on keeping on!

@lalyfa all the antidepressants have some side effects, weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. I spoke to a client today who I know takes Effexor and she was very honest. she said it was prescribed after a suicide attempt, been on in 10 years and she said she spoke to her doctor about staying on in forever. I asked her why and she said “I just feel like I’m a nicer person I enjoy life more I enjoy being around people I’m not angry and it makes me just want to be nice to people.” which I totally get it because I’m feeling quite the opposite, very angry and very hostile irritable and the anxiety just makes all that worse. my options are really limited here so I guess I really have no choice but to try this.

Hi, I was also prescribed Effexor recently. Although I hear so much about withdrawal it is working very well for me. I feel like my old self for the first time in a long time. It was just he easiest medication change I ever had. I had tried numerous other meds after my Celexa stopped working. My husband was switched from Effexor to Cymbalta in the past few months and it was done very slowly and he had minor side effects. He was on it for 15 years. I think you need a real good Dr who knows how to titrate your meds. Hopefully I will continue the feel good. Wish me luck!

@vdandy I do wish you good luck with the Effexor. It's nice to hear a positive story about it, it seems to have been such a negative experience for so many.
JK

Hello, @livingwiththechallenge2018. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sounds like you've had a lot of awful side effects with trying to taper, switch or quit venlafaxine (Effexor XR).

How is this medication working for you symptom-wise right now?

Currently experiencing Venaflaxine withdrawl symptoms. Confusion, outbreaks of uncontrollable crying, dizziness, REALLY slow cognitive processes... Have been on Sertraline 100 mg/day and Venaflaxine 150mg/day for several years. Really want to face the music and deal with my anxiety and depression without medication if possible. Started weaning myself off both meds. Reduced Sertraline to 50 mg/day for four weeks, then reduced Venaflaxine to 75mg/day for four weeks, then stopped the sertraline completely for four weeks and just this week stopped the last of the Venaflaxine. MAJOR mistake, I believe. I am almost hallucinating. Dizziness, period uncontrollable weeping, confusion... Surprisingly, no anxiety or depression (original diagnosis). Overall the worst is just this incredible cognitive sluggishness. As a public figure addressing groups regularly 4-5 times/week. This is going to be a problem. I hope to be able to see my GP (prescribing DR) this week. This discussion thread has helped immensely to process my confusion...

Hi Effexor comes in 37 mg that might be Better than stoppIng all together. Hope you can get to a Dr right away or maybe he/she could call the script in, not sure though. Hope you feel better.

Hi all .... it's been awhile since I've been here. I had a real shock today and frankly don't know how I'll pay it. I had to renew 4 Rx's today, and the total for all 4 is over $200. The two highest ones are Effexor (90 tablets-2 a day), and Wellbutrin (90 tablets - 1 a day.). I can't afford this and these are the generics.I already live in low income housing and am just making it, and now these prices have skyrocketed!
abby