Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you
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It will be 4 months at the end of March that I completely stopped Effexor. I continue to suffer from extreme fatigue, hypoglycemic like symptoms, anxiety and shakiness. My cortisol is high at night which interferes with a good night's sleep. I have eliminated wheat from my diet, high carbohydrate foods and sugar. My diet is good and I am eating vegetables, seafood and other foods that provide protein. I rarely eat red meat. I don't know if these symptoms are a result from withdrawal from Effexor or caused by Adrenal dysfunction. Has anyone else experienced these side effects? If so, how long do/did they last in this withdrawal process?
I, too, am suffering from extreme fatigue. I am now about 6 months out from the time I started weaning off of the Effexor. I am also experiencing severe gastric problems and have seen a gastroenterologist. He did blood work to check my adrenal and thyroid function and those both came back "normal". I lost my son 6 years ago to PTSD related suicide and I know that grief plays a HUGE role in my problems. Grief, depression and continued anxiety over losing my son are a certain cause of fatigue. I am divorced and live alone, am retired and just can't seem to find my purpose in this world. I live in Ohio and the weather has been unrelenting this winter. Cold and dreary which also adds to my depression. I am trying to eat healthier, eliminating sugar and processed foods. I don't eat red meat either. Actually, my appetite is almost nonexistent and have lost 30 lbs since January when the REAL side effects of the withdrawal hit me like a ton of bricks. From what I have read, it can take 6 months to a year to be totally free from the effects of withdrawal. I am hoping once the weather breaks, I can get out and ride my bike and walk. I am 60 years old and feel like I have a lot of life to live but dealing with the chronic fatigue is truly making me wonder how much longer I can go on. I have no motivation to do anything and rarely leave my home. I saw someone shared a post about CDB oil and I ordered the drops online today. I'm at my wit's end and will try anything at this point....I wish you the best....I guess the only thing we can do at this point is be patient, continue eating healthily and getting exercise which is a natural seratonin booster. God, I wish I could get my life back....
I took your advice and placed my first order today....we shall see....
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I just had to move to another room because the sound of my boyfriend’s phone was making me angry. Completely irrational to let something so silly to get me heated... yet here I am - alone and angry over something dumb.
But that is just my disease and the withdrawal getting to me. I read a book once that said “you are not your mind” and that really resonated with me. Sometimes your mind is broken, but that doesn’t mean you are broken. You are you, beautifully imperfect. Please know that the negative thoughts don’t define you.
@nicolejewel this is very interesting to me! I’ve been off Effexor or over 2 months now. I am hesitant to go back on any other anti-depressants now that I’ve experienced the horror of withdrawal. However, I know I need “help” and have just started trying CBD oil BUT I am curious about your results with a GF diet. How would I go about getting tested or do you feel it’s best to give it a try on my own to see f I feel better? How do I go about getting started on a GF diet? Could you post exactly what you did and any tips?
On day 2 of the Green Roads CBD oil, 100mg. I started small but will increase in a day or two. I’m hoping for great success!
So glad it’s helping you but I too would love to know how you got started on GF diet and how you are sticking with it. I have r as a little about it but just seems like it would be hard to stick with it especially if one is already feeling down.
I'm curious about the gluten free diet, as well....any help would be greatly appreciated!
I ordered mine today and should get it next week. I think they suggested 350mg but I think I'm going to start slow like you....keep us posted on your progress. I am hoping that this horrible fatigue will subside with its use.
I'm so sorry that you are having such a difficult time & I understand how debilitating all of this is. I just wish the medical community would take a closer look at the health consequences caused by these powerful drugs and question why they continue to prescribe them. If I knew for certain that I would be back to a more normal life in 6 months to a year then I could probably survive this. Its the uncertainty of it all and the possibility of being like this the rest of my life that weighs me down. Please continue to update your progress via this forum & let us know how the CDB oil works. I think I may check into that as well. God Bless.