Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

A couple of doctors have mentioned bipolar but I’m mainly depressed with high anxiety. Had to be hospitalized recently and am still recovering. In the past, I have tested low for vitamin D but stopped taking it as I live half the year in Florida. I also take synthroid (generic). I took cytomel for over 10 years but have stopped taking it recently. Do you have a diagnosis?

Most importantly I’m not a doctor although in the past that hasn’t precluded me from telling a couple doctors off. When I told my Dads doc his diagnosis was wrong I was proven correct in court with multiple experts. No diagnosis but I have more questions and statements for you if you don’t mind. 1...Simply moving to Florida is not going to bring your Vitamin D level into a normal range. 2...Are you tired, cold, depressed, do your joints hurt (other than arthritis) how about constipation. Can’t remember any other symptoms. You should ask your doctor first or better yet an Endocrinologist but I bet they would say you should take at least 1000IU of Vitamin D a day and that’s if you take a small dose of Synthroid. The safe amount is 4000iu a day. I take 6000iu a day because Anticonvulsants zap it out of your system. Most people have low D in this country and probably all around the world. I’m sure you know to take your thyroid alone before eating and wait at least 30 minutes before taking other pills or food. Vitamin D is essential to help calcium be absorbed into the bones. Yak at you later

why do I get 'duplicates' of older e mails ?

I stopped taking effexor three weeks ago cold turkey after 10 years for depression and anxiety. It has not been a good experience to say the least. I was prescribed 150 mg per day. I was not aware of the seriousness of not taking the drug at the same time every day. I thought that I was suffering from Vertigo until I read an article about the Venaflexin. I was prescribed medication for Vertigo, but now know that I was suffering from not taking the Venaflexin as prescribed. When I got sick (fatigue, horrendous vomiting, sweats, diarrhea, brain zaps), I thought I was suffering from Vertigo I wouldn't take the effexor because I was too nauseous. It was a vicious circle. I have been withdrawing for three weeks. My doctor doesn't know. I am now taking my low dose BP pill and one 50 mg tramadol pill daily for back pain. I'm suppose to take four tramadol daily and two xanax. I'll probably have to take take the recommended dose for the tramadol (it helps) and Xanax as needed. Also having mood changes, such as anxiety and anger.

Hi. I am doing this with my psychiatrist's close monitoring. down by 37.5 every 2 weeks if i can handle it. Currently im on 300mg.

@terra

I want to welcome you to the Mayo Connect online community. I am a Volunteer Mentor and am not a medical professional. I share information, ideas, my personal experience, and support for members. I am alarmed by your post that you have gone off Effexor cold turkey. Please go back to your dosing schedule and read the information below:

I have copied a post from another community member who has been through the withdrawal process. Please take her seriously.

"@fallenangel13
DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY. DO NOT!
Click on my name and read my first post. That is what is waiting for you if you do. I had a mini stroke by doing that before I found this site.
I am an RN. I am aware that relationships can be complicated between doctors and patients but something doesn't feel right here.
If your doc won't help you, find one who will. There are plenty of docs and PA's out there.
Smiling at you, Bright Wings" (click on @brightwings )brightwings

I also recommend that you contact your pharmacist about how to withdraw from Effexor. This drug has dangerous and hard withdrawal symptoms so please get help. Contact your doctor as well and let him know what you are doing.

Gailb
Volunteer Mentor

Does it need to be D3 or just vitamin D?

@terra, @fallenangel13
Bright wings here, my last Effexor was March 14th but I had been reducing my med since last summer.
1. Please, please go out this am and find a vape shop or a hippie shop. Do yourselves a huge favor and get CBD oil at least 200 mg on the front of the bottle. IT WILL CUT YOUR SYMPTOMS IN HALF. I take 50 mg 3 times a day and I will take this for the rest of my life. It makes me feel much better and better yet, it makes my 8 year old dog dance like a puppy. I will also give it to my dog for the rest of its life. I have to say, I am 67 and firmly thought this was just hippee poop. IT IS NOT!
2. TAKE your extended release capsules and break them open. Then start reducing how many beads you take each day. It is a much kinder way to get off this drug. If you do a search here for @coloradogirl she is the one who shared this tremendous tip. Just click on her name. Then follow her tips.
I wish you well, smiling at you, Bright Wings

Hi, all – I believe something that was posted a while ago on going off venlafaxine (Effexor) cold turkey bears repeating: a slow taper is usually recommended to avoid significant withdrawal-like symptoms and the possibility it may cause a sudden worsening of depression. This also echoes what @gailb, @darlal, @brightwings and others in this discussion have said.

We previously asked a Mayo Clinic pharmacist to weigh in on the topic of tapering and stopping venlafaxine (Effexor). See her post here: http://mayocl.in/2E74p0j

Some key points from her post are:
– Most antidepressants should be tapered before discontinuing.
– Abrupt discontinuation of venlafaxine is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse than many other antidepressants because of its short half-life.
– The most important thing to remember is that each patient is different and may respond differently to the same treatment.

We recommend telling your doctor about your wish to stop and discuss the best way for you. Your pharmacist also may have some useful guidance in the process of stopping this medication.

RE Xanax : was extremely hard to get off of . Went to ER with 300 BP