← Return to Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@patricia1955

This is my weaning schedule which I followed and can say I thought I was going to die! Effexor - went from 300 to 150 for four days then 75 for four days then 37 1/2 for 6 days. At the same time I was weaning off Atavan and Amitryptaline. Towards the end he introduced Trintellix and Neurontin. I have been so sick, mentally and physically. I went almost all day without a headache today. I still cry, exhausted, ruminating and feeling like I will never laugh again. But I was in such bad emotional shape with the drugs I was on that I stayed in my house for six years.
I kept promising my mom a trip when I felt better, but I never felt better. My mom died on Valentines Day I never took her anywhere. I am sobbing just writing this. I have PTSD and MDD. I have battled to stay alive for 63 yrs., now after losing so much of life I really hope this works.
I have never been so sick but I will do anything to get better. I can't sleep because of the pain in my head, ruminating, restlessness. I see my psychiatrist tomorrow. I go to bed at night and ask that tomorrow will be better.
Sorry for rambling, drugs, pain and a broken heart.

Jump to this post


Replies to "This is my weaning schedule which I followed and can say I thought I was going..."

Hi, @patricia1955. Wow, weaning off of three medications at one time sounds challenging.

Really sorry to hear that you wanted to take your mom on a trip when you felt better, but that time never came before she passed away on Valentine's. Very sorry to hear of her loss. Sounds like she meant a lot to you.

A couple other threads here on Connect you may want to check out are:
- https://mayocl.in/2NbhXbW, on loss and grief
- https://mayocl.in/2uqCkdq, on PTSD

You mentioned feeling so terribly sick. Is this just from medication withdrawal, or other health issues?

@patricia1955 . please take encouragement from the fact I suffered everything you are going thru and the agoraphobia! And I made it!! Going on 5 days now..no Effexor! Its a slow process. Everyone is different. But...This IS the place for rambling!! Others will read, offer advice and encouragement...the folks on here are knowledgeable and you will know you are not alone. If I can do it so can you!! I applaude your courage.

You are far from being alone. I have been on this horrible satanic drug for almost 20 years. I have attempted twice to get off this drug with no luck. I have had more problem either getting my script or my insurance issues et . I'd swear the system was against me . Here I have just relocated applied for medical in Jan.2018. was hospitalized March 1st. It is July 13th still no primary doctor group so no access to a doc. My old do says they will no longer be get refund my meds! Ok great they said I have to go-to ER or urgeny care to see if I can get some! SERIOUSLY I am so mad. Spent the morning o. The phone asking g specifically if they take medical and if I'd be able to get my script. Drove 20 miles get almost do e with check in and they tell me I have to. Go to anER. Are you kidding. I haven't had any pills now for 3 weeks. I'm tired of being nauseous and the rain thing. I am riding this out this time. I'm tired of keeping docs and big phaa employed! Us no one cares how we feel or what we are experiencing. Oone not family. O one. We have to stand together. Stay strong and keep pushing.