Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

You cannot buy CBD oil in my state, but I know people order it off of the internet. How did you use it? Someone mentioned edibles... please explain.... thanks

@danalee5

I meant if you were taking it other than the doctor prescribed it and in higher doses or recreationally to get high in higher doses than prescribed and perhaps not using it consistently at a regular dose.
It’s not possible as I understand it using this drug to get a high but people still try. Some mix alcohol with it others are inconsistent in the way they take it. Technically not a drug of abuse people do become psychologically dependent on it and thereby abuse it.

@terri672
Google headshopfinder in your town. You can find the CBD oil there. CBD made from hemp is legal in every state. CBD is absorbed by placing the drops under your tongue.
Edibles are available by internet or ask at your hippee shop. That's all I care to say. You have not shared much about yourself or why you are here. Wishing you well, Bright Wings

Checking in...I feel great today. Still no CBD oil. I will go get it myself if I have to but it is a 60 mile trip.
I made sure I ate well yesterday. To make up for no CBD I used 3 whole edibles. So that is 5 whole edibles in 2 days. Wow, that CBD really did something for me. I had been cutting the edibles in 8 pieces and using 2 pieces for the day and my CBD. Until I decided to cut one piece of edible while cutting back on the CBD cuz I was running out. Totally threw me back into withdrawal. I remember that pounding headache and dripping tears from the bad days of the withdrawal.
Remember, I used Effexor for 26 years. That will take a lot of brain rewiring for my brain to function well. Hmmm I will study that today.
Not quite sure how to guide my day today. No CBD at present. Going to find where it is or go get it myself. I will never run out again, that's for sure. Smiling, happy, oriented. Much better day than the last two days. Bright Wings

Thank you

I have been on Venlaflaxin (generic Effexor) 150 mg for over 6 years. FORGET it if I ever missed a dose by accident - dizzy, brain zaps, nausea, so bad I thought I would die. I finally decided to go off w/ the help of my Dr. She gave me an 8 week program and I am now on my last week at 37.5 mg every other day. Monday I took, but Tuesday was the day to not take. WELL by 2pm, the brain zaps and dizziness were so bad! I also have Vertigo medication for dizziness that the pharmacist said was ok to take. It barely helped. Wed. was a day to take and I felt better mid afternoon and by 5pm I was 100%. Well today, Thursday, was a skip day. I was back and forth and decided the worst was over or so I thought....guess again! By 3pm today, dizziness and brain zaps again! I immediately went straight to the 37.5 dose and am hoping it settles soon. I have a call into my Dr. to see what can be done. In the mean time I will continue daily w/ the 37.5. These withdrawal symptoms are so horrible and so debilitating yet no one EVER warns you about the withdrawal. I feel everyone's pain and hope once I'm off, to never take again! I am going to try Serenelle for my anxiety. It is all natural! ANYTHING is better than this!

@jdevita

I would NEVER take a drug I’m trying to stop on an every other day basis. I would lower it by 10-25% every 1-2 weeks. Eventually your taking such a small dose your body will not miss it. In my opinion going from 37.5mg to zero probably won’t work. Anxious to hear what your doctor advises. Doubt I’d take his advice seriously since he hasn’t done very well up to now. After he calls, phone your pharmacist (Don’t tell him/her it’s your docs recommendation) see what they say. The sadist part is doctors even pharmacists don’t treat patients as individuals. They have their charts and think those titration rates will work the same for everyone, but the reality is they don’t. Good luck and let us know what the doctor suggests and the pharmacist if you choose to call one.

Ok checking in again. I asked the maintenance man to check my car. I noticed instantaneously that there was no coolant in it. Who does an oil change and puts my car on the computer and doesn't notice that???? Car is driving much better but check engine light is still flashing. I will take it to a different shop for a computer check tomorrow. 1st problem almost solved...I hope.
Ok second challenge...CBD. I went to my favorite head shop and explained what happened. They fixed me right up after some discussion. So now I have Lazarus Naturals, CBD coconut oil. 1,200 mg in the jar, cost for me...$45. It seems I have been sending much business their way so they give me a 5 dollar discount. I am to use 1 tsp a day. My dog gets 2 drops. This will save me money. Yes, fist pump!
I also took my computer to the computer shop to learn how to connect the hot spot. Easy, click this button and turn on my hotspot on my phone. Done. I absolutely hate asking for help and no one responds.
Oh, it feels better to be able to function. The last 2 days were h ell. And that is 4 months and a week after my last pill.
I still have the wrong day in my head. I keep thinking it is Friday now, but its only Thursday. I have already been told by my Neuro doc years ago I will not get Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. I have no changes in my many MRI's. So my not knowing what day it is all related to this withdrawal.
Phew, I thought I missed my favorite daughters birthday. I apologized and everything. I got it right, phew!
Ok out of here. Time for CBD and a tiny piece of edible. Yes, back on MY schedule. Happy about that.
Sacred ceremony is Saturday night. I can't wait. My goal for the sacred plant medicine will be to help rewire my brain. God lead me there and the Sacred Plant medicine has helped me erase all the left over effects of my extreme abuse. Getting of this drug is the last step. YIPPEE SKIPPEE, flying again...Bright Wings, Smiling So Big

@jdevita
Some folks take those 37.5 mg and cut them in half and quarters. NEVER SKIP A DAY. Take care, Bright Wings

Ok, all you helpers here. Until we get our update to this crazy site, here is what to do to not miss the new folks posts.
If you click on the main menu, then down near the messages, you will see notifications. Click on that and all the posts appear in order posted, last one first. Just trying to help, bright wings
Ps I did that myself but my 2 latest post are not showing there. Oh well...come on upgrade!