Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Taylor, please for your own sake and that of your family..... see a doctor. For some people, medication may be a necessary evil. Do what you have to. The quality of your life is important. Maybe you can try a different anti depressant, but your family will know and you will be miserable. Don't give up!

You are still getting brain zaps a month after you're off it?

Some have mentioned it here. I have mine on order before I start. Many have said it's really helpful...

@taylorwatkins13

Your name rings a bell, I might have replied to you. I looked back but didn’t find your post. I’ll have to make a more intense look later.
I too was depressed, at least that’s what my doctor said. I always had a handle on my emotions but while reading a letter I started to cry and cry again while watching a sad movie. First let me say I understand people are unique and some need alternative therapies. I was criticized for saying this in the past but I sincerely believe it to be true so here goes. A UPS man delivered a package to me and we were talking about depression. His son was depressed. He told his son “You have a choice, you can be happy or sad, it’s up to you.” I truly believe that’s true. I thought hard about that and stopped my medication. I feel you need to believe in yourself and have confidence. I feel when you dwell on yourself you’re going to be miserable and/or unhappy. When I developed Epilepsy which was very severe from day one I didn’t have my emotions in order and had a nervous breakdown. I kicked holes in nearly all doors in the house, painted my bedroom black, threw my TV out my bedroom window and it only got worse from there. I was a raving lunatic. My parents took me to a couple Psychiatrists but nothing helped until my Dad got fed up. After he fixed all the doors the window, helped me repaint my room and even bought me a new TV which I certainly didn’t deserve. Then he sat me down (Probably not to gently either) and told me “How the Cow ate the Cabbage.” Maybe your family needs to tell you “How the Cow ate the Cabbage.”
Were you once social and withdrew from that? Were you always depressed? You must know why it’s hard to make it threw the day. Maybe you do need to see a doctor. You might need medication to get over the hump but don’t keep taking it and using it as a crutch. Your going to have to face your problems. You have no choice about that if you ever expect to regain true happiness. Remember, you only get out of life what you’re willing to put into it. Don’t be afraid to ask God for help, “With Him all things are Possible.” I’m sure you know how to be happy and I have faith that you’ll succeed. Please keep us informed.
Wishing you the best health and happiness ever!!!

@terri672

Excellent post!!! Concise and to the point. Wish I could do that. Colleen would be thrilled not to read my ramblings I’m sure.

Hi, @taylorwatkins13 — really glad to hear from you. I am glad your awful withdrawal symptoms have gotten much better. I am also glad you are self-aware enough to realize you are having a hard time getting through the day now. I think that knowing where you are at helps.

I would encourage you to be open to taking another antidepressant — at least talking to a psychiatrist about the possibility — since you are feeling extremely depressed now. A number of years ago I was having issues with the antidepressant I was taking — Citalopram (Celexa) — because I no longer experienced high highs or low lows in my emotional spectrum. It also made me gain weight, which I certainly didn't want. Through explaining all this to my psychiatrist, he was able to see what I needed and wanted in an antidepressant and prescribed something different, which turned out to be just the thing to help me. I think that in the same way, if you visited with your doctor about what you need and want, he or she might be able to figure out what would be best for you, if another medication was where they thought you should go.

I think that not having my depression negatively affect my kids also really motivated me — I wanted to be as level as possible for them. I think that is a good measure — looking at whether you are where you want to be emotionally to be the mom you want to be.

I know you mentioned your husband is often gone with the military. If you were to go in to the doctor, would one of your girlfriends take your children for a bit? Or do you have any family nearby?

@jakedduck1
Leonard, thanks for sharing your story here, now. I have never heard it before. I heartily agree with you about deciding what kind of life you choose to live.
You and I are do what it takes kind of people.
What is your motivation?????????
Bright Wings
Still in intensive change myself after this last Sacred Ceremony. I will protect this healing time for myself and probably return in a few days. It was the most profound ceremony yet. I am humbled and so grateful. Returning soon.

Thank you! I have an appointment with my doctor. But unfortunately it isn’t for two weeks. I go to a naval hospital for my PCM and it is very busy. I don’t have family nearby. They are on the other side of the country. I don’t know many people here yet. I will probably bring my kids with me to the appointment.

I’ve been depressed most of my life. I don’t know how to be happy unfortunately. I’m sure somewhere deep down I do. But I’m 25 and I haven’t found how to be just yet. I have my reasons. I will talk to my doctor about it for sure. Thanks for your blunt response. I wish it were that easy.

I won’t give up. It isn’t in my nature. Thank you ♥️