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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Posted by richyrich @richyrich, Nov 2, 2016

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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cherylannm | @cherylannm | Sep 3, 2018
In reply to @haleysmom "You are not alone!! I think today was day 7. I got sick 4 days ago,..." + (show)
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You are not alone!! I think today was day 7. I got sick 4 days ago, but ever since I have had headache and upset stomach but not actually getting sick. I have found that putting food in my stomach helped me though. I'm hoping this gets better soon.

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I can’t believe the side affects from this drug. I try eating then all hell breaks lose... between bathroom and throwing up at same time I don’t know what to do anymore. What a horrific drug this is. I asked my doctor my pharmacist , all they say is TIME . I feel like am losing my mind ...

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youngsally | @youngsally | Sep 3, 2018
In reply to @haleysmom "Wow.... thanks so much for your reply. I'm definitely telling them everything tomorrow morning before my..." + (show)
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Wow.... thanks so much for your reply. I'm definitely telling them everything tomorrow morning before my surgery. I was vommitng a few days ago. I never been sick from anesthesia before but I worry tomorrow I might. I already told my fiance I should bring a bucket just in case. I know I had this surgery 3 wks ago and they gave me something in my iv before they took me back for surgery just in case. I'm still not able to pick up anything heavier than 10 lbs in my left hand and tomorrow I'm getting my right one done. Thanks for listening.

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The yellow stuff is a post-op infusion....I think they may use anti-nausea drugs in the anesthesia mix...but it may well have been something like Versed which is a tranquilizer....it all depends on what type of surgery they are doing...but I wouldn't worry too much. They won't let you leave the hospital/surgery center until you feel okay for the ride. Your fiancee probably won't need a bucket...but if it makes him feel useful...then let him bring it.

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youngsally | @youngsally | Sep 3, 2018
In reply to @cherylannm "Today is day 5 off Effexor completely. I feel so sick and all I do is..." + (show)
Profile picture for cherylannm @cherylannm

Today is day 5 off Effexor completely. I feel so sick and all I do is belch does anyone else have this side affects?

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@cherylannm

I think many people feel fluish when they are getting off Effexor. The belching is interesting....my sister switched to Wellbutrin because Effexor made her belch. 🙂

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2 replies
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youngsally | @youngsally | Sep 3, 2018
In reply to @cherylannm "So sick am afraid to eat Anything!" + (show)
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So sick am afraid to eat Anything!

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Try getting some dramamine/compazine at the drug store - they are OTC and should help with the nausea....I usually opt for the pink stuff (Pepto)

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2 replies
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catbitess | @catamite | Sep 3, 2018
In reply to @youngsally "Kathryn (also with a K) - Kaiser has a tremendous reputation (and I say that as..." + (show)
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Kathryn (also with a K) - Kaiser has a tremendous reputation (and I say that as a long-time HMO industry analyst). Is your MD your PCP? If so, you could look into switching PCPs...That said, there is a wealth of knowledge at Kaiser so I am certain there is someone on staff who is familiar with Effexor withdrawal....Polite persistency is often the best policy with overwhelmed MDs (especially on a holiday weekend)....Perhaps reframe your question to the MD along the lines of "I have been on the drug for a long time and at a higher than average dosage and there seems to be a lot of clinical evidence that many patients have a difficult time getting off the drug....and my symptoms seem consistent with that evidence. Do you have direct experience with patients withdrawing from Effexor? What do you think may be causing my symptoms? Is it possible to consult with a specialist?"

225mg is a higher than average dose (most people are 75-150mgs assuming you are on the XR version)...my dose for 15 years was 150mg...and I've been tapering down for 3 weeks...my titration has been easy (so far). If you are on immediate release - maybe simply a switch to the XR version will smooth things out (although the smallest dosage is 37.5mg)....but I'm not an MD.

Polite persistency.

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Thanks for your very intelligent reply youngsally. I especially like your term "polite oersistence." I would pursue this as you directed if I didn't feel that I am so close to the end of this journey. I can see about an OTC med for the nausea. I've been a member of K since 1976!

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catbitess | @catamite | Sep 3, 2018
In reply to @youngsally "@cherylannm I think many people feel fluish when they are getting off Effexor. The belching is..." + (show)
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@cherylannm

I think many people feel fluish when they are getting off Effexor. The belching is interesting....my sister switched to Wellbutrin because Effexor made her belch. 🙂

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Yes, youngsally. Flush is exactly how I feel coming off te effexor. Perfect description. The nausea is a weird one in that I cannot tell if I need to eat or vomit. It's a very unusual feeling.

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catbitess | @catamite | Sep 4, 2018
In reply to @catamite "Yes, youngsally. Flush is exactly how I feel coming off te effexor. Perfect description. The nausea..." + (show)
Profile picture for catbitess @catamite

Yes, youngsally. Flush is exactly how I feel coming off te effexor. Perfect description. The nausea is a weird one in that I cannot tell if I need to eat or vomit. It's a very unusual feeling.

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I meant "fluish." autocorrect keeps changing.

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catbitess | @catamite | Sep 4, 2018
In reply to @youngsally "Try getting some dramamine/compazine at the drug store - they are OTC and should help with..." + (show)
Profile picture for youngsally @youngsally

Try getting some dramamine/compazine at the drug store - they are OTC and should help with the nausea....I usually opt for the pink stuff (Pepto)

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Thanks for this suggestion Sally.

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catbitess | @catamite | Sep 4, 2018
In reply to @cherylannm "Today is day 5 off Effexor completely. I feel so sick and all I do is..." + (show)
Profile picture for cherylannm @cherylannm

Today is day 5 off Effexor completely. I feel so sick and all I do is belch does anyone else have this side affects?

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Congratulations. You have gotten this monkey off your back. Hang in there.

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cherylannm | @cherylannm | Sep 4, 2018
In reply to @youngsally "@cherylannm I think many people feel fluish when they are getting off Effexor. The belching is..." + (show)
Profile picture for youngsally @youngsally

@cherylannm

I think many people feel fluish when they are getting off Effexor. The belching is interesting....my sister switched to Wellbutrin because Effexor made her belch. 🙂

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Oh thank god someone with that side affect. Was thinking I had an ulcer now, but will still keep appointment with my gastrologist . Thank you

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