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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OMG I was talking to a friend about that last night -- after having to make a phone cal to apologize to someone for my ``flash rage'' behavior!! It is a huge part of the reason why I've kept to myself as much as possible during my taper. Because I'm retired, that's an option for me, and I also told people when I started the taper that I was cutting off everything for the foreseeable future in order to take care of myself. So, yes, ``flash rage'' is real and for me it's a biggie. I'll be very interested to see if it stops or diminishes after I've been through with my taper for a while (I have about 10 days more before I finish the taper). Hang in there and best of luck!! I figure if I alienate everyone I know as a result of getting off this damn drug -- which I've been on for 25 years -- it will be worth it to have my life back!!

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@kbmayo

OMG I was talking to a friend about that last night -- after having to make a phone cal to apologize to someone for my ``flash rage'' behavior!! It is a huge part of the reason why I've kept to myself as much as possible during my taper. Because I'm retired, that's an option for me, and I also told people when I started the taper that I was cutting off everything for the foreseeable future in order to take care of myself. So, yes, ``flash rage'' is real and for me it's a biggie. I'll be very interested to see if it stops or diminishes after I've been through with my taper for a while (I have about 10 days more before I finish the taper). Hang in there and best of luck!! I figure if I alienate everyone I know as a result of getting off this damn drug -- which I've been on for 25 years -- it will be worth it to have my life back!!

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I try meditation and so forth but I tend to think that somehow bipolar is linked in some sort of twisted offshoot of mania...though mania hasn’t been a feature for me. It’s definitely an Erie feeling to experience rage almost as a spectator as it occurs. Withdrawal from society seems to be the prescription of the day along with a refined apology system in place. I can’t fully appreciate what narcotic addicts must experience but this is as close as I hope to ever be. Strength to you as well.

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@amelia42

Absolutely. Agitation and extreme anxiety are noted withdrawal symptoms.

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Just take it slow, slower than you want to because of the want or need to get off the meds. I thought i went slow enough but i guess i went too fast. a week went ok without the meds but then the withdrawal symptoms kicked in. for me it was heightened anxiety and agitation. I went back on meds for a while to try and calm down. I have come to the conclusion that not everybody is ready at the same pace to get off meds, dont feel bad if you are struggling. I am sending you prayers that your experience is better than mine, just follow a doctors protocol, eat right, sleep is you can and keep taking whatever supplements you are taking. good luck.

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@jmene

Just take it slow, slower than you want to because of the want or need to get off the meds. I thought i went slow enough but i guess i went too fast. a week went ok without the meds but then the withdrawal symptoms kicked in. for me it was heightened anxiety and agitation. I went back on meds for a while to try and calm down. I have come to the conclusion that not everybody is ready at the same pace to get off meds, dont feel bad if you are struggling. I am sending you prayers that your experience is better than mine, just follow a doctors protocol, eat right, sleep is you can and keep taking whatever supplements you are taking. good luck.

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Thank you😊

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I tell anyone contemplating anti-depres. Meds to avoid this one unless no other reasonable choice available.

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@renwald

I tell anyone contemplating anti-depres. Meds to avoid this one unless no other reasonable choice available.

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The withdrawal reality

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In reply to @snooterbell "Congratulations!!" + (show)
@snooterbell

Congratulations!!

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I just want to stress the importance of getting off this drug at a slow pace. 10 mg every 4 weeks works best. My only problem is not wanting to get out of bed and some anxiety. If you search my emails you will see that I recommend a compounding pharmacy. Some insurance companies will cover the cost. I’ve been on Effexor for around 20 years. Please take it slow.

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@renwald

I tell anyone contemplating anti-depres. Meds to avoid this one unless no other reasonable choice available.

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This is horrific to come off. Four weeks off today , all I do is cry for no apparent reason.. am so scared all the time. How they allow pharmaceutical companies to make these drugs is beyond me ....

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I am so very sorry. I think every single one of us who is coming off this drug, or has come off it, will feel sympathy for you. I hope you didn't come off it too quickly -- which is a HUGE temptation for me and, I'm sure, for others, because I want so much to be free of it -- and I hope the tears will stop flowing, the fear will go away, and you will see some brightness and joy. Peace to you -- and hope, too.

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@cherylannm

This is horrific to come off. Four weeks off today , all I do is cry for no apparent reason.. am so scared all the time. How they allow pharmaceutical companies to make these drugs is beyond me ....

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Cherylann, I am having the same symptoms. I am weepy and feel frightened a lot. Of what, I don't even know. I have never been frightened before, ever. I have only been off a week, and I keep hoping I will even out. I came off very slowly. It took months.

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