Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

One thing I know loud and clear from my own experience -- and it's not from Effexor, it's from being a sober alcoholic -- is that not eating, which will mean low blood sugar, is a major stressor and contributor to rage/anger/short temper. When I haven't eaten, there's no way my thinking can be even remotely rational. In AA we have a saying ``HALT -- don't get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired'' because we know that any one of those can make it easier to decide to drink again. In fact, I was in a meeting this past week where that was the topic. (Just watch a little kid have a meltdown when she/he is hungry or tired, and you'll see how it works.) I've always had trouble eating because I'm single so I don't have to prepare meals for others and I seldom get really hungry. My psychiatrist told me to eat small but consistently -- string cheese or other decent cheeses, good wheat crackers, sliced turkey, apples or oranges (the fructose is absorbed more slowly). I can't stand Ensure or similar drinks, but I sometimes can motivate myself to make smoothies, which help a lot. My guess -- from my own experience -- is that it's the low blood sugar which is making you question getting off the drug. Your brain is telling you to take the easy way out -- i.e., get back on the dragon.

Effexor caused that?

Well that's the thing. I just don't know what is causing what. I am off everything. It was a horrible experience. I couldn't even get myself to the er, I was doubled over with pain.

I have been tapering off for close to a year after taking it for close to ten years. 200mg reduces in quarter tablets over time. I want to be rid of this medicine given I don’t think it helps and if I were to ever have the supply unavailable then the consequences would be bad. I’ve tried cold turkey and it was appalling.

I’ve reviewed many statements about this medicine over the years and do not see a symptom that I assume runs with withdrawal. That symptom is flash rage. It’s the sort of thing that slips effortlessly in your mind and sits around all day waiting for someone to do something wrong. You feel it surge and know what’s happening but too late. You’re willing to stop from walking away and instead go back to just get right up in someone’s face (usually family) and transform from the gentle Dr. Jeckyl to Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jeckyl would not have had to look far to get a better transforming reaction. The change is exceptionally difficult to arrest even when I feel it lurking. It’s rare this pops up but it wouldn’t take much to offend family to the point where they wouldn’t want to be around you anymore. Any ideas on this symptom? I quit following all news of any kind and remove as much provocative stimulation as I can. But withdrawal from people is not really an option.

I understand. I have been effexor free for a weak, and I really shouldn't be around anyone.

I've been completely off for a week now -- and while I wouldn't call my moods "flash rages" - I am very aware of my irritability...particularly in the afternoon to evening. Two suggestions: first - don't do this without some medical supervision. While tapering off Effexor isn't usually dangerous (except to those people who might turn into collateral damage when my moods swing)...it can be very unpleasant....a psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist can help you work through the bumps...sometimes it's just knowing what to expect. Second, it sounds like you may be taking immediate release (not XR) Effexor. It might be worth looking into an extended release formulation....it's a question for the doctor....but it might help a bit.

Last I understood, and it still seems to be bitterly true, is that psychiatric medicines are just wildcards.

That is to say,

a) because the brain itself is still largely unknown in all its functions,
B) and because the medicines are largely like a shotgun blast to a whole range of sectors and interactions not understood or even known,

There is no telling what all is actually being affected or the chain reaction/ downstream effects.

I’d say Pharm medicine is a far cry from Thorazine and other jackhammer meds from the past. But, like much of medicine, it’s still a best guess in the most narrow sense with a vast array of unknowns. We are always Guinea pigs.

I feel like I need a time out in a rest home. Someone to feed me, look out for me. I don't know if this was worth it, really. The crying jags are bad, the scary thoughts are worse.