Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

I was told the other day by my therapist they are trying to make it to where only someone in psych can give out SSRI or SNRI and take that ability away from a regular MD... I say great

Based on symptoms and reactivity among those you live and work with, a gradual protracted approach might be needed to save relationships. I’ve been withdrawing for a year. Any less would be unthinkable because of the unpredictability of long lasting reactions

Ideally, MDs have a range of medicines they are comfortable with managing. I had a md...very good man...trying to manage three medicines that had an impact...lamictal, Effexor and adderall for adult ADD. The psychiatrist after she did her initial evaluation immediately changed things because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Because pharmaceuticals are so diverse and, like medicine, highly specialized, it’s unreasonable for a nonpsychiatrist to know how a multitude of psychiatric meds interact with each other and the body.

A GP who sees everything from physicals, lacerations, bowels and kidneys to tummy aches has neither the time nor inclination to dive into the enormity of specialties and the range of medicines affecting each specialty. I know a Nephrologist wouldn’t follow the complexities of Pulmonologists, Cardiologists obstetrics and none of the pediatrics or addiction.

It’s not that they shouldn’t be allowed but rather whose interests are truly being served. I get how a physician wants to help based on what you tell them. But they do so at their peril and yours in trying to help. I think patients want a one shop stop to fix everything and assume most docs can handle anything because they’re ‘the experts’.

It’s my guess that most doctors have their heart in the right place and want to help. Both sides must recognize their limits. Tory law, professional codes of conduct, best practices etc are supposed to help sort this out but the complexity of medicines and insulating effects of specialities hobbles the judgement I think. I’m not convinced the rights to write scripts should be taken away if for no other reason than practicality.

If you’re out of meds, traveling and no local specialist able to help or get a script, it can be bad.

Some psychiatrists include psychotherapy as an important part of their practice...but you are correct that it is not typical. Psychotherapists usually work with an MD or psychiatrist on a consult basis to write scrips (I'm lucky that my psychologist is married to my GP...so it's really convenient).

I had my second meeting with my psychiatrist today. First meeting was 90 minutes -- this one was 45....I guess I'm lucky - but it is also out of pocket. She is thinking she wants to have me try a very low dose of Lexapro now that the Effexor is gone...But -- she is going to speak with my therapist first because they don't fully agree on the diagnosis.

I feel really fortunate...but it's also a great thing about being in NYC....mental health professionals as far as the eye can see.

The only thing to keep mind of is that one (I believe) has an immediate release so it doesn't last all day. It may not matter if you are taking multiple doses of the immediate release a day, however.

First of all, I so appreciate all the replies to my statement & questions. Would love to coordinate my thoughts, but since my memory is fleeting I'll shoot off what comes to mind. In my state MD's have not been able to prescribe for years; however it's almost impossible to find a prescribing psychiatrist/or practioner -- thus my PCP has been monitoring me on a monthly basis. Having had an epiphany last night regarding my "ISSUES ( originating in childhood), I can tell you the previous 3 psychiatrists never delved into WHY I I felt deficient (other than my mom) because I presented so " normally." That's why I'm hoping for a nominal med to level my moods. Also, having been off effexor 6+ weeks my mind has more clarity, which is feeling nice. While I want to retreat , I'm too old to give up chunks of my life, and I work 2 days a week. Also teach teens 1 eve in my church; and in order to accomplish this last night I drank 1/2 bottle of white wine before class. So now I've forgotten my other points, but one plus is that my weird sense of humor has returned, which I enjoy. Also, my leg is healing & my hope is to return to gym soon (procrastination seems to have taken hold, though). Getting ready for MD app that. Will get back later with results of visit.

I am not a medical professional, but I have been on 75 mg. for over 10 years. It appears you might be tapering too quickly. I have been tapering for nearly 3 months now, with decrease in dosages by about 20 %, every month. I am now on about 7 mg. When I stopped completely, a week or so ago, I had brain shivers, so I am tapering even more slowly. My experience is that slow and steady seems to work best for me.

That is a real issue I think when the professionals that are supposed to be a team don’t agree on even the diagnosis

I started to taper about 2 months ago. I was on 150 for about 5 years, then 75 for 5 weeks, then 37.5 for 7 days. I went to see my primary and he first told me to just stop completely. I asked about the brain zaps, he said I would get them. He then gave me 20 mg for 10 days. Take for 3 days then every other until they run out. He acted surprised I wanted to d/c the drug. Asked if I was sure I was ready? Really? This wasn't supposed to be a permanent fix. I was put on them for anxiety 4 years ago after my husband died to help me get through..I think 4 years is long enough.
Brain zaps are already horrible along with dizziness and feeling off balance. My boyfriend is no support at all. He doesn't believe in "brain" pills to begin with. He came from a family of mental illness and thinks he is the expert on it all. I could just scream!! Actually I do at him constantly, I want to slap the crap out of him. Our relationship is rocky to begin with so this is just the icing on the cake. He needs to be the next thing to get rid of along with his 3 spoiled needy kids...(only 1 lives with us, the rest we taxi everywhere because mom is no good) that is a totally separate discussion needed...LOL
I am going to continue with the taper. I w/o to help with the anger issues and try to stay busy all the time. The menopause symptoms don't really help, but I refuse to go on any type of meds after this ordeal. I don't get why I have read these are prescribed for night sweats? I have had night sweats do to menopause, this crap never helped with them ever. I was hoping they would get better once I stopped. I am hopeful. I am glad I found this site. I didn't realize how many people were suffering from the same nor did I realize stopping would be this difficult.. Best wishes to all of you out there. I look forward to reading on for suggestions. I will be getting benadryl this evening.

I would agree with that also.