Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
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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Am on 4 weeks yesterday!
We are trying to diffuse the situation with humor...He isn't infuriated...just concerned...and misinformed...but that's one of his problems - not mine.
I haven't gotten any zaps over the course of an 8 week taper (off completely for last two weeks)....but I definitely have brain fog and a host of other issues....but nothing I can't get past - especially with my lifetime supply of icepacks to sleep with.
It will depend on what else is going on in your life. My therapist and psychiatrist don't actually agree on what my underlying problem is. As of last week the psychiatrist was suggesting lexapro (which I understand comes with its own titration issues - wheeeee) and then possibly wellbutrin. My therapist thinks ADD is the underlying problem - not depression. Tomorrow I'll know what they decided for the next try...or maybe I just stay drug free a bit longer.
I'm completely off for two weeks and still having symptoms...I don't function particularly well and am self-employed - which makes it really easy to not get things done....but I am trying to be as patient as possible. It has cooled off here a lot (in NY)...and that has helped tremendously with the hot flashes.
Cold turkey is no bueno...emergency level side effects are rare (unlike the benzos) but don't stop cold turkey if you don't have to.
You are not the only one. I made the mistake of watching Kavanaugh...too much for me...It seems like DC has affected a lot of people and not for the better.
@youngsally I will be very interested in hearing what your doctors decide is the source of your problems and if ADD is part of it. My daughter had ADD and is prone to depression, but never without a cause. My son has/had ADHD but seems great now and has been very successful. I think for him the key is staying busy to burn off that hyper-energy. He can be non-stop.
JK
@youngsally I don't like to get political on a forum such as this but suffice it to say, this whole thing has been so divisive. No matter who you believe, and what you want to see happen, it has really been horrible.
JK
Hello catbitess. Good on you girl! You have to think of yourself first . I am almost off effexor & have chosen not to discuss my process with family, they , like most people just don't get it! So I have kept to myself for three months. Shoshi