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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (6299)Comment receiving replies
I’m in the same boat, or rather a similar leaky canoe. I took 75mg for nine years and have been tapering off for the past two months, soon down to 37.5mg. The side effects can be terrifying. I woke up today with my usual cardiac arrythmias drumming loudly and inconsistently, but that usually stops after an hour or two. But now, seven hours later, the bad music is still holding me hostage, so I’m weak and dizzy whether lying down, sitting up, or walking about. Have others faced this side effect? I’m 77 years old and taking Xyrem for narcolepsy, so perhaps those issues are also at play.
Replies to "I’m in the same boat, or rather a similar leaky canoe. I took 75mg for nine..."
@dedeno
You don't mention that you are getting off Effexor (generic venlafaxine) under a doctor's supervision. If not, please consider getting medical oversight as your symptoms sound serious especially considering your other health issues and age.
"Venlafaxine should never be suddenly discontinued. Quitting venlafaxine is a very serious matter .... Withdrawal symptoms from coming off venlafaxine include brain shivers, agitation, anxiety, confusion, mania, mood swings, anorexia, impaired coordination, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, night tremors, tremor, sensory disturbances, electric shock-like sensations, vomiting, vertigo, sweating, diarrhea, dry mouth, involuntary muscle twitches, hypersomnia (drowsiness), hypomania, depression, vision problems and weight gain .... If you suddenly stop taking venlafaxine, withdrawal symptoms could cause hospitalization, permanent disabilities, or even death."--https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/effexor-addiction/withdrawal-detox/#gref
"Symptoms of withdrawing from Effexor (or another antidepressant) may include: flu-like symptoms, headache, imbalance, nausea, sweating, restlessness, high blood pressure, abnormal sensory disturbances, dizziness, psychiatric or cognitive symptoms may also occur like nightmares or excessive dreams, problems with concentration, anxiety or worsening of depression, confusion, or even psychosis. Electric shock-like sensations and short-lived narcolepsy or cataplexy (loss of muscle tone triggered by a strong emotion) may also occur as a result of discontinuing Effexor."--https://www.verywellmind.com/brain-shivers-as-effexor-withdrawal-symptom-1065516
The dizziness is what keeps me from getting off completely. I am now removing 7 balls out of the 37.5 mg capsule taking it every 3 days.
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Cardiac arythmia is a new one on me.