1. < Depression & Anxiety

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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texasduchess | @texasduchess | Oct 3, 2018
In reply to @dedeno "I’m in the same boat, or rather a similar leaky canoe. I took 75mg for nine..." + (show)
@dedeno

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.

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@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

REPLY
pugmom | @pugmom | Oct 4, 2018
In reply to @dedeno "I’m in the same boat, or rather a similar leaky canoe. I took 75mg for nine..." + (show)
@dedeno

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.

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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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1 reply
kbmayo | @kbmayo | Oct 4, 2018
In reply to @pugmom "The dizziness is what keeps me from getting off completely. I am now removing 7 balls..." + (show)
@pugmom

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.

Jump to this post

I'm off for 5 days and have some very minor zaps and dizziness. They're bearable. But during my taper I never went a day without the drug because it has such a short half-life that it seemed that would put my system into an on-off seesaw -- on one day, then off and starting to adjust, then back on again. However, it's different for everyone, of course, and no one can tell anyone else how to do it. I only know what has worked for me. I did my taper by bead-counting, which I know many on here don't approve of, and I took my time doing it. My final week's dosages will seem laughably small to most of you, but I wanted to ween off until I was down to a tiny amount before stopping completely. The last week was 30 beads for one day, then 25 beads for one day, 20 beads for one, 15 beads for one, 10 beads for one and 5 beads for my final day. Prior to that, I'd been going down 50 beads/week. (I won't bore you with the details -- number of beads, amount of time on each step, etc. -- of my taper. Everyone does it her/his own way.) I was tapering off a 150 mg /day dose. Best of luck to all on each individual's journey.

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lisainaz | @lisainaz | Oct 6, 2018

I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I went to have my script refilled yesterday(Friday) morning. Was told I was not able to have it filled until Monday. I asked for a couple of emergency capsules and it was then that I was told that my behavioral health case had been closed and my insurance cancelled. My appointment for re-evaluation is Tuesday.

I have been taking Effexor for about 3 years. I'm at 150mg.The longest I was off was two days. I was miserably ill.

It is 10:00am Saturday now. I can't move because of the zaps, my body hurts and I am nauseous.

I'm scared

REPLY
7 replies
rita76508 | @rita76508 | Oct 6, 2018
In reply to @lisainaz "I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I..." + (show)
@lisainaz

I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I went to have my script refilled yesterday(Friday) morning. Was told I was not able to have it filled until Monday. I asked for a couple of emergency capsules and it was then that I was told that my behavioral health case had been closed and my insurance cancelled. My appointment for re-evaluation is Tuesday.

I have been taking Effexor for about 3 years. I'm at 150mg.The longest I was off was two days. I was miserably ill.

It is 10:00am Saturday now. I can't move because of the zaps, my body hurts and I am nauseous.

I'm scared

Jump to this post

I have been off venlafaxine completely for about a month now. I had been on it for several years but with my doctor's approval and guidance, was able to get off of it. I am going through withdrawal now, but as time passes, the symptoms are improving.. I no longer have brain zaps. I sleep well without the crazy dreams. I have increasing energy and clearer thoughts.
But, I still have flu symptoms, lethargy, constant nausea, and lack of appetite. I also must remind myself that this, too, shall pass and not to let the depression from feeling so lousy get to me.
My question is, how much longer will these symptoms last? Will they ever go away?
No one warned me what it would be like to withdraw. This misery far outweighs the benefits I got from taking it.
Any suggestions? Thanks!

REPLY
1 reply
ccjohncc | @ccjohncc | Oct 6, 2018
In reply to @lisainaz "I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I..." + (show)
@lisainaz

I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I went to have my script refilled yesterday(Friday) morning. Was told I was not able to have it filled until Monday. I asked for a couple of emergency capsules and it was then that I was told that my behavioral health case had been closed and my insurance cancelled. My appointment for re-evaluation is Tuesday.

I have been taking Effexor for about 3 years. I'm at 150mg.The longest I was off was two days. I was miserably ill.

It is 10:00am Saturday now. I can't move because of the zaps, my body hurts and I am nauseous.

I'm scared

Jump to this post

I would go to the emergency room.

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1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Oct 6, 2018
In reply to @lisainaz "I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I..." + (show)
@lisainaz

I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I went to have my script refilled yesterday(Friday) morning. Was told I was not able to have it filled until Monday. I asked for a couple of emergency capsules and it was then that I was told that my behavioral health case had been closed and my insurance cancelled. My appointment for re-evaluation is Tuesday.

I have been taking Effexor for about 3 years. I'm at 150mg.The longest I was off was two days. I was miserably ill.

It is 10:00am Saturday now. I can't move because of the zaps, my body hurts and I am nauseous.

I'm scared

Jump to this post

@lisainaz I agree with the other poster, go to the ER. This is incredibly horrible that you are left high and dry without a drug that is so habit-forming.
Take care.
JK

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1 reply
catbitess | @catamite | Oct 6, 2018
In reply to @rita76508 "I have been off venlafaxine completely for about a month now. I had been on it..." + (show)
@rita76508

I have been off venlafaxine completely for about a month now. I had been on it for several years but with my doctor's approval and guidance, was able to get off of it. I am going through withdrawal now, but as time passes, the symptoms are improving.. I no longer have brain zaps. I sleep well without the crazy dreams. I have increasing energy and clearer thoughts.
But, I still have flu symptoms, lethargy, constant nausea, and lack of appetite. I also must remind myself that this, too, shall pass and not to let the depression from feeling so lousy get to me.
My question is, how much longer will these symptoms last? Will they ever go away?
No one warned me what it would be like to withdraw. This misery far outweighs the benefits I got from taking it.
Any suggestions? Thanks!

Jump to this post

Rita
Same here. I have been off 22 days, and every day gets a little better. However, I still have the fatigue and nausea and a panic attack once in awhile. I am wondering when it will end too. I just want to get my life back. If you find an answer, please share it with me.

REPLY
catbitess | @catamite | Oct 6, 2018
In reply to @lisainaz "I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I..." + (show)
@lisainaz

I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I went to have my script refilled yesterday(Friday) morning. Was told I was not able to have it filled until Monday. I asked for a couple of emergency capsules and it was then that I was told that my behavioral health case had been closed and my insurance cancelled. My appointment for re-evaluation is Tuesday.

I have been taking Effexor for about 3 years. I'm at 150mg.The longest I was off was two days. I was miserably ill.

It is 10:00am Saturday now. I can't move because of the zaps, my body hurts and I am nauseous.

I'm scared

Jump to this post

Yes, you need to go to er. Get up, get dressed, and get someone to drive you in. Or, take a taxi. uber. This is serious.

REPLY
1 reply
catbitess | @catamite | Oct 6, 2018
In reply to @lisainaz "I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I..." + (show)
@lisainaz

I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I went to have my script refilled yesterday(Friday) morning. Was told I was not able to have it filled until Monday. I asked for a couple of emergency capsules and it was then that I was told that my behavioral health case had been closed and my insurance cancelled. My appointment for re-evaluation is Tuesday.

I have been taking Effexor for about 3 years. I'm at 150mg.The longest I was off was two days. I was miserably ill.

It is 10:00am Saturday now. I can't move because of the zaps, my body hurts and I am nauseous.

I'm scared

Jump to this post

Where do you live?

REPLY
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