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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (6413)Comment receiving replies
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
Replies to "I am so sick and was forced to quit cold turkey. My situation is bad. I..."
I would go to the emergency room.
@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
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.
Where do you live?
Hang in there -- Tuesday will come!! If you have friends or family who know what's going on, please keep them close. I can certainly understand why you're scared -- it's a physical nightmare!! That's why I think it's a good idea to have reliable people either with you or nearby. Let them check your thinking -- our thoughts can be very unreliable in this situation, so it isn't wise to act on them without checking with someone(s) first and be very, very gentle with yourself. Remember that your body is trying to detox from a very powerful drug!! I really do recommend epsom salts baths for temporary relief. They help relax you and help ease some of the physical pain. I use Dr. Teal's brand -- the eucalyptus/spearmint and the lavender-scented ones are great and they're easy to find -- Target, Walmart, Walgreen's etc.
Don’t be scared! It’s all withdrawals. It will pass , but you will be ok . Mine was so bad I went to hospital. The zaps do stop , throwing up is normal , been through it all . I am 6 weeks off and feel great. Please just bare with it , it will stop . I promise.
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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!