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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kbmayo | @kbmayo | 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

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.

REPLY
1 reply
kbmayo | @kbmayo | Oct 6, 2018
In reply to @kbmayo "Hang in there -- Tuesday will come!! If you have friends or family who know what's..." + (show)
@kbmayo

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.

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I just read what the previous posters have said, so I assume you're getting medical help by now. Good for you! And ignore what I posted -- I don't know how to delete it or I would. It doesn't have any merit or add anything worthwhile; I'm sorry I wrote it. (From now on, if I think about posting, I'll wait a day or two so the urge can pass!) Just pretend it isn't on here.

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cherylannm | @cherylannm | Oct 7, 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

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.

REPLY
1 reply
lisainaz | @lisainaz | Oct 7, 2018
In reply to @cherylannm "Don’t be scared! It’s all withdrawals. It will pass , but you will be ok ...." + (show)
@cherylannm

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.

Jump to this post

Thankyou Cheryl. What did they do for you still the hospital? All I can do is sit. I don't want to go to sleep because of the nightmares, and I can't move because of the zaps and nausea. And I just started feeling sad about an hour ago. I know where sad leads....thank you so much

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ccjohncc | @ccjohncc | Oct 7, 2018

I hope you got help. You are in our prayers.

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lisainaz | @lisainaz | Oct 7, 2018
In reply to @ccjohncc "I would go to the emergency room." + (show)
@ccjohncc

I would go to the emergency room.

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I considered this. But it just seems like everyone, even the crisis hotline, is making me feel like I am blowing this out of proportion. I just woke up, I am going to play this out minute by minute. Thank you for your reply

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lisainaz | @lisainaz | Oct 7, 2018
In reply to @contentandwell "@lisainaz I agree with the other poster, go to the ER. This is incredibly horrible that..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@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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Thank you for replying. I don't know what to do.

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lisainaz | @lisainaz | Oct 7, 2018
In reply to @catamite "Yes, you need to go to er. Get up, get dressed, and get someone to drive..." + (show)
@catamite

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.

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I just figured out how to look at all the replies. Looks like everyone has the same recommendation that I need to get to the ER. I will keep you posted. Thank you everyone.

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lisainaz | @lisainaz | Oct 7, 2018
In reply to @catamite "Where do you live?" + (show)
@catamite

Where do you live?

Jump to this post

I live in Marana

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catbitess | @catamite | Oct 7, 2018

ok. If you were close to me, I was going to try to help.

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