Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

I celebrated too soon. Was out cold just now for 2.5 hours. So much for being a functional person. Knowing that there isn't really anything I can do about it makes me feel only slightly less guilty. I'm debating resigning from my job - no employer wants someone like me and I feel morally compelled to limit the damage I do via lowered productivity. There are plenty of people who can do my job that aren't randomly falling asleep and struggling enough to let it effect work. But I really can't afford to.

Slept despite tea in me and through my alarm and several missed calls.

@42430
Hi,
I don’t understand why you feel this thread is not helpful. I believe the people are grateful for our opinions because they know we genuinely care about them. Maybe they will follow our advice and perhaps not. We all hope our advice helps those with concerns. I wish something like this had existed back when my Epilepsy began but no computers or support groups where available back then. I’m sure the powers that be would appreciate any suggestions to help improve the site.
Have a great day,
Jake

I’m not saying the main topic of this thread isn’t helpful. However, having so many branches unrelated to the main topic and over 2,000 posts to wade through isn’t helpful to someone searching issues here. Quite often moderators of threads will redirect when ancillary topics come up and a thread gets as unwieldy as this one. PEACE!

@shaker1956
Hey buddy, are you lurking? Been curious how your getting along. Been a couple months since last heard from you. Since your not around was thinking your side effects might finally be gone, I hope so.
Jake

Hey Jake. How goes it? Well i havent been in here in awhile. Turns out I have stage 4 Lymphoma and I am going through Chemo right now. I’ve had 2 treatments so far and what a ride its been. I never expected this at all but its gere and I have to deal with it. My doctor says the treatments should put this into remission. Sure hope so as the alternative is def not good. I have even started to take CBD oil. This stuff is supposed to have magical powers!!!!! I am sure glad I changed Doctors as my last one just kept on changing meds with little or no success. I went through that for 3 yrs. I’m also taking this “smart drug”. Doc says its like video game inside my body. Its killng bad cells and unfortunately its also killing some good ones. I have 4 more treatments to go and hopefully it works. Take care!!!!!

@shaker1956
I’ve missed you being around. You have been a lot of help and encouragement to the folks. Jeez, I forgot all about the Lymphoma. I have a really crappy memory. You beat the Effexor withdrawals (hope you don’t have them anymore) and with your strong constitution and determination you’ll beat this too.
Keep us updated buddy.
Take care of yourself,
Jake

@shaker1956- HI Shaker
Glad you are back. Sounds like you have not been having a lot of fun! How are the treatments- are they rough? We hope you will keep us posted as you go through this experience as we will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way!
Best wishes
Ainsleigh

Hi Ainsleigh and Jake. Well to be honest I feel the pits. This chemo stuff is really hard on the body. But its what I have to do so hopefully it works. Like I said he is quite optimistic that it will work. I’m very fortunate that my new Doctor wanted to investigate irregularities with my blood and send me to an Oncologist. I’m doing 6 treatments in total and then we’ll see. If it goes into remission then I go for 3 month checkups for 2 years. And after that I dont know. We’ll just hope for the best. Enjoy your day. W

@richyrich... as for how to minimize the symptoms, my kinesiologist put me on standard process B complex and intense vitamin E before I started the process. It must be done slowly. I was on 350mg for probably 10 years? I first split the dose to twice a day. After 2-4 weeks, split one of the doses and then continue that pattern. I am down to 1/4 of 150, twice a day. I will stay there for at least 2 or 3 weeks, then take one of the doses every other day, etc... So far the process has been over 4 months and I still have a month or more to go. I haven't had any bad symptoms. Good luck to you...

I appreciate your feedback, @42430.

Wondering if you would share a bit more about what brought you here to Connect? Are you tapering off of venlafaxine (Effexor)? If so, how is that going?