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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 19 hours ago | Replies (6411)
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@lisalucier

Hi, @42430 - sounds like it must have been a tough time with going off of duloxetine (Cymbalta) cold turkey rather than with a slow taper.

You mentioned you are recovering from PAWS, or post-acute withdrawal syndrome. I am pretty sure you are aware of this from your online research of this topic, but for others who may be curious, here is some information on PAWS https://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/post-acute-withdrawal.htm.

Though PAWS has been mentioned before by Connect members, there is no discussion specifically on this topic. @42430, if you are interested, I'd really encourage you to start a new discussion on PAWS in the Depression & Anxiety group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/depression-anxiety/.

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Replies to "Hi, @42430 - sounds like it must have been a tough time with going off of..."
notaround | @notaround | Nov 16, 2018

Wait... Does that mean I'll be suffering from the awfulness of withdrawal for another TWO YEARS!? I'm barely coping as it is and I'm not even off the damned venlafaxine yet. Today and late last night have been horrible. I had to sedate myself. I'm missing work today and feeling awful about it. I have to get my life together now. Today. Not at some distant unknown time. I thought I just had to force myself to survive for another week or two.

Does anyone know if there is a way to stay able to work?

I keep pushing myself harder because giving myself a break doesn't help. Resting and "self care" can't keep a roof over my head or food on the table.

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texasduchess | @texasduchess | Nov 16, 2018

@Lisa Lucier I didn't know about PAWS and I've done a ton of research about getting off Effexor (venlafaxine)! I knew all my distress was from no longer taking Effexor despite my slow taper. Read the info on the links you and Colleen Young provided--I was checking off everything--yep, had that; had that, too; still have that ....

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