Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

I have done so much research on this drug, I even brought in a file folder with me to show him, but he did not even look at it. He has no idea to what extent I suffer. I live in Canada, and if you have a family GP, he has to be the one to prescribe my meds and has the control of sending me to a professional or a detox clinic. I have all the info on PAWS, but he has to want to read it!

Hi T-Duchess. Tks for the well wishes. I’m presently taking Chemo and this other drug called Rituximab or something like that. Its also called the Smart drug. My Doctor told me my body is like a video game inside if me. Just pinning off the bad cells and some good ones. I’m doing 6 treatments in all and I have 4 more to go. And you are right. Its horrible!!!!! But we have another Grandchild due in March and I want to def be there. The Oncologist says the treatments i’m on are very successful in putting this is remission. My spleen went back to almost normal size after one treatment. It was really big!!!!! Hopefully all will work out. The people at the Cancer Center are the best to deal will. So appreciative of that cause I’m out in left field in all this!!!! Enjoy youre evening

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/.

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.

Venlafaxine and based on the PAWS link. That says it continues for two years after being completely off it.

@notaround You may be tapering off too quickly if you're barely coping. You could go back to a higher level where you can function; stay there for some weeks, or more; and then, taper just a small amount. It's better to take longer to get off this drug, then to be unable to get off, or be miserable while tapering.

I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms while tapering (I did it very slow--took two months to get off 25mg); they started 6.5 weeks later--just learned about PAWS. They have improved significantly over the past five months. The supplements I'm taking helped tremendously (you need to be off Effexor for some of these) as has the passage of time. About four weeks ago, I realized that day I felt "normal"--it was so striking because I hadn't been feeling "normal" for months! Each day since has gotten better and I've eliminated one of the four doses of supplements I was taking each day. I will be eliminating another daily dose next weekend and see how it goes. The plan is to taper off the supplements slowly like I did the Effexor.

Oh I know I'm tapering too fast. Been calling between my insurance and the pharmacy and the medical center to get my rx refilled. They got it refilled for 150mg ;-;. Shenanigans have been ongoing for almost two weeks. That's too high for me now. I'm just feeling really hopeless and learning that it will probably still take multiple years just broke me down.

I'm a little better currently since my best friend came over tonight despite me being a complete wreck. He's a blessing - I answered the door clearly having been crying and with snot dripping out of my nose. He didn't make some stupid comment about how men shouldn't cry. Just took the time to listen to me and catch up. I only have one real friend but he's been there for me for years and has talked me out of quite a few attempts.

Out of curiosity, what supplements help? I'm taking a multivitamin, fish oil, B mix, and vitamin D. And chamomile tea or smelling essential oil at night if you want to count that. (the EO makes me feel very sleepy almost instantly).

I have done so much research on this drug, I even brought in a file folder with me to show him, but he did not even look at it. He has no idea to what extent I suffer. I live in Canada, and if you have a family GP, he has to be the one to prescribe my meds and has the control of sending me to a professional or a detox clinic. I have all the info on PAWS, but he has to want to read it!

@shaker1956 Sounds like your chemo is working! Back when I was 25, I came down with mono--didn't know anyone else who had this very communicable disease, so don't know how I got it. I was sick at home for three months and my spleen enlarged because of this illness. Was told to be very careful about rough-and-tumble activities as my spleen could rupture (I felt like cr*p, looked like cr*p and was in no shape to do any activities, so no worries!). Glad your spleen is almost back to normal!

Pardon this seeming rude, but have you tried bringing a man with you? There's a lot of evidence that women in particular aren't listened to by doctors, even with female docs! I'm only guessing you're a woman from your username.
https://www.healthline.com/health/women-bring-men-to-doctor-backup
I get the frustration of trying to get a doctor to listen to you. You and your medical problems deserve attention and care. Especially when you went out of your way to provide information!