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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9119 | @9119 | Nov 28, 2018

It is the hardest thing to do. I just want to feel better and normal again...any help out there?

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1 reply
patjen | @patjen | Nov 29, 2018
In reply to @texasduchess "@patjen Yep, I live in the DFW Metroplex and not a native Texan (but got here..." + (show)
@texasduchess

@patjen Yep, I live in the DFW Metroplex and not a native Texan (but got here as soon as I could). If you were here last month, it wasn't really typical--we had a lot of rain, cold temperatures and no sunshine for weeks on end.

Re researching drugs and illnesses--you're kind of d*mned if you do and d*mned if you don't. You hear all the time that you should be an educated consumer and your own best advocate--yet, when you question some health providers, you get "Don't question me!" responses. I will admit that my husband threatened to put "parental blocks" on some sites when I was researching the chemo I was going to do--lots of scary stuff.

Post-Effexor--I still need to take supplements (L-tryptophan and GABA) and Dramam*ne, am quick to rage and have trouble staying asleep (this used to be my hobby!), I am not doing too badly--but I've been off Effexor for more than six months, tapered slowly and was only ever on 25mg. I do feel "normal" most of the time and have tapered off one set of supplements. If I had known I'd have issues and what a pain my post-withdrawal symptoms would be, I'd have just stayed on Effexor; the only thing I noticed on Effexor is that if I forgot to take my daily pill, I'd get a whopper headache--I figured out pretty quickly that the headache was related to not having taken my Effexor.

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@texasduchess Yes the rain came down in Texas as we departed...we travelled to New Mexico from there so we missed the worst of it...one bonus...coming from a drought nation it is lovely to see so much green...
LOL re the parental lock !! but it is empowering to be informed....even though you take the risk of being misinformed on some sites...you just need to research thoroughly...what did we do before Google ?
Yes I too used to be able to sleep on a log...but now often have trouble...but particularly so when I came off the Effexor...I do find it hard to surrender to sleep..can never go to bed early...but I think this is because I did shift work for so many years.
I could go a couple of days of missed doses before I developed symptoms of withdrawal...I used to feel like I was coming down with the flu...general malaise and headachy...have you tried Melatonin for sleep ? I really want to get off this drug as I have read that many hypertensive people on the drug found their hypertension improved when they tapered off it...and the tachycardia I am taking Coralan for...and the teeth grinding...but not sure if this extra pyramidal side effect can be fixed ? If anti psychotic meds are anything to go by probably not 🙁

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patjen | @patjen | Nov 29, 2018
In reply to @9119 "It is the hardest thing to do. I just want to feel better and normal again...any..." + (show)
@9119

It is the hardest thing to do. I just want to feel better and normal again...any help out there?

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@9119 please read my story and responses...so much help on this site...you are not alone 🙂

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patjen | @patjen | Nov 29, 2018
In reply to @lisalucier "Hello, @patjen - I wanted to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. A few things..." + (show)
@lisalucier

Hello, @patjen - I wanted to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. A few things you mentioned made me think of the following to recommend:

-You may want to check out and consider posting in our Healthy Living group, as you are working on diet, exercise and the like https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/healthy-living/

- You might want to take a look at and perhaps join in a discussion in the Connect Heart & Blood Health group, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-blood-vessel-conditions/

Are the clear aligners (Invisalign) working okay with the chronic teeth grinding from the medication, then? I have taken bupropion (Wellbutrin) and learned about the possible teeth grinding side effect for the first time last winter when my dentist noted some hairline cracks in a couple of teeth and put together what might be happening. I am using a mouthguard from the dentist, and though it took awhile to get used to, it has helped very much. I no longer want to sleep without it.

You mentioned with your withdrawal, you sometimes deal with suicidal ideation. Do you have a doctor's office, suicide hotline or somewhere to turn to if that ever gets too bad?

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@lisalucier Thank you so much for your response and welcome:-)
Thank you for your recommendations...I will check them out...I think the invisalign does help somewhat ( I only have one for the top)...but I have discussed occlusal splints with my dentist and will pursue this. So glad your splint has helped. Do you have Amalgam fillings ? as those may have contributed to your cracks as well. I have a lot of cracks as well...but also have multiple Amalgam fillings in my molars which my dentist feels is the main issue.
I never have the suicidal ideation when I am on the Effexor...even with a reduced dose...but without it...and external triggers, I do...I don't think I would ever act on it...but I do think about it...about how peaceful it would be to just be asleep for good...and I listen to a lot of Elliot Smith when I am feeling down...I love his music but it doesn't help...and he had a very sad demise...atm I am feeling OK thanks Lisa..I do have a very supportive partner so that helps...
Also, libido (or the lack of it) is another issue with SSRI's and SNRI's...my libido went out the window with this drug many yrs ago...I initially thought it was menopause...actually tried topical HRT and Testosterone cream without effect...it was only later that I read about the link with these drugs and how many suffer from this issue....as I said...thank God I have such an understanding partner...but this issue must put a strain on many relationships...particularly if the physical side was good before the commencement of the drug.

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ainsleigh | @ainsleigh | Dec 2, 2018
In reply to @shaker1956 "Hi Ainsleigh. How are things. Yes its a little rough going through this. Seems you talk..." + (show)
@shaker1956

Hi Ainsleigh. How are things. Yes its a little rough going through this. Seems you talk about it a lot. You run into people you know and they ask how ur feeling. Its all part of life I guess. I have been doing the CBD thing as well as having the odd puffof the medicinal junk. It does help with a variety of things. Especially appetite. I go for my third infusion next tuesday and wed. Three more to go after that. I’ll know more on monday when I go in for my consult. Fingers crossed!!!!! Have a great evening.

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@shaker1956- Hi shaker- Just want you to know that even when you may not feel like posting we are thinking about you and sending you good wishes. It must be so hard to go through the treatments even when you know it is in your best interests! Hang in there and let us know how it is going when you feel up to it,
Best.....
Ainsleigh

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1 reply
shaker1956 | @shaker1956 | Dec 5, 2018
In reply to @ainsleigh "@shaker1956- Hi shaker- Just want you to know that even when you may not feel like..." + (show)
@ainsleigh

@shaker1956- Hi shaker- Just want you to know that even when you may not feel like posting we are thinking about you and sending you good wishes. It must be so hard to go through the treatments even when you know it is in your best interests! Hang in there and let us know how it is going when you feel up to it,
Best.....
Ainsleigh

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Hi Ainsleigh and all. Well i funished my 3rd infusion of Chemo and the smart drug. It sure is a rough ride but one that I must take. The feeling of low energy and just feeling crappy is how this trip goes. I have not had any nausea so I’m very thankful for that. However the steroids that I take are really hard on the body in general. I just thank the good lord that they found this in time. Doc tells me theres no cure but they can manage it after my treatments and it will be like having diabetes. I hope he’s right. Enjoy your day people!!!!!

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3 replies
Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Dec 5, 2018
In reply to @shaker1956 "Hi Ainsleigh and all. Well i funished my 3rd infusion of Chemo and the smart drug...." + (show)
@shaker1956

Hi Ainsleigh and all. Well i funished my 3rd infusion of Chemo and the smart drug. It sure is a rough ride but one that I must take. The feeling of low energy and just feeling crappy is how this trip goes. I have not had any nausea so I’m very thankful for that. However the steroids that I take are really hard on the body in general. I just thank the good lord that they found this in time. Doc tells me theres no cure but they can manage it after my treatments and it will be like having diabetes. I hope he’s right. Enjoy your day people!!!!!

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Hey there Shaker buddy,
Thank you so much for letting us know how your getting along. I know others feel as I do and we have such great concern and admiration for all you have been through. You always accept whatever comes your way and also how you have helped so many of our friends here with such kindness, grace and dignity.
You take good care of yourself my friend.
You are very much loved here on Connect and our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Hoping any future treatments will be easier.
Blessings, wishing you health and happiness,
Jake

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shaker1956 | @shaker1956 | Dec 5, 2018

Hi Jake. Thanks for thise kind words. This is a process and time has to go by for me to get past this. Thank God I have a fantastic wife!!!!!! She’s the best!!! I will keep in touch. Hope all is well with you Jake and we’ll talk to you later. Enjoy your day!!!!!!

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ainsleigh | @ainsleigh | Dec 5, 2018
In reply to @shaker1956 "Hi Ainsleigh and all. Well i funished my 3rd infusion of Chemo and the smart drug...." + (show)
@shaker1956

Hi Ainsleigh and all. Well i funished my 3rd infusion of Chemo and the smart drug. It sure is a rough ride but one that I must take. The feeling of low energy and just feeling crappy is how this trip goes. I have not had any nausea so I’m very thankful for that. However the steroids that I take are really hard on the body in general. I just thank the good lord that they found this in time. Doc tells me theres no cure but they can manage it after my treatments and it will be like having diabetes. I hope he’s right. Enjoy your day people!!!!!

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@shaker1956 - Hi Shaker
We are happy to hear back from you- just sorry the treatments are so difficult. Glad though that the situation can be dealt with ongoing! My husband has diabetes and what with insulin 4 times a day and a collection of meds is able to carry on quite well. Glad to know the outlook for you is like that! Is the smart drug a new thing?
Stay strong.
Best wishes
Ainsleigh

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grandmaR | @grandmar | Dec 8, 2018

Hi All...
Just wanted to check in.
I completed week 3 of my withdrawal from Effexor. I am doing this VERY SLOWLY!!
As a reminder, I am taking 300 mg of Effexor daily. I take it in the form of a pill, 2 75mg in the morning and 2 75mg at night. I can't take slow release because of my inability to absorb it properly.
Anyhow, as I said, I am taking my time with this process. I am in no hurry and will let my body and mind be a guiding force. I've been on Effexor for over 13 years (one dosage and/or one form at a timt).
To start, cut one 75 mg into 1/4s (evening dosage). I've been taking my 2 full pills in the morning and alternating between 1-3/4 and 2 wholes every other night. It's the end of my 3rd week tonight. Starting tomorrow night, I'll be taking 1-3/4 pills every night. My goal will be for another 3 weeks.
After that, 1-1/2 every other night for 3 weeks, etc.
I know it is a very small amount but I want to try to have the least amount of withdrawal symptoms as possible. Unless things are utterly GREAT, I have no intention of coming off 100%. My goal is 75mg in the am/pm.
Now I don't know if what I am feeling today is withdrawal or weather and barometric changes but I've been having what feels like restless hands/arms and feet/legs. More annoying than anything. I live in Florida so the temps are certainly better than up north. Today we went from the 50s to 80s. I know how many of you might be rolling your eyes wishing for temps like that, but when you live in a warm climate, even the 60s is cold. And as I said, barometer can impact, not just temperature changes.
Wow, that's a lot of writing for such a small med reduction. Lol!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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