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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Mentor
Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 19, 2018
In reply to @dickygray "Morning all, I was prescribed venlaflaxin @ 300mg probably around 4 years ago. This after many..." + (show)
@dickygray

Morning all,
I was prescribed venlaflaxin @ 300mg probably around 4 years ago. This after many years off and on of many different forms of SSRI's before moving on "The last resort" pharma speaking of the Venlaflaxin. On the upside, it did what it was supposed to, and being no stranger to side effects, I made do.
I am in recovery also for alcohol and some other substances, so it helped. It also didn't.
One of the many sayings in AA/NA/CA is that "one of the good things about sobriety is you get your feelings back" and "one of the bad things is you get your feelings back" With me & Venlaflaxin I didn't get those feelings.
What I experienced was apathy. Utter lack of interest in anything that could illicit any sort of joy. "Fun" was a word I disdained. Instead I engaged in some compulsive behaviour, whether that was cleaning, shopping etc etc. Sitting still and "being" was a hard task , practically impossible.
Of course, everyones response to this stuff is very personal, and underlying issues mixed with a med will illicit a different response.
So, here I am 2 days after completely stopping VNLFN, tapering down one dose (37.5mg) a month from the initial 300. The usual suspects have popped up, brain delay, disturbed sleep, waves of I don't know what going through the old noggin and very, very emotional.
I mean I can briefly think about something , and bingo, tears. A bit inconvenient when your sitting on a beach in Costa Rica, thankfully a pretty deserted beach.
I am grateful for those tears though, I can feel something again, even though it does feel a bit like the Jin has been let out of his bottle. I would rather that than the feeling of being one part removed from a robot vacuum cleaner. Just don't approach me with pictures of puppy's for the time being.

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Good morning and welcome @dickgray. Years ago I was prescribed Prozac. A friend of mine was also on it and we laughed about sitting on the couch like a zombie all day..not really funny but trying to lighten the severity of the truth. I am so glad that you are recovering from other drugs including alcohol. It can take a long time for the body/brain to heal and recover. It also takes a lot of will power and determination. I applaud you for that. I think that the medical field is use to throwing pharmaceuticals at us because they haven't know how else to treat us.
If you are still in Costa Rica and take a dip in the ocean, no one will know if those are tears or salt water!
"People going through withdrawal often have feelings of doom, hopelessness, low self-worth, may cry frequently, have difficulty concentrating, and eat and sleep erratically. If possible, prepare for withdrawal depression before quitting by thinking of some non-drug ways of cheering yourself up when you get the blues. Supportive people, who you can trust to steer you away from alcohol or drug use, and who won't trigger or upset you are good to have around. Low-key entertainment such as a batch of your favorite comedy movies—as long as they aren't about drinking, drugs, or partying—and good self-care practices can help to ease this unhappy time." Elizabeth Hartney, PhD
How are you doing with stopping Effexor now that it's been 2 days?

REPLY
lioness | @lioness | Dec 19, 2018
In reply to @merpreb "All- Please check this out: https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/endocannabinoid-natural-production/ I think that the reason that a lot of us..." + (show)
@merpreb

All- Please check this out: https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/endocannabinoid-natural-production/
I think that the reason that a lot of us tolerate and benefit from CBD oil is because we produce cannabinoids in our own bodies too- so it's really "natural"
I take Wellbutrin and Zoloft and when needed 10mg of CBD oil. I'm still messing around with dosages.

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@merpreb Thanks for posting this information. I do use the cream but just ordered the spray I haven't used any other then cream so far so am anxious to see how this spray works.

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dickygray | @dickygray | Dec 19, 2018

Thanks, I’m alright I guess, tricky time but lots to be grateful for. I should probably clarify, I’ve been sober over 8 years now, so my tolerance for tolerating drunks/potheads et al is relatively high. As for the Venlaflaxin, I don’t want to scare people off of a potentially very helpful drug when the night is at its darkest, I am though glad to be shot of it. It’s done it’s job, and I must admit I had no knowledge of the severity of cessation when starting it. I’m down in CR ostensibly to surf, one of the nasty side effects I’m experiencing now is reduced lung capacity, which is freaking me out a bit when getting dumped into the ocean washing machine. Breathlessness is not ideal in this game. 🙂

REPLY
2 replies
thankful | @thankful | Dec 19, 2018
In reply to @dickygray "Morning all, I was prescribed venlaflaxin @ 300mg probably around 4 years ago. This after many..." + (show)
@dickygray

Morning all,
I was prescribed venlaflaxin @ 300mg probably around 4 years ago. This after many years off and on of many different forms of SSRI's before moving on "The last resort" pharma speaking of the Venlaflaxin. On the upside, it did what it was supposed to, and being no stranger to side effects, I made do.
I am in recovery also for alcohol and some other substances, so it helped. It also didn't.
One of the many sayings in AA/NA/CA is that "one of the good things about sobriety is you get your feelings back" and "one of the bad things is you get your feelings back" With me & Venlaflaxin I didn't get those feelings.
What I experienced was apathy. Utter lack of interest in anything that could illicit any sort of joy. "Fun" was a word I disdained. Instead I engaged in some compulsive behaviour, whether that was cleaning, shopping etc etc. Sitting still and "being" was a hard task , practically impossible.
Of course, everyones response to this stuff is very personal, and underlying issues mixed with a med will illicit a different response.
So, here I am 2 days after completely stopping VNLFN, tapering down one dose (37.5mg) a month from the initial 300. The usual suspects have popped up, brain delay, disturbed sleep, waves of I don't know what going through the old noggin and very, very emotional.
I mean I can briefly think about something , and bingo, tears. A bit inconvenient when your sitting on a beach in Costa Rica, thankfully a pretty deserted beach.
I am grateful for those tears though, I can feel something again, even though it does feel a bit like the Jin has been let out of his bottle. I would rather that than the feeling of being one part removed from a robot vacuum cleaner. Just don't approach me with pictures of puppy's for the time being.

Jump to this post

@dickeygray- Your transparency and gratefulness is good for your healing and so is sitting on a beach in Costa Rica 🙂 Hoping you have a good day today!

REPLY
shaker1956 | @shaker1956 | Dec 19, 2018
In reply to @ainsleigh "@shaker1956 -Hi shaker- Just wanted to drop you a line and say I hope things are..." + (show)
@ainsleigh

@shaker1956 -Hi shaker- Just wanted to drop you a line and say I hope things are going well with you. It was so lovely to hear that
you have such a terrific supporter in your wife- I am sure that makes things a lot easier to cope with! I wanted to wish you and your family ( and all our Connect friends) a happy holiday season and if you celebrate it- a very merry Christmas - and a heathy Happy New Year! I know you must be counting the days until that new Grand baby arrives-will it be the first one?
Best wishes
Ainsleigh

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@ainsleigh. Hi there A. Well this is sure a battle. I have a consult with my Dr on the 24th and infusions on the 27th and 28th. That will be my 4th. Only 2 more to go. My nurse called and advised me that the treatments are working!!!!!!! The cancerous lymphnodes have shrunk as well as my spleen. Great news. Xmas will be a very quiet affair for us this year. Not really in the holiday spirit so to speak!!!!!! Our 4th G-baby is supposed to arrive on the 12th of Mach. A full 3 weeks after my last infusion. Its really hard not to spend much time with my grandkids. They are growing sooooo fast. But I think God has a plan for us and I want to be part of it for quite a few yrs. this Chemo brain they talk about is a true thing. Hard to deal with too. My wife notices when I have it. This has sure changed our lives. Hopefully will make me a better person. More understanding and sympathetic towards people. Well time to take my loyal dog for a walk. Takes me a bit longer to take him but he still enjoys it and its good for me to take my mind off things for a bit. Enjoy your day!!!!!!!

REPLY
1 reply
thankful | @thankful | Dec 19, 2018
In reply to @dickygray "Thanks, I’m alright I guess, tricky time but lots to be grateful for. I should probably..." + (show)
@dickygray

Thanks, I’m alright I guess, tricky time but lots to be grateful for. I should probably clarify, I’ve been sober over 8 years now, so my tolerance for tolerating drunks/potheads et al is relatively high. As for the Venlaflaxin, I don’t want to scare people off of a potentially very helpful drug when the night is at its darkest, I am though glad to be shot of it. It’s done it’s job, and I must admit I had no knowledge of the severity of cessation when starting it. I’m down in CR ostensibly to surf, one of the nasty side effects I’m experiencing now is reduced lung capacity, which is freaking me out a bit when getting dumped into the ocean washing machine. Breathlessness is not ideal in this game. 🙂

Jump to this post

@dickeygray- From a long time east coast surfer just wanted to say "Thumbs up and keep your tip up". It's been many years since I last gave it a try, but that simple move of dropping in and popping up was way more difficult than I ever remembered! Watch out for those monkeys in CR! They love to steal your stuff on the beach. 🙂

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 19, 2018
In reply to @dickygray "Thanks, I’m alright I guess, tricky time but lots to be grateful for. I should probably..." + (show)
@dickygray

Thanks, I’m alright I guess, tricky time but lots to be grateful for. I should probably clarify, I’ve been sober over 8 years now, so my tolerance for tolerating drunks/potheads et al is relatively high. As for the Venlaflaxin, I don’t want to scare people off of a potentially very helpful drug when the night is at its darkest, I am though glad to be shot of it. It’s done it’s job, and I must admit I had no knowledge of the severity of cessation when starting it. I’m down in CR ostensibly to surf, one of the nasty side effects I’m experiencing now is reduced lung capacity, which is freaking me out a bit when getting dumped into the ocean washing machine. Breathlessness is not ideal in this game. 🙂

Jump to this post

@dickgray- Do you have interstitial lung disease (ILD) from the Effexor or another problem? I am glad that. Are you Australian by any chance? I'm guessing because you have a written accent, lol

REPLY
1 reply
motormouth79 | @motormouth79 | Dec 19, 2018
In reply to @careth2 "Hi there! I am new to Connect, but hopefully can offer some insight. I DID go..." + (show)
@careth2

Hi there! I am new to Connect, but hopefully can offer some insight. I DID go off 150 Effexor XR (name brand) COLD TURKEY on January 2016. I survived it, but will never in my life EVER go off ANY antidepressant cold turkey. I had taken Effexor for at least 8 years, Zoloft prior to that and and Imipramine (sp?) as the first antidepressant (in all 25+ years on antidepressants.) It all started with running out of meds over a long weekend and deciding it was time to try to get off antidepressants to see how I would do. Since I had recently retired from teaching, thought this would be an ideal time to give it a go. In addition, Effexor just wasn't helping all that much anymore (I thought.) The first 3 days I felt like I was going to die! When I realized that I wasn't dying, decided to keep going to get it all over with. In addition to the symptoms you have heard about, I had deep bone/joint pain that felt like I was being pinched with clamps. Also had skin sensations and peeling, and noticed a strange smell on my skin. Each day got a little better and by the 3rd week started to function a bit more normally. I was very emotional, however, which caused my family great concern. Well, to make a long story short, the depression crept back in full and I am still trying to get my life back. I did everything I could to stay stable, including herbal supplements and took a vacation where I hiked 6 miles daily for 9 days on hilly, rocky terrain. I finally had to accept that I'm a person who will need antidepressants for the rest of my life. With the help of a PCP and counselor, I am on my 3rd antidepressant & may need to resort to going back on Effexor, because nothing seems to be working. All in all, in my opinion, the chronic depression is worse than the withdrawal symptoms that do eventually end. If you are a person with situational depression, you may be successful weaning off Effexor gradually. If I were to do it again, that's what I would do (while replacing Effexor with something else.) Here are the things that helped me with the physical withdrawal symptoms:
1. Get plenty of sleep/rest.
2. Eat a very well-balanced diet (this is not the time to worry about your weight.) Lots of soup & easy to digest foods the 1st few days.
3. Drink plenty of water, including coconut water.
4. Have a glass of wine in the evening (if advisable.)
5. Get outside and walk or other excersize (the warm sunshine will feel good!)
6. Hot yoga 3-4 times per week. Stay in class even if you feel nauseous & can only do a few postures.
7. Soak in a hot tub (with bath salts if available.)
8. Use a good moisturizer on face & body several times per day.
9. Get several professional massages.
10. Take Tylenol for muscle pain, if OK on your stomach.
11. A heating pad is also helpful at bedtime or during naps.
12. If you are single & live alone, make sure a few trusted friends/family members know what you are doing.
13. In general, be kind & gentle to yourself.
14. NEVER give up! Keep going, even when you don't feel like it (which will be often.) YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!

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Thank you so much careth2 for your post. My mom was on Effexor XR for a few months. Started with the lowest dose till she got to 300. She was on 300 for a week (along with Wellbutrin) but the shaking was so bad, it was like she had Parkinsons. Her doctor has weened her off to zero but we're thinking dr did it too drastically bc mom's got all the symptoms you mentioned,all of which kick in around mid day and get worse till she takes a xanax for bed. she has horrible dreams, she cries constantly, needs to scream to release pressure, says she feels like her head is "big"..she's dizzy etc. it's awful. we're going to her dr. tomorrow to find out about next steps. praying we get her on a better med this time around. glad to know the effexor withdrawal goes away. praying mom can hang on till then

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Mentor
Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 19, 2018

@motormouth- I agree with you- the doctor really did her an injustice. Please, please let us know how she makes out.

REPLY
Joanna | @maryathome | Dec 19, 2018

UPDATE: I have been weaning off 112 mg of Effexor XR that I have been on for approximately 15 years. I also take 75 mg of Wellbutrin XL.
I am tapering slowly- 10 mg every 4 weeks. I am now on my 3rd week at 70 mg.
NEED ADVICE PLEASE: Since I got down to 70 mg, I started feeling more anxious than usual so I’ve been taking 1 mg of Ativan as well. Today I feel right out of it. My eyes feel heavy, feel down and just want to sleep. Do I stay on 70 mg longer than the 4 weeks I’m used to? I feel like hell at the moment. 75% of the time I’m not depressed but still not much motivation. Can’t be bothered with putting up my tree or Xmas lights outdoors like I’m used to. The anxiousness really bothers me. I asked my doctor to take my blood pressure fearing it’s something other than the pills. He said BP is fine.

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