Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

PS @ could you have narcolepsy?

I know that only a doctor in a doctor-patient relationship can provide treatment. I just wanted to point out that it's not really helpful to tell someone to ask a doctor if it is assumed that they have one who cares when that isn't the reality for most people. To me, it's like when I've been told to take a vacation to treat my depression. It simply isn't in my reach to do so.

I have no idea what my plan is. For now, all I can do is wait. Increasingly I'm considering going to an "alternative" doctor. I can't actually afford it but what's another four grand in credit card debt compared to this suffering? If it works, it will be worth it because the way things are headed I can't live like this. Or I can start playing the lottery. Not much I can actually do.

As for other causes, no diagnosis. Nothing showed up on the tests that were done.

For meds, Claritin but I've been taking that daily for about 15 years now. And I've dealt with depression since my childhood - this is different. I've had hypersomnia before but then I always chose to sleep because I didn't want to be awake, rather than being sleepy. This feels like my body is not cooperating rather than depressed.

@john368 when you reduce down to 19 mg how long do you stay there? I'm assuming you increase again because you cant tolerate the wd symptoms?

@notaround , how long have you had the sleepiness?

About 3 weeks? Yesterday was the worst though. My sense of time isn't very good. I feel each and every minute so present and future are subjectively forever and the past quickly lumps together.

@notaround I understand what you mean about the time. And how you feel about the advice about going to a doctor. I dont have much advice, but I know I spent about 3 weeks sleeping practically all day and night shortly after my husband and I moved to a new home, I'd had a huge emotional upset that I couldn't share with anyone, and the weather had turned extremely hot. I think all of that combined to create the perfect storm of exhaustion. (This was nothing to do with effexor). I was tested for everything and finally given the garbage diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Looking back I believe that my body and mind had just had enough and had to take time to try and heal. It was scary and I thought I'd be that way forever. I dont have tons of energy now, but there are good days for longer stretches. Maybe you need the sleep, although I certainly understand the financial need to work. Not much I can do to help but to let you know I hear you. Hugs.

@sandij I am glad you are doing better than you were, even though you do still feel tired a lot. The best I can suggest is getting out and getting some exercise, it really does help, whether it's a walk or something more strenuous. I hate going to the gym at my health club but after I do I always do feel better, it does lift my spirits on down days.
JK

I'm trying to tell myself that I clearly need the sleep. I haven't somehow traveled to a place with sleeping sickness so it's probably my body doing its own thing. Would be nice if it consulted me. I used to be a responsible person. All I have is my word.

I have to believe this doesn't last forever. I can endure almost anything for a short time.

@notaround it's all temporary

Hi All!
I hope everyone had a Happy New Year!
Just to fill you in....
I've actually lost track on how many weeks it's been since I've started cutting down on Effexor.
For those who are new, I am 63 and I've been on Effexor for over 12 years.
I was taking 2-75 mg in both the AM and PM.
I started this journey knowing that it could take me a year or more to cut back to where I'd like to be.
I'm doing it VERY slowly and 'reading' what my body has to say.
I decided that I would start by reducing one of my two PM pill by 1/4.
I'd alternate taking that every other day for 3 weeks.
I felt fine so I am taking it every day.
Sunday I will begin a new dosage.
I will take 1/2 of one of my PM pills every other night for 3 weeks.
If all is well, then I'll take it every night for another 3 weeks.
Even with such a small reduction, my head feels clearer already.
I used to feel like I was walking in a fog.
I don't think I am having any side effects.
The only thing I am realizing, is that I am NOT able to sleep more than 3 hours a night.
I'm exhausted all day! With the issues I have walking, by the afternoon, I find I am literally dragging my feet, which can become an issue, especially if I fall.
Like I said, that is the only thing I see that is different.
Anyway, when I see the doc, I'll ask about taking a small dosage of melatonin.

Slow and steady wins the race......and I don't think I can go much slower!!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)