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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 14 hours ago | Replies (6454)Comment receiving replies
I'm currently on my last stages of reducing Venlafaxine. I've been on it for approximately 3/4 years with a maximum dose of 225mg. In 8 months, with the help of my doctor, I've reduced to 37.5mg every other day. The next step is 37.5 every two days. Everything is going well apart from the nausea (which they gave me antisickness tablets for) and the brain fog. No matter what I try, I can't get past the brain fog. I hydrate, eat well, reduced caffeine, INCREASED caffeine, sleep well, I just cannot get past it.
Any tips would be appreciated. It's my biggest downfall. I can deal with the brain zaps, but the brain fog is the worst. I just feel like I can't think of see clearly.
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Hi NClaireB, (My sister is named Claire). Thanks for this post , this is the very problem I still get. I am too looking for Patient feedback, as to how long this Brain Fog symptom last. I was only on 75mg Ven for 18 months , but, it took 3 years to titrate off, as I was hyper sensitive to the drug. I suffered from nearly all listed side effects. After 2 years, I still get Brian Fog. Pre VEN , I had a photographic memory & have a very high IQ. BUT, Ven severely affected this. There is some *improvement of late of the Fog lifting. (*in the last 3 months). It is very bad ist thing in morning. It seems these VEN "legacy" side effects can last for a long time after titration off, from what I have read. Walking & exercise is said to help. I did try to ask Dr's if the length of time you are on the drug , directly corrolates in turn, to how long it will take for your body (& mind) to be clear of it's adverse effects. Note that - All the Dr stated "rules" of VEN "half life" are not at all realistic , in terms of the severe & long term legacy / post titration symptoms some patients experience. I have investigated this phenomenon for over 3 years , speaking to Neuropharmacologist Professors. Hope we can get some feedback. Regards.