Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Of course you may show my plan to your doctor! You may show it to anyone you like!
I read this after I posted a response to your post about going to the hospital.
Yes, it can take time to get back on.
You can do this!
Ronnie

I don't want to get to excited just yet. But I took my meds to the emergency room like I always do. That way they can see exactly what all I take. Long story short my effexor bottle was in my pill box so the Dr. had me take one and had me stay a couple of hours to kinda monitor me for a bit. She wanted to make sure I wasn't going to have some sort of reaction. Maybe it's just me but with in a couple of hours it seemed to start calming me down. Maybe I'm just relieved that someone actually took time to listen to me. I really appreciate everyone's concerns about me. I pray that all of you get well to. Thank you much.

I suppose it really does not matter if the pills made you feel better or relieved that someone finally listened to you.
As long as you feel better, that is what counts!!
Ronnie

One other thing I was getting concerned about was the pains in my chest and left arm. For only being 44 I've had heart trouble.too. But they have me on meds that strengthen the heart and I'm doing alot better. Damn stress and anxiety/depression has been trying to kill me. After fighting through all this I think I'll live to be 90. That's a good thing. I still want to be able to give my girls hell. LOL

That is for sure. I gotta get back to trucking and farming. Those dreadful things called bills need to be paid. After all of this I'm going to start simplify things and try to enjoy life more.

@farmboy
Good grief! I hope you mentioned the chest and left arm pains to the ER doc! When you asked if others were experiencing "heartache feelings" a few posts back, I thought you meant emotional heartache--not heart attack symptoms. It is dangerous to quit an anti-depressant abruptly--seizures, blood pressure spikes, risk of suicide, pain, etc.

Yes I mentioned it to the Dr. When I told her that she had a ekg done, blood work and urine test. She wasn't going to let me go until she had everything checked. To me she is a top notch Dr. I was so happy that she took time to listen and wanted to make sure I didn't have something else going on also. I wish everyone on here could find a Dr. like her. She is just like this group, carrying, will listen to you, answer all your questions. Thank you all for your help and support.

As bad as I wanted off of the effexor. I'm relieved to go back on it.The panic attacks have gone away and I actually slept last night. Next time I try to get off of effexor I'm going to take everyone's advice and go SLOOOOW. To anyone that comes across this group listen to what the people suggestions. Very carrying group of people. Thank you to everyone that has helped me through my horrible experience.

@farmboy
Hi!
I am so happy for you. It sounds like you are doing so much better!
MY personal opinion is that if the drug helps, and you are not feeling or having negative symptoms, why quit??
I am reducing my dosage because of the side effects of taking so much. It is NOT my intention to come off completely.
This drug has worked better tan any other I have tried.
And if I hace no intention of coming off, why should I be concerned about withdrawal and the addiction factor???
Again, this is JUST OPINION. I am in NO way involved in the medical field.
Now, form YOUR own opinion. Just make sure IF you decide to wean off, you are doing it for thr right reasons.

Happy Weekend!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Yes. When and if I decide to try to come off of it ,it will be SLOOOOW. My reason for wanting to come off of it is a little personal. But after yesterday's ordeal my reason will have to wait.