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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (6363)Comment receiving replies
Unfortunately, Effexor discontinuation at a rapid rate is my only option. Neurological testing 4 weeks ago) finally a diognosiis, “dystonia”. When I met with my prescribing nurse practitioner and informed her of my diognosis, she did not hesitate to state “serotonin syndrome”. Details: Perscribed: 75 mg Effexor Nov-2016 developed diarrhea, photosensitivity, loss of appetite, weight loss. Began seeking medical advice for symptoms and did not connect them to the Effexor. The reason for the administration of Effexor in Nov 2016, pain control, PTSD episode “severe” . Disabilities, neck injury cervical spine which causes similar symptoms to Effexor side effects. On Dec 29 admitted to hospital, given toradol injection. The result of Torodol with Effexor for me equates to cognitive funtion declining rapidly and developed a full blown rage. New physical symptoms upon discharge were jerks, tingling in face, pressure behind left eye, arm weakness. Then my new prescription was Ultram. A big, big mistake... You see the errors and how it all went south! So then I add Ultram to the serotonin mix. Deathly ill, literally have been wondering if I have Huntington’s disease all this time. Ok! I have been sick for so long, I feel amazing. It is day 4 of rapid taper. Here is my taper/formula: on 75mg Effexor for 2.5 yr, 37.5 mg for 10 days then stopped. Continue Ultram 4 per day add Visteral 3 x per day. I am a retired programmer (not by choice by disability) so I am keeping a detailed data log of signs and symptoms with rapid discontinuation. The only uptick in symptoms in 4 days is my appetite spiked. I lost 30 pounds due to this, so I am going to eat.....Is visteral a good choice for Effexor withdrawal? Throwing this out here for others.
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@cmedoverload
Good Morning,
You have certainly been through the ringer with these drugs!
Was it the same doc who prescribed all these different meds or different docs prescribing meds for different symptoms and ailments?
I ask this question because if it were the same person, they evidently didn't check the interactions of these drugs.
Speaking of that, if you use the same pharmacy chain, isn't there some sort of a popup that warns the pharmacist of the pending interaction among drugs you are taking? Just wondering?
As far as withdrawing from Effexor?
If you did not have the opportunity to read previous posts, the conclusion is an OVERWHELMING......GO SLOW! GO AS SLOW AS YOU CAN!
We've had members who have wound up in the hospital due to a quick withdrawal.
What quick means?
That is different with each person and his/her doctor.
For some it is a rather large % jump down or a 'too soon' jump down, or both.
I am currently reducing without any intention of total withdrawal.
For me, Effexor is the only drug that has worked on my anxiety.
I was up to 300mg for the last 3 years or so.
Obviously, the lower dosage stopped working and I was upped.
I am going SLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I started this reduction with 2-75 mg in the morning and at night.
Starting mid-November 2018, I reduced my evening meds first:
1/4 of one 75 mg tablet.
I took the reduced amount every other night for 3 weeks.
After 3 weeks, I took the reduced amount every night for 3 weeks.
Other than sleeping issues (it might not even be from the withdrawal), my body handled it fine.
When the 3 weeks were up, I reduced another 1/4 of a pill.
I continued the same pattern as above.
I always left time to remain on a dosage for another 3 weeks or longer, IF IHAD CONCERNING SYMPTOMS OR AN INCIDENT THAT I KNEW WOULD CHANGE THE OTHER MEDS I AM TAKING.
For example, I got sick and needed antibiotics.
Not to confuse anything, I remained of the Effexor dosage for a total of 4 weeks even though I felt fine.
I did not want to take a chance of the drugs interacting.
I am currently taking 1-75 mg tablet in the evening.
My intention is to stay on this dosage for at least a month before I attack my morning pills.
Again, I want my body to adjust.
Ultimately, I am not yet sure is I want to be at 1-75mg in the monring and afternoon.
Hope this helps!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)