Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@jakedduck1 thankyou. It's been a heck of an ordeal. I read up on Seroquel and it says it can cause irritable. I get in a BAD MOOD and get really bad headaches since I started taking it. I don't know though if it's the Seroquel or the effexor though. Just like to have my life back. I do know that.

@farmboy
Glad to hear from you but sorry things are still not going well.
Hang in there!
Do you think seeing a therapist during this period would be helpful?
Talking with someone who might be able to give you suggestions could prove to be just the thing??????
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Your post is exactly what I was looking for. Day 5 on rapid discontinuation of Effexor so please exscuse any grammatical errors. Developed a loss of smell over the past 2.5 years. On day 2 of my discontinuation, periodically began smelling burnt coffee. Hopeful... if the loss of smell is linked to Effexor, then it would logically make sense my smell “might” come back. Has anyone had a loss of hearing as an affect? I lost my smell, taste, and hearing over the past 2.5 years on 75mg of Effexor with 150mg of Wellbutrin. These are powerful brain medications with severe side effects. Being in a PTSD vigilance crisis back when I started Effexor, it was common knowledge I did not possess the wherewithal to see or understand interactions. In addition, I was in no state to even comprehend long term effects on my CNS when first prescribed, thus why I am on these medications.

Perhaps slight loss of hearing for me, but I can’t connect it to Effexor. I had that burnt smell (for me is was sort of like an ashtray) for about a month but perhaps longer before I realized I was the only one smelling it. I also moved and was staying in places that were new, so I thought the smell was normal. I am experiencing terrible vertigo now. Not at all like the head spins from weening. Going to doc today I have hours where I am not smelling that burnt smell and am very hopeful this awful side effect of Effexor withdrawal is coming to an end. BTW, been off Effexor entirely since February 1, 2019.

@grandmar I've been seeing a therapist. It hasn't done much good. It may or may not be the Seroquel. But I think that's the problem. It seem like the effexor leveled off and started working and then the Seroquel kicked in and I started getting headaches and VERY irritable. I read up on Seroquel and it said it can cause irritably and headaches. So I'm not sure what to think. But I get very irritated and don't feel like myself. It's been a heck of a ride.

@cmedoverload
Wow, I thought I knew every side effect of these damned drugs.
I too have lost my sense of smell and to some degree, taste also. Since I come from a restaurant family and I DID get the cooking genes, this is very upsetting to me.
I took Effexor for 33 years. Last dose was jan, 2018.
As long as I have my CBD, I am good. No need for antidepressants any more.
Please forgive my absence, this cold has activated my MS big time. I have not been able to regenerate my energy. So I never give what I do not have. Smiling at everyone, Bright Wings

Has anyone used CBT oil while on Protonix and Effexor ?

@rascal1 My daughter uses it when she is heading into a social situation. She believes that it takes the edge off of her anxiety about such events. She will also take it when she's been having trouble sleeping or if she has a headache...all related to the Effexor weaning.

@farmboy- Morning. It's good to hear from you. Please call your doctor about the new medication. Did you know that serquel is an anti-psychotic? Is this what your doctor thinks? Maybe there is an interaction with Effexor? Either way you shouldn't have a headache. Have you called her already?

@farmboy, I was given one dose of Seroquel. I took it at 4 pm. When I woke up the next morning, I could not open my eyes. I was fully alert but just could not open them.
As the day progress, my motor skills just seemed to get worse and worse. By noon, the nurses insisted I use a wheelchair.
When the doc came in at 4 pm...that drug was discontinued.... I would not have taken it anyways cuz I could see the challenges it was giving.
This is my recovery. I live a very successful life...why??? Because I REFUSE TO BE A SHEEP TO JUST BLINDLY FOLLOW ALONG.
As ever, Bright Wings