Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Posted by richyrich @richyrich, Nov 2, 2016

I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you

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@sandij

I never want to be around people anymore. I guess there are more reasons than just these wd symptoms, I think it's a combination of things. I do like this forum a lot. I'd hang out with all of you!

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Good Morning @sandj,
Funny you should mention that.
There was a time that I felt that way, too.
I really didn't want to spend time with my granddaughter (wanted to see her and then have her leave), which is VERY OUT OF CHARACTER FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought I was going into a depression (or my chronic pain was just getting to me) which is not me.
I'm an anxiety chick.
When I went to my then psychiatrist, she also thought I might be having a 'bit of depression'.
So, guess what she did?
Upped my Effexor.
Didn't thing twice because I knew something wasn't right, not wanting to spend actual time with my granddaughter.
Guess it might have been our good friend, Effexor.
Not feeling that way anymore, thank goodness!
But, I 'll have to keep this in the forefront of my mind as time progresses.

Have a peaceful day!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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Hi All!

UPDATE...……...
Starting week 2 of my reduced dosage of Effexor.
As a reminder, I went from 2-75mg in the evening to 1-75mg in the evening.
I haven't touched my morning dosage of 2-75mg.

Sleep is still an issue, but I am thinking it MAY NOT BE the Effexor withdrawal at all.
I have lots going on in my mind as I plan for a vacation.
I keep reading that checking air fares at a 'given' time is the best.
I find, strangely (and I am strange...lol), that I get up with enough time to do my morning routine before I get on my computer, to check fares at that 'given' time.
Guess that's something I have to work on.

Only other thing I am noticing, is that my memory is starting to fade again and I am getting that feeling of my head in the clouds, again.
I felt this way before I started my reduction; those are the BIG reasons I wanted to cut back.
I feel like I've gone backwards.
Of course, I will forge ahead.

Since I do not plan to touch my morning dosage for a while, I am hoping my body will adjust.
My granddaughter ends school in a few weeks and I want to be clear headed in order to spend quality time with her.
Therefore, I don't want to start anymore reductions, just in case.
I'm thinking after the summer to continue.
It took since November to get to this point.

Have a peaceful day!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@farmboy

@grandmar I've diffently haven't had a straight journey. It's been hell of ride.

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Good Morning @farmboy

I know the hell you have been through!
I am so sorry for that.
IF there were a bright side to this, AT ALL, it would be that I think we all learned a lot from your experiences.
Of course, I wish you NEVER went through all this!!!!!

Please keep in touch with the group as we worry when we don't hear from you!!!

Hope you have a peaceful day...……..
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@farmboy

@cristin1 I know what you mean. I just kinda stay to myself because it's hard to explain to people how I feel when they ask.

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@christin1
@farmboy

Good Morning,

I know what you mean by 'trying to explain' how you feel to others.
Between being a woman and having those monthly feelings AND dealing with the Effexor (now that I know it is that), I understand where the both of you are coming from.
I don't believe, PERSONALLY, that you 'need to explain' anything to anyone, if you can't or don't want to.
I find that the easiest thing to tell others, if asked, is that I am preoccupied with things, for now, so I am stepping back for a while.
That usually stops people in their tracks.
Rarely, if ever, will anyone ask anything about my preoccupation, other than if there is anything they can do to help.
I tell them, "no" and that if things change and I can use their help, I'd let them know.
I also tell them that I will call when 'things are straightened out."

I find that doing the above is a help as far as explanations.
I also try to call, text or email the person (people) every week or two to let them know I am OK.

Hope this helps...…

Have a peaceful, uneventful day
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@sandij

I never want to be around people anymore. I guess there are more reasons than just these wd symptoms, I think it's a combination of things. I do like this forum a lot. I'd hang out with all of you!

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I almost feel like I should keep track of good days vs bad days. I wake up crying. That can't be good. It's only been 10 weeks off Effexor. I have good moments and I even remember encouraging other people to stick it out. When is enough enough? I exercise on purpose, for mental health. Then it hurts my back. Little things cause my whole world to crumble. I am envious of my little 8 year old who abounds with happiness. She is wise and pushes though her own roadblocks. It's only 7 AM. I suppose I'll see what 8:00 has in store.

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I've been waking up crying lately too. After having horrible nightmares. I'm down to about 66 mg of effexor daily. I cancel almost all of my appointments if I have them, and I can barely drag myself into the other room, where I teach online for just an hour or two a day, to out in a happy face. I used to be able to do three or four hours. I hurt all the time, maybe because of the fibro? I do better when I stay on my supplement regime but I'm too stubborn sometimes to want to take anything. I'm also really cold all the time. I dont know what's going on but I had a lesion detected on my liver and now I'm waiting for test results and automatically thinking a slow painful death would be fitting for me. I've caused a lot of trouble and pain for others. Karma I guess. It's not a good day today. Hang in there everyonr.

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@sandij

I've been waking up crying lately too. After having horrible nightmares. I'm down to about 66 mg of effexor daily. I cancel almost all of my appointments if I have them, and I can barely drag myself into the other room, where I teach online for just an hour or two a day, to out in a happy face. I used to be able to do three or four hours. I hurt all the time, maybe because of the fibro? I do better when I stay on my supplement regime but I'm too stubborn sometimes to want to take anything. I'm also really cold all the time. I dont know what's going on but I had a lesion detected on my liver and now I'm waiting for test results and automatically thinking a slow painful death would be fitting for me. I've caused a lot of trouble and pain for others. Karma I guess. It's not a good day today. Hang in there everyonr.

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Ya know what? As hard as it is and as numb as I feel, I DO try and drag myself out. Even if only for a couple hours. Then, within those couple hours, maybe I will say hi to someone who will be kind to me. It’s worth it.

Not sure I believe in Karma. I believe everyone is human, however. Go easy on yourself. It’s a strange time we’re in if you ask me. I mean, being on this forum is like having multiple pen pals!

Again, hang in there. Heal as best as you can from within. I’m learning that’s all we have.

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@secretwhitepop

Ya know what? As hard as it is and as numb as I feel, I DO try and drag myself out. Even if only for a couple hours. Then, within those couple hours, maybe I will say hi to someone who will be kind to me. It’s worth it.

Not sure I believe in Karma. I believe everyone is human, however. Go easy on yourself. It’s a strange time we’re in if you ask me. I mean, being on this forum is like having multiple pen pals!

Again, hang in there. Heal as best as you can from within. I’m learning that’s all we have.

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Good for you getting out and thanks for the great advice!
Rascal

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@sandij

I've been waking up crying lately too. After having horrible nightmares. I'm down to about 66 mg of effexor daily. I cancel almost all of my appointments if I have them, and I can barely drag myself into the other room, where I teach online for just an hour or two a day, to out in a happy face. I used to be able to do three or four hours. I hurt all the time, maybe because of the fibro? I do better when I stay on my supplement regime but I'm too stubborn sometimes to want to take anything. I'm also really cold all the time. I dont know what's going on but I had a lesion detected on my liver and now I'm waiting for test results and automatically thinking a slow painful death would be fitting for me. I've caused a lot of trouble and pain for others. Karma I guess. It's not a good day today. Hang in there everyonr.

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You need to hang in there, too!
Don't assume the worse is wrong.
Please let us know when you have the test results.

Wishing you peace of mind!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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