Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

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)

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)

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)

@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)

Good Morning All,

I got this article about CBD oil for anxiety.....
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Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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.

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.

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.

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

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)