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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

@sandij

@brightwings you may wish to consider prefacing posts that include references to sexual acts with "TRIGGER WARNING/SEXUAL". It would be helpful for me and perhaps others.
Hoping you get the rest you need!

Jump to this post

@sandj Thank you. No one means to upset intentionally and there are posts can be difficult for some of us. Hope you are okay.

REPLY
@secretwhitepop

We have a place all lined up. Not a part of where she is living now, but literally right across the parking lot! Now we have to convince mom it’s the best place. I can tell she’s trying and even trying to do what we, her children want, to make US happy. There’s a big part of her still there. But she needs a boost. This morning we went to her place to pick her up for church. This morning she said she didn’t want to go, but with our encouragement, she’s enjoying her Easter with family! All she needs is a boost. I’m hoping the new place will help her. (And I’m happy she’s still clean from yesterday, ha ha!)

Sigh. And another big sigh.

Thanks, all, for listening.

Jump to this post

@secretwhitepop I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your mom!

REPLY
@brightwings

@sandij
Thank you. I don't usually write things like this.
I will Definately keep that in mind.
I don't want to re-traumatize anyone. Much appreciated. Bright Wings

Jump to this post

@brightwings thank you! Some days I'm very sensitized, as Claire Weekes describes it, and am becoming more aware it seems, as this process continues.

REPLY
@korntveds

Its me again. The one would was so bold as to think I could do this cold turkey. After being very sick, angry and crying uncontrollably I thought I would try what all the professionals recommend and go off it gradually. Its just hard for me feeling like I am not in control but then I was told I am. In control of how I manage this. I respect all of the comments here and humbly ask for any help on managing my symptoms. Brain fog. Nausea. Weariness. Emotional roller coaster. 😥🥴🙂

Jump to this post

@korntveds it's ok, you are going to be ok. The best thing to keep in mind is that this will pass, you will have good days and bad days but you will not die over it. Benadryl, ibuprofen, vitamin D, omega 3, water, rest, find a distraction (youtube, tv). Force yourself if you have to, to go outside for a minute. Epsom salts in your bath. CBD oil. Give yourself permission to experience withdrawal without guilt. Remember there are tons of people who have done this before you, and many more who will do it after you. No matter how hard it gets. This pill will NOT defeat you! We are always here for your support. Sending lots of healing your way.

REPLY
@secretwhitepop

Thank you for having great days on purpose! Yesterday was a ton of crying. Today I’m going to keep busy! Visiting poor old mom since yesterday. She in no way wants to move to this very expensive assisted living place. Ha! How cliche!

Sigh. So, Last night I did her toes, hands, shower, hair, vacuum, mopped (wet swifter) and 6 tubs of laundry. Now she’s my mother!

Yeah, I don’t have to, but I can’t deal when she’s dirty and a wreck. Plus she says she feels better. She
Oughta!

But I feel better too knowing that the pee on her bathroom rug has been washed!

For everything there is a season!

Have good days on purpose everyone!

Jump to this post

Having great days on purpose reminds me of something. You know how people say "I feel bad, for no reason"? Well feel good for no reason!!

REPLY
@sandij

@korntveds it's ok, you are going to be ok. The best thing to keep in mind is that this will pass, you will have good days and bad days but you will not die over it. Benadryl, ibuprofen, vitamin D, omega 3, water, rest, find a distraction (youtube, tv). Force yourself if you have to, to go outside for a minute. Epsom salts in your bath. CBD oil. Give yourself permission to experience withdrawal without guilt. Remember there are tons of people who have done this before you, and many more who will do it after you. No matter how hard it gets. This pill will NOT defeat you! We are always here for your support. Sending lots of healing your way.

Jump to this post

@sandinlj Thank you for your kind words and the reminder Im not alone in this!! I will take the tips too!! Thank you!! What a great gift this forum is!

REPLY

Happy Easter to all those who celebrate!!

REPLY
@korntveds

@sandinlj Thank you for your kind words and the reminder Im not alone in this!! I will take the tips too!! Thank you!! What a great gift this forum is!

Jump to this post

@korntveds we are all in this together, and it truly is a gift to know we are not alone. Much of handling withdrawal is trial and error as well, although there are many great suggestions, sometimes you may wonder if anything is working at all! Recovery is a wiley beast at times! Hang in there.

REPLY
@sandij

@brightwings thank you! Some days I'm very sensitized, as Claire Weekes describes it, and am becoming more aware it seems, as this process continues.

Jump to this post

I will certainly be respectful in the future.
I started working with survivor's of sexual abuse in 1986. We ended up making groups in 6 counties of chicagoland. That was Definately before the internet.
My sincere apology for my post.
Bright Wings.

REPLY
@sandij

@korntveds we are all in this together, and it truly is a gift to know we are not alone. Much of handling withdrawal is trial and error as well, although there are many great suggestions, sometimes you may wonder if anything is working at all! Recovery is a wiley beast at times! Hang in there.

Jump to this post

When I found this forum around a year ago, there were 141 pages. The posts have doubled that number since then. So Definately, you are in the right place. Just keep coming back and share what is going on so those of us who have come before you can help.
Have you found the method of counting beads to withdraw safely?
Me, I did it the really, really hard way and only found this place months after my last dose. You don't have to do it that way...
Best to you, Bright Wings

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.