1. < Depression & Anxiety

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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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 27, 2019
In reply to @brightwings "@rascal1 Still Smiling at your name, I love it. I use Lazarus natural. Since last summer......" + (show)
@brightwings

@rascal1
Still Smiling at your name, I love it.
I use Lazarus natural. Since last summer...
I use "CBD in coconut oil".
1200 mg in bottle. 2 bottles a month.
When I spoke with David at the company yesterday, he told me that dosage and product was better than the high dosage tincture.
I use 1/2 tsp 3 times a day or when my body starts groaning for more. I was paying $50 for each bottle.
I did try other companies and different kinds of products. This is the cheapest product out there and it works better than any other product I tried...
I hope this helps.
Bright Wings

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@brightwings- Morning Susie- I pay about that and only use 1 a month. I take just short of a dropper each AM. I will use it again if I feel off the wall later in the day. I wish that we could get more than 2 days of sun shine in a row. We'll all be sitting in front of the lamp for depression soon. How are you?

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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 27, 2019
In reply to @grandmar "Your advice is wise. I agree 100%!!" + (show)
@grandmar

Your advice is wise.
I agree 100%!!

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I also agree. Things are stressed in your home.
I heard you @sandij that there is a trust issue. Sounds like a difficult time and place to be. hang in there.
I know my husband had issues in how much my medical bills were also. It put a huge strain on our marriage. We all are with you.BW

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 27, 2019
In reply to @sharonlou "Hello! I've been quietly reading and learning from you all for a few months now in..." + (show)
@sharonlou

Hello! I've been quietly reading and learning from you all for a few months now in preparation for today: weaning off of Effexor XR 150mg after taking it for about 3 years. I waited until I could find a psychiatrist who takes my insurance and I feel so damn lucky that he understands the side effects of this drug. When I told him about the brain zaps, dizziness (can't drive), nausea, and generally feeling really ill if I accidentally miss a dose, he said that all made sense. When I told him that I have to wean off of it because of its effect on my eye pressure (glaucoma) he instantly said, "It's going to have to be slow". Wow! Now his idea of slow and what many people posting here have had to do may be different, but I'm going along with his instructions. I counted all the beads in a 150mg capsule (there were 152 beads), took out 25% of them (38 beads) and so took the capsule with 114 beads today. He said to stay on this dosage for two weeks which will be my next appointment with him. If I have withdrawal symptoms he said to take out only 20% of the beads and see what happens. I guess I'll contact him if my symptoms are bad (I have to be able to drive) in this two week period to see what he suggests doing. So here we go. I feel blessed that I found this group and I thank you all immensely for all you have been willing to share. I am keeping a diary of this experience and will give an occasional update as I go along because with the knowledge that I have, I really think I only need to do this once. The doc says we'll monitor for anxiety as we go along to see if I'll require a bridge. Blessings to all of you as you navigate your own unique journeys with Effexor to feel well again.

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@sharonlou When I came off of effexor I had already started to taper when my doctor am on board and gave me great instructions. I don't ever remember brain zaps or dizziness, so I must have had it easier than a lot of people. But I had to go back on another anti-depressant for my depression, which I unfortunately have had most of my life. Originally I was put on it for menopause, hot flashes, etc and depression. It was like over night that it kicked in. I felt so much better. How are you feeling right now?

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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 27, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@brightwings- Morning Susie- I pay about that and only use 1 a month. I take just..." + (show)
@merpreb

@brightwings- Morning Susie- I pay about that and only use 1 a month. I take just short of a dropper each AM. I will use it again if I feel off the wall later in the day. I wish that we could get more than 2 days of sun shine in a row. We'll all be sitting in front of the lamp for depression soon. How are you?

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Oh, I can not live with out sunshine...destroys my carefully planned day for sure. Its been a rough winter here with the polar vortex. So much bad weather and dark gray sky's.
I've been making sure I get sunshine, even if its one hour at a time.
Merry, I love that name...cuz from reading your history, I know you had countless days that were anything but merry.
Please explain to me what you mean by 11% in your CBD. My CBD is 50 mg a teaspoon. I use 75 mg a day on the worse days.
BW

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 27, 2019

@brightwings- I hear you! I bought a verilux to help with seasonal depression (lol0 mine is all year) and it works! Night and day for me.

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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 27, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@brightwings- I hear you! I bought a verilux to help with seasonal depression (lol0 mine is..." + (show)
@merpreb

@brightwings- I hear you! I bought a verilux to help with seasonal depression (lol0 mine is all year) and it works! Night and day for me.

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Merry, where do you live, if I may ask?
I remember sitting under a sun lamp but can't remember why. Or where.
Also I am about to send you a private message. So watch for it. I need help with a issue.
BW

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babydoll | @babydoll | Apr 27, 2019
In reply to @sharonlou "@jakedduck1 Same big valley as you. Stanislaus county." + (show)
@sharonlou

@jakedduck1 Same big valley as you. Stanislaus county.

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Good Morning everyone! I have no idea how to start a thread, so I just hit reply! I am looking for suggestions. I have been Effexor free since February! Yes, I had a horrible time, had to have a bridge of Prozac, didn’t help at first, but now I feel great. I still get anxiety, but not as bad. My problem now is restless leg syndrome! I have had this diagnosis for years and take Requip for it, but since stopping Effexor it is worse than ever! I can not sleep for the aching feeling of having to keep moving my legs. It starts around 6 PM and I’m walking, dancing, whatever to keep it at bay! Has anyone else had this problem? Also, I want you all to know that each and everyone of you are in my prayers, this is a journey we are on to feel better and I love the support and suggestions that I read from you all! Keep smiling your all beautiful and worth it!

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3 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 27, 2019
In reply to @brightwings "Merry, where do you live, if I may ask? I remember sitting under a sun lamp..." + (show)
@brightwings

Merry, where do you live, if I may ask?
I remember sitting under a sun lamp but can't remember why. Or where.
Also I am about to send you a private message. So watch for it. I need help with a issue.
BW

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Along the shore of Southern RI

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sandij (Sandi James) | @sandij | Apr 27, 2019

I wouldn't say we have a bad marriage but we are very different people. He has always pointed out that I get "too emotional" and reminds me that "not everybody is like you". LoL. As for the rage and crying jags, effexor never has helped with my emotions, I've always had dark nights of the soul at times, even as a child, I feel things very deeply and always wondered if there was a "normal" how would that feel?
He knows all about the withdrawal and what it entails since I went through it before with neurontin and that was far worse than this has been.

Can we every really pinpoint why we feel the way we do or what is causing our emotions? There are so many factors at play and constantly changing, from our physical bodies aging, environment, our parents getting old and needing care, etc. Its hard to say what's the chicken and what's the egg.
I know I've been using the forum to vent. I realize I'm lonely but I must have very high standards for friends. It never fails that I will make a friendship and then the other person starts telling me all kinds of crazy sexual stuff in their marriage or other things I really do not want to hear! Lucky me to hear everyone else secrets, but really?
I'm sitting here watching the bluebirds right now, I'm so grateful that they appear right when I need them. We have many cardinals, hummingbirds, doves, and finches but the beauty of the bluebird never ceases to take my breath away.
Hope everyone has a great day, and thank you for being here.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 27, 2019

@sandij- I do not know how many people who are married to people who are like each other. My husband and I balance each other out. I'm so sorry that you are so frustrated. Have you considered therapy? I haven't looked back in your posts so if you have already posted about this I'm sorry. How do you handle people who talk about personal information like sex?

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