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.

@jakedduck1

@grandmar
Hi Ronnie,
Curious why the Psychiatrist would say that since Klonopin is an Anticonvulsant and Seizures generally are long term.
Jake

Jump to this post

@jakedduck1 @rascal1, @grandmar klonapin is also used as an anti anxiety at times. I have dispensed it as a prn many times. BW

REPLY
@texasduchess

@sandij
If you click on my name, you can read in past posts what supplements/amounts I'm taking. Unfortunately, for each of us on Effexor trying to get off, it's all trial-and-error. My list at least gives you a starting point.

I took about 2.5 months to taper off 25mg regular release Effexor. My last tapered dose (1/8 of the tablet) was 4/14/18. I was fine until the first week of June when I began experiencing insomnia (up to this time, I used to joke that sleeping was my hobby and I lived for weekends--'cause I'd get to sleep in and take naps!).

By 6/16, I had major agitation and anxiety and even when I was tired, I could not shut off circling thoughts and was afraid to go to bed. Because I had researched how to quit Effexor, I realized these were discontinuation effects. That night, I was about to shake apart and was desperately Googling what might help when I came across info about L-tryptophan. I sent my husband out at 8:30pm to Vitamin Sh*ppe (they close at 9). He bought their brand; within an hour of taking a 500mg capsule, my agitation subsided and I was even able to sleep quite well that night.

I thank G*d I was able to get in to see my oncologist (he prescribed the Effexor) on 6/20 and that he was very receptive and read all the info I had printed out about Effexor withdrawal symptoms and was willing to prescribe a small amount of Valium for the worst days. Even so, despite taking some supplements and the occasional 1/2 5mg Valium, I would still experience anxiety, insomnia and vertigo; I even progressed to akathisia. I might have been better served by a less limited supply of Valium--because I only had 15 pills, I was reluctant to take it unless I was really in bad shape. Keep in mind--it took 3-4 months to figure out the dosing and supplement mix that worked for me.

On 8/26, I went to a Care Now because I couldn't control the anxiety and agitation despite having taken a couple of half doses of my Valium. The doctor there was familiar with Effexor withdrawal and had me take three days off work and take 2 whole 5mg Valium each day to "get ahead" of the anxiety. All this bother DESPITE tapering off AND only ever having been on 25mg of Effexor!

Some folks on this thread talk about "toughing it out" and keeping in mind that "the withdrawal effects will eventually subside." Well, I admit it--I'm a big wimp; I found these WD symptoms very distressing and I wanted HELP NOW. In this case, Ab Fab's Eddie ("I want total sensory deprivation and backup drugs!") was my ideal; a drug got me into this mess and I wanted a drug/drugs to get me out of it. So, I take supplements and the occasional Valium as needed. I can tell you that the more time you're off Effexor, the better things get; I have reduced the supplementation and plan to reduce again. But, if I need to, I'll reinstate them.

Jump to this post

I went cold turkey cuz I didn't know any better. I did not do my research at all. It was the most stupid dangerous thing I have done in my life...unless I am forgetting something...grin.
BW

REPLY
@wendyw

Sadiesmom, I also have been reading about TMS for depression and the good results they have been achieving on many people without the side effects of drugs.

Jump to this post

What is TMS please?

REPLY
@rascal1

What is TMS please?

Jump to this post

Good question. I was surprised at the answer.
If you ever want to find anything on the internet, go to your search engine and type it in, then hit enter.
I learn vast amounts of info that way. BW

REPLY
@brightwings

Good question. I was surprised at the answer.
If you ever want to find anything on the internet, go to your search engine and type it in, then hit enter.
I learn vast amounts of info that way. BW

Jump to this post

Type in TMS. And hit enter.

REPLY

Forgive me for adding hit enter. I live in the Ozarks, well its different here. Some folks are educated and the others are not. Most folks my age attended 1 room school houses, graduated in 8th grade and only got electricity in the early 60s. No tv's for these folks.
I guess I was speaking to you as if you are the one room school house kid. Silly me, I am tired BW

REPLY
@rascal1

What is TMS please?

Jump to this post

Hi, @rascal1 - here is some Mayo Clinic information on TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625

REPLY
@rascal1

What is TMS please?

Jump to this post

@rascal1
Generally, folks only interact on this Effexor thread while they are having problems with getting off Effexor. If you click on wendyw's name, you can see her posts; she last posted here on 1/05/18 and to another thread (different subject) on 1/31/19.

REPLY
@lisalucier

Hi, @rascal1 - here is some Mayo Clinic information on TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625

Jump to this post

Thanks so much for sending the link to TMS, Lisa!
Have you or anyone else on this site used TMS for depression?
Thanks so very much!
Nancy

REPLY
@sandij

@grandmar I understand about the guilt, I feel a large amount and when people say "you shouldn't feel guilty!" I feel even guiltier! There is no logic.

Jump to this post

Good Morning @sandij

When it comes to people we love, I think our hearts are more often bigger than our brains. That is why, I believe, it does not make sense.

Ronnie

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.