Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

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

@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.

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.

What is TMS please?

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

What is TMS please?

What is TMS please?

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

@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.