Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

What is serotonin syndrome?

Another thing that came up at my doctors appointment today: I asked about possible alternatives to help me sleep, as I've taken ambien for several years, and she made it a point to tell me how hard it is to get off of. So now I guess I have that to look forward to as well.
She prescribed another medication called belsomra, but I'm not keen on starting anything else that's going to eventually be hell.

@charm58
Effexor (venlafaxine) works by increasing and regulating the levels of two different neurotransmitters in the brain--norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and serotonin.

Serotonin syndrome occurs when you take medications that cause high levels of serotonin to accumulate in your body. Too much serotonin causes symptoms that can range from mild (agitation, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating and shivering) to severe (high fever, seizures and passing out). Some people are more susceptible to the drugs and supplements that cause serotonin syndrome than others, but SS can happen to anyone. It occurs most often when you combine certain medications; a number of over-the-counter and prescription drugs are associated with serotonin syndrome, especially antidepressants.

If you start a new drug, or increase the dose of a drug you're already taking and suspect you have serotonin syndrome, you should call your doctor right away, or go to the emergency room. Severe serotonin syndrome can be fatal if not treated. Once serotonin levels are back to normal, the effects go away.

@sandij

Good Morning,
As you might be able to tell, sleep is something I have an issue with, too.
I fall asleep, but I don't stay asleep.
I get about 3-5 hours a night.
As you may or may not remember, the psychiatrist I've been using for the last 4 years has left her practice.
I can't seem to find a new one who will either accept my insurance and/or have an appointment available for new patients until the new millenium!!!
Anyway, I was at my PCP for my regular 6 mos. checkup and we also discussed what I can do about sleep.
I am not willing to take another pill, either.
We spoke about melatonin.
He said I could try that but begin with a very low dose since everyone reacts differently.
I asked if I will have that hung over feeling in the morning and he said that it was possible.
I am going to give it a try but only when I feel I need it, like either one of those rare nights I don't sleep at all or if I have had several nights where I have only slept for 3 hours.

Here is to a good night's sleep!!!!!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

I've tried melatonin in the past. I recently tried it again but I think it takes time to take effect. No time like the present. But I'm definitely not going to take another pill. And I'm really disappointed in this new doctor. I had high hopes that someone would actually listen.

I have tried belsomra. It is very expensive and for me, ineffective.
My insurance won't cover ambien any more but GoodRx came to the rescue, I am cutting back on the ambien to 5mg nightly and also take 5mg of melatonin. This works for me with no hungover feeling.
If I don't take something for sleep I basically can't fall asleep. Toss and turn for hours.
Recently diagnosed with gastroparesis and I read this can cause sleep issues. Complicated bodies we have! Aging is no picnic.
Read this forum faithfully and appreciate all the info and kindness here.

@sandij- Good morning and great job! You give everyone hope! How are you managing any side effects?

Thanks for your very helpful information. It certainly has given me something to work with. 🙂

Thank you @merpreb for the encouragement. Today is rough but probably because I did not take an ambien last night without realizing that there are withdrawal symptoms associated with that drug too. It's probably all hitting me full force. I'm practicing acceptance and riding it out the best I can.
Hope everyone has a great day!

@amelia it sounds like you have found what works for you!