Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Ugh. Those poor children. So glad they’re being adopted by your friend.

It is what it is...
It was so impacting to everyone to realize the campsite they were last at before my gf went and got them...long story short...the next meth head at that site was swept away by the flooding event we had here this week.
Sometimes it takes catastrophic events to change someone. BW

OK so I've been off Effexor/venlafaxine for just over two months and the withdrawals have been terrible. Not being able to sleep was the first issue which passed after about 1 month. I've been iratable and snappy with everyone. I had a panic attack at a work meeting for the first time in 20 years. Now I'm currently dealing with morning worry anxiety and generally feeling anxious. Although I feel mostly fine for most of the day, by the time 5pm arrives I begin to feel tired and sick which limits what I can do in evenings.
Worst symptom is now I'm getting uncomfortable shivering just after I try to fall asleep. It begins with hot flushes and feeling of like I may vomit, and then I go into uncontrollable shivers for half an hour or so. Eventually after about an hour the feeling disapates and I can fall asleep. I'm so close to starting back on them again. Someone please help.

@nathan5
Hey there Nathan,
Would you mind sharing how you tapered?
When I worked the closer to 5 it got the better I felt, lol.
You may be experiencing
hypnagogic jerks which are quite common but increase with stress, anxiety however I’m curious if you had this problem since you first started Effexor or did it begin after you discontinued it? One reason I ask is to be sure your not having myoclonic jerks, a type of seizure.
Do you have Diabetes, exercise after work or drink alcohol or caffeine after work?
Some good sleep habits are;
no caffeinated drinks several hours before bed, go to and get up at the same time every day, sleep with a window open, no music radio tv computer or phone use in the bedroom.
Best to sleep in a cool room.
get at least 7 hours of sleep.
Don't go to bed unless you are sleepy.
If you don't fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed.
Sleep in a cool room. Reduce fluids before bed.
No alcohol prior to bed
Don’t eat a large meal

Those are excellent sleep habits Jake. And control the circling thoughts.
.
I am familiar with the shivers. I still get them but on and off thru the day also.
I put a heating pad under my bottom in bed covered with a stuffed dogs bed. Keeps me toasty and protected from burns. The controls are right in hands reach if I want to control the setting or turn it off.
I have also been known to yank the plug out of the wall when I couldn't find the switch.
Anyway, I do use this and it works for me. BW

Ok, I am asking all you old timers to put on your thinking caps. I have been here a year and I believe I read every past post.
Ok, I am again experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The brain zaps have started again. Unpleasant huggers aren't they...also the shivers get so violent. My whole body shakes.
Now last week I had another brain event. A small TIA or small stroke. It was my second one and I see it as a warning. Also occurring last week was the loss of my CBD. I wonder if these two things have put me in withdrawal again.
I know what withdrawal is....I am not making this up.
My last dose was Jan, 2018.
Bright Wings who felt warner when she was walking in Antarctica and at Shackleton"s island really named elephant island.

Is CBD the only missing link? What about getting enough sleep? Unusual stress? How is the sunlight where you are? Do you have allergies?

I am effected by everyday things like a lot of sugar and caffeine. And I’m a giant ball of stress lately.

Having a small stroke is super serious (I know you know...). How about water? I’m not trying to be flippant. Water is so important for so much.

Thinking about you.

BUBS

@BUBS @merry
You know I have this mind that has been trained by myself to heal from the abuse I had as a kid.
Example, an hour ago I noticed I was sitting and rocking. As soon as I noticed it I checked my thoughts. I caught that it was for comfort and what needed to be addressed. I took care of the need and the need for comfort stopped.
Yes, I have big unsettling events happening in my life and a terrific physical support system in place. So many folks are supporting me thru this.
I am good with the way things are going.
But this start up of the withdrawal feels just nuts to me.
I am wondering if something with the TIA caused this. It was a disruption to my brain. Also my MS is ramping up. That is all about the electrical system of the brain.
So do you know what I am going to do, I speak about taking an action. This is my action at the moment to deal with events in my life.
I will take you all with me if you want. For just this water ride and nothing else. As soon as the ride ends we will separate. That's the rules. Grin
.
Are you ready now, picture yourself with me at the best amusement park in the world.
We are in line at the fabled water ride of the century and it's almost our turn....
Oh, I feel the excitement, the joy, as I watch what impossible twists and turns this water ride makes.
Oh this is going to be just delicious. Sorry, food person, grin...not sorry either...
So now its our turn to board and our squeals of delight are deafening.
As I sit back, I try to steady myself so I can really experience every thing that will be coming my way. I am in the moment, neither looking forward or back but experiencing every minute of being alive...it is wonderful. I feel humbled....
And it is enough. I feel peaceful in spite of having big challenges in my life...after all, we all know...this too shall pass.
Bright Wings who is sending love and kisses to anyone who wants them, your choice. Bear with me, its almost Mother's day. I gotta kiss someone.

It’s gonna be a great ride! The sun is shining warm on you.

Big hard hugs to you.

@brightwings
Antarctica? Are you kidding? You need more than Effexor advice your in dire need of some vacation counseling, lol. Oh yes I can just imagine all the unlimited entertainment options there. Did ya take your skis? Climb any glaciers? See any penguins? I suppose ice fishing is a possibility if cutting through 3 miles of ice isn’t an issue. Sounds like a wonderland for sure!! Couldn’t you find a nice tropical island somewhere?
Anyway I have read about zaps coming back after 9 months Effexor free but don’t remember what else it said. Wish I had some advice for you. Sorry kiddo.
Jake