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 | May 6, 2019
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@brightwings Antarctica? Are you kidding? You need more than Effexor advice your in dire need of..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

@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

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Jake- You have such a great sense of humor lol.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 6, 2019
In reply to @grandmar "Happy Monday All! I warn you that this post might be a little all over the..." + (show)
@grandmar

Happy Monday All!

I warn you that this post might be a little all over the place, I have a lot of thoughts going through my mind (watch out......lol.....I'm thinking...lol).
First, would someone please explain to me what 'BRAIN ZAPS' are????
I know all about the shivers, but not the 'brain zaps'.

I know I have mentioned this before, just not sure if anyone agrees with me or not but.....
for those of us who were put on Effexor for anxiety or depression (not for menopausal symptoms, sorry)…….
I know I have been suffering with anxiety since I was a young child (many moons ago).
I know it is a genetic disease since my dad, son and daughter also suffer with it.
I am under NO illusion that I can 'handle' my anxiety without meds.
I tried for years and years with therapy. No, I did not try any supplements.
I believe that many of us have had similar experiences like mine.
So, after all this babbling, my question to you is....
Why do you think that you no longer need any meds to help with the symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Believe me, I am NOT trying to tell you what to do, I am just trying to understand.
I am reducing my dosage of Effexor because I feel that the high dosage (300 mg a day) has impacted my memory and my affect.
Since my reduction, I feel like my head is no longer in the 'clouds'. It feels 'lighter'.
Like I said before, I KNOW I NEED MEDS TO KEEP MY ANXIETY SYMPTOMS UNDER CONTROL.

After dealing with anxiety for years and years, I have found Effexor to be the ONLY med that has helped me, so I will continue to remain on it.
I am currently on 2-75 mg in the morning and 1-75mg at night. I have been on this dosage for about a month now. So far, so good.
I have plans for the summer so I will remain on this dosage until after the summer. I don't want to take any chances.

Well, I'm done.
I warned you, I'd be all over the place. LOL
It's too early in the morning for me to put my thoughts in any kind of order.
(No, not withdrawal, just me).

HOPE EVERYONE HAS AN ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION FREE DAY!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@grandmar- Morning Ronnie. I'm with you on staying on my depressants for the rest of my life. The only time that they fail me is when I fail to take good care of myself. A lot of people build up resistance to it or develop new symptoms and the meds just don't work for them anymore and make the meds unbearable, and some people just don't want to take any medicines and want to get off them for that simple reason. SO I think that it might be more complicated than just wanting to stop taking them.
I also think that when some of us were given this medicine it was thrown at us without explanation and want to see if they are really needed. I was started on antidepressants in my early 20's. Maybe it was valium then and then when I weaned off of those I needed something else. Then antidepressants took over meds like Valium and worked a hell of a lot better.

REPLY
1 reply
sandij (Sandi James) | @sandij | May 6, 2019

I have had symptoms of anxiety all of my life, even as a child. I don't believe that the medications I was on beginning in my twenties (first prozac and then effexor) EVER helped to stabilize my moods. I am very glad that they help some people like you, Ronnie, and Merry. Of course, I could be wrong and perhaps the medications helped manage the symptoms enough for me to be able to function, but I don't think so. If it turns out that I cannot cope with life without a medication, I am willing to take something.
My main reason for wanting to be off of the effexor is that I am held hostage by it. It is very scary to think that a missed dose or an immediate discontinuation of a drug will cause such severe withdrawal symptoms. Another reason is because I would like to give myself the opportunity to live as myself and not influenced by a drug.
I can't speak to the brain zaps @grandmar , they are not a side effect that I have experienced. I only get the body shivering,stomach cramps, hot and cold sweats, and dizziness from moving my eyes side to side or changing position too fast. And tinnitus. I consider myself lucky not to know what a brain zap feels like because I have heard that they are certainly not fun.
Have a beautiful Monday, everyone. I am not having a great day so far, the shivering today is pretty bad, but the sun is shining and I intend to make the most of it by getting outside for a bit.

REPLY
2 replies
grandmaR | @grandmar | May 6, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@grandmar- Morning Ronnie. I'm with you on staying on my depressants for the rest of my..." + (show)
@merpreb

@grandmar- Morning Ronnie. I'm with you on staying on my depressants for the rest of my life. The only time that they fail me is when I fail to take good care of myself. A lot of people build up resistance to it or develop new symptoms and the meds just don't work for them anymore and make the meds unbearable, and some people just don't want to take any medicines and want to get off them for that simple reason. SO I think that it might be more complicated than just wanting to stop taking them.
I also think that when some of us were given this medicine it was thrown at us without explanation and want to see if they are really needed. I was started on antidepressants in my early 20's. Maybe it was valium then and then when I weaned off of those I needed something else. Then antidepressants took over meds like Valium and worked a hell of a lot better.

Jump to this post

After being on Effexor for a brief time, my PCP suggested that since I was doing so welk, I should start to wean off. I can't remember the dosage I was on at the time, but I can't imagine it being very much.
Of course I was doing so well, I was on medication.
To make a long story shorter, it didn't take long into the reduction before I had a SEVERE anxiety attack at a work function.
My then therapist suggested I see a psychiatrist to handle and monitor my meds.
I did.
She tried 2 or 3 different ones, but they did not work at all.
She told me the Effexor would have to be out of my system for 6 months before I tried it again, which I wanted.
When the 6 months were up, she put me back on them.
They never worked as well as they did the first time, but they were the only ones that did.
So, Effexor is my med for anxiety.
I have to say that my son has tried several anxiey meds and non have worked.
His psychiatrist is going to try Effexor sinnce I am successful with it.
She said there is a genetic component with these meds that MIGHT predict the success, or not, of these psychotropic drugs.

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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grandmaR | @grandmar | May 6, 2019
In reply to @sandij "I have had symptoms of anxiety all of my life, even as a child. I don't..." + (show)
@sandij

I have had symptoms of anxiety all of my life, even as a child. I don't believe that the medications I was on beginning in my twenties (first prozac and then effexor) EVER helped to stabilize my moods. I am very glad that they help some people like you, Ronnie, and Merry. Of course, I could be wrong and perhaps the medications helped manage the symptoms enough for me to be able to function, but I don't think so. If it turns out that I cannot cope with life without a medication, I am willing to take something.
My main reason for wanting to be off of the effexor is that I am held hostage by it. It is very scary to think that a missed dose or an immediate discontinuation of a drug will cause such severe withdrawal symptoms. Another reason is because I would like to give myself the opportunity to live as myself and not influenced by a drug.
I can't speak to the brain zaps @grandmar , they are not a side effect that I have experienced. I only get the body shivering,stomach cramps, hot and cold sweats, and dizziness from moving my eyes side to side or changing position too fast. And tinnitus. I consider myself lucky not to know what a brain zap feels like because I have heard that they are certainly not fun.
Have a beautiful Monday, everyone. I am not having a great day so far, the shivering today is pretty bad, but the sun is shining and I intend to make the most of it by getting outside for a bit.

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Tthank you for your response.
I hope you get to know yourself off the meds.
Good luck!
Ronnie

REPLY
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 6, 2019

@sandij- Good morning. I took Effexor for menopause symptoms, deep depression was one of them. When I was encouraged to get off it it was because it had stopped working for my depression and the probability that my other symptoms were gone was pretty good. But I did need to go right back on an antidepressant. I was some miserable. I am a type A personality and love to be in control of my life and find that my depression makes me a prisoner more than the medicines. I have fought depression since I was a teenager, maybe even sooner. I was tired of the effort it took to fight and lose my battle. Then I got cancer and decided that I'd need that energy for it and not the depression. PTSD came along and although my meds need to changed I was finally able to walk it's rim and not in the deep hole.
It sounds as if you have made some sensible decisions. I certainly tried too. But I couldn't control it myself.

REPLY
1 reply
Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | May 6, 2019
In reply to @sandij "I have had symptoms of anxiety all of my life, even as a child. I don't..." + (show)
@sandij

I have had symptoms of anxiety all of my life, even as a child. I don't believe that the medications I was on beginning in my twenties (first prozac and then effexor) EVER helped to stabilize my moods. I am very glad that they help some people like you, Ronnie, and Merry. Of course, I could be wrong and perhaps the medications helped manage the symptoms enough for me to be able to function, but I don't think so. If it turns out that I cannot cope with life without a medication, I am willing to take something.
My main reason for wanting to be off of the effexor is that I am held hostage by it. It is very scary to think that a missed dose or an immediate discontinuation of a drug will cause such severe withdrawal symptoms. Another reason is because I would like to give myself the opportunity to live as myself and not influenced by a drug.
I can't speak to the brain zaps @grandmar , they are not a side effect that I have experienced. I only get the body shivering,stomach cramps, hot and cold sweats, and dizziness from moving my eyes side to side or changing position too fast. And tinnitus. I consider myself lucky not to know what a brain zap feels like because I have heard that they are certainly not fun.
Have a beautiful Monday, everyone. I am not having a great day so far, the shivering today is pretty bad, but the sun is shining and I intend to make the most of it by getting outside for a bit.

Jump to this post

@sandij
Hang on there we are with you. BW

REPLY
secretwhitepop | @secretwhitepop | May 6, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@sandij- Good morning. I took Effexor for menopause symptoms, deep depression was one of them. When..." + (show)
@merpreb

@sandij- Good morning. I took Effexor for menopause symptoms, deep depression was one of them. When I was encouraged to get off it it was because it had stopped working for my depression and the probability that my other symptoms were gone was pretty good. But I did need to go right back on an antidepressant. I was some miserable. I am a type A personality and love to be in control of my life and find that my depression makes me a prisoner more than the medicines. I have fought depression since I was a teenager, maybe even sooner. I was tired of the effort it took to fight and lose my battle. Then I got cancer and decided that I'd need that energy for it and not the depression. PTSD came along and although my meds need to changed I was finally able to walk it's rim and not in the deep hole.
It sounds as if you have made some sensible decisions. I certainly tried too. But I couldn't control it myself.

Jump to this post

You reached me and I’m sure many other when you said “walking the rim” of that deep hole of depression. It’s amazing how many of us there are. I remember being little and being happy! How, why and where did it go? I was practically raised by my grandparents, and they always seemed fine. Never depressed. Can I blame technology? (I want to) and food additives. But really, what happened?

Perhaps a “first world” issue?

Can you tell my anxiety is peeking over that rim? I’m slightly obsessing...

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 6, 2019

@secretwhitepop - I have no idea where it all went- I don't ever really remember being happy and not afraid that I am doing something wrong.

REPLY
texasduchess | @texasduchess | May 6, 2019
In reply to @grandmar "Happy Monday All! I warn you that this post might be a little all over the..." + (show)
@grandmar

Happy Monday All!

I warn you that this post might be a little all over the place, I have a lot of thoughts going through my mind (watch out......lol.....I'm thinking...lol).
First, would someone please explain to me what 'BRAIN ZAPS' are????
I know all about the shivers, but not the 'brain zaps'.

I know I have mentioned this before, just not sure if anyone agrees with me or not but.....
for those of us who were put on Effexor for anxiety or depression (not for menopausal symptoms, sorry)…….
I know I have been suffering with anxiety since I was a young child (many moons ago).
I know it is a genetic disease since my dad, son and daughter also suffer with it.
I am under NO illusion that I can 'handle' my anxiety without meds.
I tried for years and years with therapy. No, I did not try any supplements.
I believe that many of us have had similar experiences like mine.
So, after all this babbling, my question to you is....
Why do you think that you no longer need any meds to help with the symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Believe me, I am NOT trying to tell you what to do, I am just trying to understand.
I am reducing my dosage of Effexor because I feel that the high dosage (300 mg a day) has impacted my memory and my affect.
Since my reduction, I feel like my head is no longer in the 'clouds'. It feels 'lighter'.
Like I said before, I KNOW I NEED MEDS TO KEEP MY ANXIETY SYMPTOMS UNDER CONTROL.

After dealing with anxiety for years and years, I have found Effexor to be the ONLY med that has helped me, so I will continue to remain on it.
I am currently on 2-75 mg in the morning and 1-75mg at night. I have been on this dosage for about a month now. So far, so good.
I have plans for the summer so I will remain on this dosage until after the summer. I don't want to take any chances.

Well, I'm done.
I warned you, I'd be all over the place. LOL
It's too early in the morning for me to put my thoughts in any kind of order.
(No, not withdrawal, just me).

HOPE EVERYONE HAS AN ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION FREE DAY!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Jump to this post

@grandmar
Brain zaps are a common antidepressant discontinuation symptom described by patients taking venlafaxine, duloxetine, citalopram and paroxetine. Anxiety medications and sleeping pills that target GABA also appear to be linked to brain zaps. The symptom is described variously as “an electrical, shock–like sensation in the brain,” “the sensation of the brain shivering,” “brain zaps,” “brain shocks,” “brain shivers,” “head shocks,” or “cranial zings.” The "brain shivers," or electric shock-like sensations are not dangerous, but can be unpleasant. They can happen frequently enough to disrupt daily life, or quality of life. Some are confined to the brain, or head; in other cases, they begin there, but spread out to other parts of the body. Sometimes moving one's eyes quickly from side to side can trigger brain zaps. Sometimes brain zaps are accompanied by disorientation, tinnitus, vertigo and lightheadedness.

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