Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@mhmann
Hello,
I am sorry to disagree with you regarding the use of Effexor.
I have been on it for many years.
It is the ONLY drug that has helped me with my anxiety that was starting to cripple me.
I tried several drugs (with the guidance of a psychiatrist) and Effexor is the one I chose to stay on.
I did start to reduce once, a long time ago because the results were so good, that my PCP suggested I get off.
I started and my anxiety came back full force!!!!!
During a period of about 9 months, I tried other meds....didn't work.
Yes, withdrawal can be horrendous.
I am currently in the process of reducing my dosage to have a more 'normal' amount.
So, it is certainly appropriate for you to discuss your experiences, but I do not think we should tell people what they should or should not do.
I appreciate your concern and strong your strong feelings!
I believe it is our responsibility to research what we do and what we take, using us as part of the research.

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

At the very least Effexor and all it's generic forms need to require dire warnings of the extreme and awful symptoms of withdrawal to each and every patient before this drug is administered. I have been on varying doses and types of antidepressants over 20 years. These drugs were a godsend and when it was time to taper off, under and with doctor guidance I never experienced problems or withdrawal symptoms, they were smooth transitions. A number of years ago I was experiencing an unwanted side effect from a mood stabilizer which name I don't recall, my doctor then switched me to Wellbutrin which I did great with over five plus years. My new doctor suggested switching to Venlafaxine as he thought I would receive more benefits, although I was fine with my Wellbutrin.

Well shame on me for not asking more questions or doing additional homework on Venlafaxine. The transition off Wellbutrin was smooth when tapering down then beginning gradual transition to Venlafaxine. Slightly more than a month on Venlafaxine my mood was the same as with Wellbutrin but developed a cough and deep bark that lasted seven months, which initially I wrote off as part of sinus infection, but at same time was experiencing painful indigestion and acid re-flux. I never attributed these symptoms to the Venlafaxine writing them off as they will pass. However I was becoming more and more concerned about my persistent cough. My doctor ordered chest x-rays, which showed there wasn't a detectable underlying reason for cough. I stumbled upon side effects of Venlafaxine and cough stood out. It made sense that this drug could be the culprit and also responsible for my acid re-flux and heartburn.

Being well schooled in the importance of not going cold turkey with mood stabilizers and antidepressants I began to gradually reduce my dosage of Venlafaxine. I contacted my specialist doctor and together with pharmacist we deduced that Venlafaxine could be likely culprit of the uncomfortable and worrisome side effects. We made a plan to taper and get off Venlafaxine and back on the Wellbutrin. When tapering off Venlafaxine it got so I couldn't stand swallowing another dose, so checked with pharmacist about safely stopping this drug and then waiting a number of days before returning to Wellbutrin. When tapering off Venlafaxine my cough began to subside and indigestion easied, now they are both symptoms of the past. Oh, and I was yawning all the time, this too has subsided. I was miserable going off the dreadful Venlafaxine experiencing bone, joint, and body aches, dizziness, feeling like I had to grab something quick to prevent falling, and my thoughts and speech were choppy. Thankfully I didn't experience the brain zaps, but had sensations that suddenly an object or person would show up at my side. Now off Venlafaxine, I am four or five pounds heavier which is another side effect of withdrawal from this menacing drug. I'm getting back to myself, and everyday look forward to getting better then the last. I've read on these posts that Benadryl helps with the zaps which I didn't have, but I am concerned with getting this weight off. I've drastically reduced sugar and am picking up the my pace with excercise. I am optimistic about feeling good in my skin again and shedding the uncomfortable weight.

Thank you for opportunity to share my experience.

Greetings from a new Poster who happened upon this thread and would like to add my experience of discontinuing Wellbutrin/Prozac after 20 years - and to ask a question about withdrawal experience. During the past 18 months, w/o these drugs, I experience extreme sadness with crying daily and sought psychiatric therapy and drug substitution (Cymbalta). I decided against Cymbalta due to stomach upset and I feel I missed a bullet after reading other's withdrawal experiences. Talk therapy was insufficient (or of poor quality) to ameliorate my sad mental state and I felt Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) was a better modality to suit my condition (poor mental thought process), but my medical plan wouldn't pay for CBT (outside of my HMO). So here I am, 18 months later, unmedicated, disappointed with the psychiatric profession, and at times, barely managing not to commit suicide. I think the disappointment with "outside" help motivated me to finally help myself - to read about what actions helped others in my condition and to follow their more expert advice. My Internist tried to refer me back to the Psychiatry Department---I think not! I'm doing much better on my own---having joined a few senior interest groups and my local Church---and have followed a walking program and starting Physical Therapy.
There remains a nagging question in my mind about all the intense sadness (and still experience) that I experienced and I think it has to do with unresolved life experience issues (I'm 79). Was the psychotropic Rx covering up, or not allowing normal amelioration of life's vicissitudes? I feel such a need for redemption for situations I didn't understand when in my youth or midlife. My question to you is for feedback on this end of life issue. Thank you.

@hurtsalot
Your finding outside interests as well as initiating a walking program and physical therapy will do much to improve your outlook on life OVER TIME, but you are experiencing deep sadness and suicidal thoughts NOW and have been for some time. You don't say why you got off Wellbutrin and Prozac, but it may be that you are someone who needs this type of medication to function well. It is also possible that your depression is a backlash effect to a too-quick taper off these drugs. Your other post mentions peripheral neuropathy--chronic pain can certainly be depressing and lessen your quality of life. Please get with your doctor again--18 months is too long to feel this way. If you can find one, a doctor specializing in geriatric patients and/or pain management may be more helpful.

Your nagging question is a whole 'nother issue; perhaps, your church, or a local senior center can help there.

Here's a page of AARP articles re older folks and depression that may have insights for you--
https://search.aarp.org/gss/everywhere?q=depression&intcmp=DSO-SRCH-EWHERE

After 43 days effexor free I can report continued success and minimal discomfort from withdrawing.

@sandij

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome. I’ve been completely Effexor free since February 1. I have good and bad days, but if I stay on top of my health and situation, things are very manageable. The only thing I do is cry sometimes, but I welcome it and know it’s a great release. BTW, I usually mention meditation - which helps tremendously for anxiety! But also, I get as much sunshine as I can. I believe I have a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It helps.

Kudos!

Hello, I am here with both my feet firmly rooted in life...
Still going thru some things related to living...
Oh I finally went to the doctor, a chiropractor.
She told me my right hip was way higher than the left and has been causing the pain in my left heel and Rt knee.
She adjusted me and did Accupuncture..I was so thrilled to be PAIN FREE. It only lasted about 24 hours, then the hip shifted back..
My next appointment is tomorrow. Yippee
Bright Wings

Hi All!
I started with a new psychiatrist today. My appointment wasn't supposed to be until the end of July but they called yesterday with a cancellation.
Anyway, he wasn't all that pleased that I started a reduction without the guidance of a doctor. But he did understand I didn't have one.
He said that when I am ready to begin the reduction again, I should first discuss it eith him.
Just as a refresher, I was takin 2-75 mg of Effexor in the morning and evening. I am now taking 2-75 mg in the morning and 1-75 mg in the evening.
My next goal is to get to 75 mg in the morning, too.
He is suggesting a 37.5 cut from my morning dose, everyday, for 3 weeks. I am not sure that is the pattern I want to follow. I told him we'd talk about it when the time came. Have a nice evening!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@grandmar
Nice, good for you. You already know what you can tolerate in realationship to reducing the med.
My suggestion is to go that route again.
Bright Wings