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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (6363)Comment receiving replies
Hi all! I posted on another forum but I didn’t want to ditch this group because I don’t want to lose you all! So, Lexapro made my anxiety so much worse! (And here I was gearing up to feel good again!) so, given my personality and impulsiveness (can’t deny it) doc asked me today if it was ever discussed that I am bipolar. And yes. It was. About 20 years ago.
Sigh. As far as mental health goes, I was fine! Fine! For the best part of 20 years taking 75 mgs of Effexor I did great. Then, I weened off super slowly post menopause with very few side effects. Success! But then, anxiety and depression crept back in. And, after 5 months, I went to seek pharmaceutical help.
So the Lexapro was a no go. Made things worse. Anyone use seroquel? Doc said it’s a mood stabilizer. Then she wants to add Zoloft later.
Sigh. At the moment, I feel great! No anxiety, no depression. I kind of feel in control. Just hate to take anything! But I will if I need it. And well, perhaps some folks need it?
I love your replies if anyone has any feedback 🙂
Replies to "Hi all! I posted on another forum but I didn’t want to ditch this group because..."
@secretwhitepop
I found my withdrawal symptoms very distressing and I wanted HELP NOW. Keep in mind, I was only on 25mg Effexor and just to control hot flashes. I tapered off Effexor because those days were over and I thought why keep taking a pill I don't need. I had no issues on it (it worked great!), only after getting off it. If I'd known THAT, I would have left well enough alone and stayed on Effexor--a frivolous reason to stay on a drug. But, as well as avoiding a whole of lot of aggravation, jeopardizing my husband's and my sanity, I'd have saved a lot of $s, too (I'm taking a whole handful of supplements 3x a day and the occasional 1/2 Valium now just to keep level and they cost). You've discovered that you really do need medication to function well. Sounds like a good reason to me.
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I am sorry that things did not work out like you had hoped.
There IS NOTHING WRONG with needing some pharmaceutical interventions to help keep you healthy!
Would you say anything about a diabetic who MUST take insulin?
Of course you wouldn't!
Why is this any different?
Could be your anxiety is inherited and meds are the only way to control it.
Sadly, sometimes we feel fine when not on meds, but when anxiety hits or depression starts......bam!!!!
I never gave it a thought to come off Effexor.
I tried many years ago on the advice of my PCP and I saw what happened.
No meds we tried worked.
Effexor works, I'm not looking to reinvent the wheel or play with other meds.
Good luck to you and I hope you find your answers!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)