← Return to Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

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@bookkie

I just want to say thank you to the folks who have posted here. I have gone through many of the posts the last few days in an effort to help with my withdrawal. I have spent the last six months tapering from 112.5 to 75 to 37.5. then 37.5 every other day and stretching it to three days. I am now nine days since my last tablet and it was awful! I spent two days in bed feeling like I had the flu. If I wasn't self-employed, I don't know how I would have kept a job and gone through this.

Today is the first in 9 that I am starting to feel back to myself. I stopped with the worrying about what I ate [thanks for the weight gain venlaxafine] and just let myself eat whatever and whenever. Carbs, carbs carbs. Due to advice on here I started taking omega-3 a couple of times a day. So far today no dizzies although they usually were more prominent in the even so time will tell.

I am still angry with the doctor who prescribed this stupid drug for hot flashes four years ago. He is an endo and I went to him for my thyroid issue and mentioned my hot flashes - to this day I can hear him say "we'll have you feeling better in no time" Wrong. The last four years have not been great and I discovered most of my symptoms were side effects of this drug. Had I known how hard it would be to quit I would never have started. I am so grateful to have found this forum to help me through the difficult withdrawal.

those of you who have been on a higher dose than I was, I can't imagine what you are going through. I know from reading here 9 days is still early days in the withdrawal process but knowing that others got through it keeps me from breaking down and taking a pill. I'm not starting from scratch after having gone this long already.
Thank you

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Replies to "I just want to say thank you to the folks who have posted here. I have..."

Wow, I had no idea Effexor was being prescribed for hot flashes until I got on this forum. How irresponsible! I question everything now! We’re you even plagued by depression or anxiety? The drug truly works for depression and anxiety, but not for everyone. I am grateful my psychiatrist was hesitant to prescribe it for me.

Ween slower if you can. I weened off fine and had very minimal side effects except for the anxiety and depression returning. So, I’m back on meds for those ailments and they are working. (It’s zoloft’s lowest dose and seroquel’s lowest dose).

Go easy on yourself. That’s the main thing. And try and enjoy all that life brings.

Take care and go slow!