Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Hi, @shermananski - wanted to let you know I moved your post on ear noise/static to this thread on side effects when tapering off on venlafaxine (Effexor) so you can talk with many more members who have experienced side effects in this process. I'd like to tag @sandij @brightwings @anne2019 @jakedduck1 in particular, among others, to comment on whether they or others they know may have had ear noises like you describe in the venlafaxine taper process.

Have you found anything that relieves this side effect, shermanski?

The pulsating Tinnitus I keep under control via blood pressure. The depression Tinnitus is just interesting. It doesn’t hurt and it’s not otherwise distressing. It’s just there when I’m depressed. I read somewhere that depression/anxiety “Tinnitus” may actual be coming from the hypothalamus. Brain disturbances. Inflammation. I really don’t know obviously. But interesting. When it started up recently as I tapered I was concerned. Oh no my brain is disturbed. Again. Such a sensitive blob of mush. Meanwhile coming off of Effexor ER At 37.5 mg clips has been a joy. I feel better. I can’t wait until it’s out of my life! I can’t stop eating sugar! I’m getting very round.

Mirtazapine is worse! An hour after I take it, I need to empty my fridge. It’s awful.

When I’m home I sit in bed until noon looking at my phone! Like right now. Nasty stuff

I actually meant my appetite. When I told my daughter that I was on Mirtazapine, she laughed. She works for a vet.....they give it to cats as an appetite stimulant!

oh Man. It’s so weird having that light turned on. I’ve never had an appetite like I do now. Sugar and caffeine In particular. Hopefully you can try something else?

I’ve always had a bit of tinnitus ( shotgun blasts without ear protection when I was younger).....but since withdrawing from Effexor, it seems to have ramped up dramatically. Not to mention headaches. No doubt that anxiety increases blood pressure. Just one more thing to put up with. I’m just over 2weeks into my taper, with many weeks to go. Hanging on.

So my deal is I successfully weened off Effexor only to go back on Zoloft for the depression anxiety. I got the pulsatile tinnitus while weening off and I still have it, but my BP is normal. Anyway, get THIS: I got vertigo. Doc treated me for the ear crystals. Didn’t help. Went for two hour testing and turns out my vestibular nerve is totally out of wack in my left ear. Going to PT for that now. So, my therapist asked about my history and I told her my life completely flipped upside down when my dad passed away about 18 months ago. About a year before he passed, I began weening off the Effexor (37.5 mg. And it took a full 18 months to completely ween). Anyway, after his death, I moved to another state, lost over 20 pounds, Got another job, two new cars, a piece of property and well, ironically (not) was diagnosed with having bipolar disorder. (Ya think?)

Here’s my point. It’s ALL related. Turns out I have something called Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness. Fits ALL my symptoms to a T!

That all being said... anxiety and depression meds and a good knowledgeable neurological physical therapist are helping!

If any of you are experiencing vertigo, check into the PPPD. MAOIs aren’t good for this disorder but it can be treated with PT.

Ok! Take care all 🙂

So my deal is I successfully weened off Effexor only to go back on Zoloft for the depression anxiety. I got the pulsatile tinnitus while weening off and I still have it, but my BP is normal. Anyway, get THIS: I got vertigo. Doc treated me for the ear crystals. Didn’t help. Went for two hour testing and turns out my vestibular nerve is totally out of wack in my left ear. Going to PT for that now. So, my therapist asked about my history and I told her my life completely flipped upside down when my dad passed away about 18 months ago. About a year before he passed, I began weening off the Effexor (37.5 mg. And it took a full 18 months to completely ween). Anyway, after his death, I moved to another state, lost over 20 pounds, Got another job, two new cars, a piece of property and well, ironically (not) was diagnosed with having bipolar disorder. (Ya think?)

Here’s my point. It’s ALL related. Turns out I have something called Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness. Fits ALL my symptoms to a T!

That all being said... anxiety and depression meds and a good knowledgeable neurological physical therapist are helping!

If any of you are experiencing vertigo, check into the PPPD. MAOIs aren’t good for this disorder but it can be treated with PT.

Ok! Take care all 🙂