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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Sherman | @shermananski | Nov 27, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @shermananski - wanted to let you know I moved your post on ear noise/static to..." + (show)

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.

doorman | @doorman | Nov 27, 2019

In reply to @shermananski "The pulsating Tinnitus I keep under control via blood pressure. The depression Tinnitus is just interesting...." + (show)

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

Sherman | @shermananski | Nov 27, 2019

In reply to @doorman "Mirtazapine is worse! An hour after I take it, I need to empty my fridge. It’s..." + (show)

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

Sherman | @shermananski | Nov 27, 2019

Here’s a link to a Tinnitus paper that Discusses the complexity of Tinnitus. In addition to pulsating high BP Tinnitus and the static depression Tinnitus, I had the high pitched eeeeeeee associated with hearing loss when I was young. very interesting.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4148481/

doorman | @doorman | Nov 27, 2019

In reply to @shermananski "When I’m home I sit in bed until noon looking at my phone! Like right now...." + (show)

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!

Sherman | @shermananski | Nov 27, 2019

In reply to @doorman "I actually meant my appetite. When I told my daughter that I was on Mirtazapine, she..." + (show)

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?

doorman | @doorman | Nov 27, 2019

In reply to @shermananski "oh Man. It’s so weird having that light turned on. I’ve never had an appetite like..." + (show)

Other than increased appetite, I love it’s calming effects. I just have to have self-control over my eating.

secretwhitepop | @secretwhitepop | Nov 27, 2019

In reply to @doorman "I’ve always had a bit of tinnitus ( shotgun blasts without ear protection when I was..." + (show)

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 🙂

brownikl1 | @brownikl1 | Nov 27, 2019

In reply to @secretwhitepop "So my deal is I successfully weened off Effexor only to go back on Zoloft for..." + (show)

How would you describe the vertigo? When do you experience it? Walking, sitting, driving? I'm wondering if that is what I am having? I'm sure that I need stronger glasses doesn't help lol, but I get it driving on bumpy roads...gotta often rest the back of my head on the head rest. Also get it walking.

texasduchess | @texasduchess | Nov 28, 2019

In reply to @secretwhitepop "So my deal is I successfully weened off Effexor only to go back on Zoloft for..." + (show)

@secretwhitepop It's very interesting that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) can be used to treat PPPD--the very drugs we're trying to get off of, or have quit.