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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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Feb 10, 2020

In reply to @shermananski "What do you take now? Is it less foggy?" + (show)

I take Gingo baloba, 60 mg, 2 times a day And Gotu Kola 450 mg, 1 a day.
I take both of these daily.
Wow, the foggy finally went away.
Get them at the local health food store so they are pure.
The brand of each is Solaray.....

secretwhitepop | @secretwhitepop | Feb 10, 2020

In reply to @shermananski "What do you take now? Is it less foggy?" + (show)

I am prescribed 25 Mg of seroquel at night and 50 mg of zoloft during the day. No. Not less foggy, just less weepy. Honestly, I was better on the Effexor. Just being honest. But now that I’m off, I do t want to go back on.

sandij (Sandi James) | @sandij | Feb 10, 2020

Every other day is not advised due to the short half life of venlafaxine, your body will have wd every other day. A smaller dosage every day consistently is better.

Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Feb 10, 2020

Sandi, I totally agree, cuz your brain needs that dose each day, or you will be adding to your withdrawal symptoms.

laujenkins | @laujenkins | Feb 11, 2020

In reply to @sandij "Every other day is not advised due to the short half life of venlafaxine, your body..." + (show)

I completely agree!

laujenkins | @laujenkins | Feb 11, 2020

Had a pretty normal day today! Felt like my withdrawal symptoms diminished quite a bit. I noticed that my sleeping has changed. I’m not as tired throughout the day and I don’t sleep as much at night. I’m not sure this is do to withdrawal at night? When I do fall asleep it’s not as deep of sleep.
I did notice more anxiety this evening. My husband and I were away for 6 weeks and came home to a messy home. It was late and I couldn’t clean after a 12 hour drive. I’ve woken up with anxious thoughts about the home not clean and up to our standards. It’s 3:30 am and I honestly just want to go and clean! Definitely doing some breathing techniques to help me slow down and get back to sleep.
I know it sounds silly, but this is my life right now!

Thanks for listening!

Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Feb 11, 2020

In reply to @laujenkins "Had a pretty normal day today! Felt like my withdrawal symptoms diminished quite a bit. I..." + (show)

Sleep can be a challenge when weaning off this horrible medicine.
Chamomile tea around supper time will assist.
I wish you well!

Sherman | @shermananski | Feb 11, 2020

In reply to @laujenkins "Had a pretty normal day today! Felt like my withdrawal symptoms diminished quite a bit. I..." + (show)

I've rediscovered energy! I'm like doing things, like sweeping while waiting for the laundry to spin. The down side is dreaming. I'm normally a vivid dreamer, and they're back. Ugh. Weird, creepy, scary dreams. I don't wake up, thankfully. Not yet. Insomnia is how my entire depressive state started, way back when. Leery of that insomnia thing.

I use Headspace for night time stories and night time waking.

Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Feb 11, 2020

In reply to @shermananski "I've rediscovered energy! I'm like doing things, like sweeping while waiting for the laundry to spin...." + (show)

Yes, vivid dreaming is part of the withdrawal process.
That's how I had my stroke.
I was having SUCH A TERRIBLE dream, I stroked out.
I have fully recovered, thank the Lord.

sandij (Sandi James) | @sandij | Feb 11, 2020

I'm struggling so much lately. I had to reinstate back in October and since then its just been trial and error to find out whats going to help me be myself again. I had to stop taking ambien and I think I may be having wd. Im taking seroquel 25 mg to help me sleep. I also have vistaril for anxiety which doesn't seem to help anything and buspar which just gives me a headache! My good days are great but I never know whats coming. I hate going to sleep not knowing who I'm going to be when I wake up.