Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
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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Hi, @farmboy - how are you doing? Thinking of you today.
@farmboy, please come check in with us. How are you doing? That was a pretty tough withdrawal.
Funny, I was thinking about you today also.
You did not have the easiest time either.
Please come check in with us.
I was thinking about @farmboy too
Feeling good the last few days! Still some withdrawal symptoms but nothing I can’t manage. Decreased a small amount tonight again, going to see how I am tomorrow! I will keep everyone posted.
Thanks for the message!
Good, keep checking in because we really do care.
Thank you so much!!
Decreased dosage by 12.5 mg again on Wednesday evening, currently taking 25 mg. Down from 75mg. Definitely felt withdrawal effects Thursday morning and Friday before bed. Headaches are more apparent during the day and nausea comes in waves. Nothing I can’t handle. I’ve been taking Advil and Ginger chews to help and it definitely has!
In regard to withdrawal, I feel the headaches and nausea. I do have minor brain zaps, but only minor, I’ve felt more intense ones before. I cry at silly things maybe once a day (no big deal). Also feel like I am eating a lot more and can’t control stopping right now. I definitely need to watch that! Overall, definitely manageable! Every day feels better! Will reduce to 12.5 mg next week!
I honestly do feel better overall, I think about how I feel without the withdrawal symptoms and it’s fantastic. Not as tired, more energy, not foggy, more engaged in conversations. More playful with daughter and more “get up and go” attitude!
Very happy about everything! One step at a time! One day closer to being medication free 💜
Fourth day into the new dosage of 25mg. Yesterday I was a little concerned because I’ve been binge eating a lot! I looked up on “Dr. Google” and it looks like Effexor has been used to help treat people with binge eating disorders.
I don’t know if I’m just freaking myself out, but does anyone know if being on a medication can create a problem that it is supposed to treat? (Idk if this is a stupid question), thought I’d just ask.
I feel like the withdrawal is getting a lot better, however, I’m still moody, can definitely be more irritated throughout the day. I feel like I’m very one extreme to the other, for example, if mu house is messy I’m like “meh, It’s not a big deal” and ignore it, but them get into a spirt where I get so anxious and upset because I have to have is all cleaned RIGHT NOW.
I feel like I need to talk myself to myself a lot, more like self meditation to remind myself to just breathe and relax.
Overall, when I do sit down and think about how I feel I am happy about it. I’m still happy about my decision and confident this is the right choice for me.
Looking forward to hearing people’s thoughts! 💜
Applause, applause, applause.
Smiling at you.
Yup, you are definitely in withdrawal. I'm not being sassy either.
Please dont worry about the eating right now. You are taking away something that was very important to your brain and allowed you to function well.
I understand both extremes.
Just go with the flow. You are succeeding, even if it doesn't feel like it. Bright Wings
Listen to Brightwings 🙂
Thank you for this!
Definitely the words of encouragement I needed!