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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (6299)Comment receiving replies
I’ve been taking EffexorXR 75mg for 6 or 7 years now and recently spoke with my PCP about discontinuing the drug. He said it was up to me and said the safest way would be to just stop. He said trying to discontinue by taking a pill every other day or decreasing the dosage could create more problems and actually be dangerous. He advised that if I did decide to discontinue, it would be best to pick a timeframe when I didn’t have a lot going on (or something to that effect). I didn’t ask how long it would take...dumb me...had no idea that withdrawal would be this miserable. I thought it might take 3 or 4 days before the effects wore off. I’m now on day 5 of “cold turkey” and not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel yet. Headache, queasiness, itching, brain fog, weepy spells, vertigo, digestive upsets, etc...
I was beginning to think I had the flu but decided to research Effexor withdrawal first to see if there was any information available. OMG. In some ways it’s reassuring to know what’s going on, but in other ways, I’m really worried about what I’ve learned and am wondering how long this horrible feeling might last. A lot of what I’ve read says it could take months to completely get through it.
Any others going the cold turkey route? Would love to hear from you.
Replies to "I’ve been taking EffexorXR 75mg for 6 or 7 years now and recently spoke with my..."
Didn’t go the cold turkey route, I wouldn’t have been able to do it! I have a daughter that I need to take care of and was worried of the incapacitation the withdrawal brings!
I’ve read that it’s honestly different for everyone. Also, being in this group, it seems to be the consensus. Some people have gotten through it quickly and others have taken months!
I’m so sorry your going through all this! You’re definitely in the right group for support!
Some things that really helped me was, definitely this group - reading and taking about this makes me feel like I’m not crazy! Staying around home and in a safe feeling environment! It’s been about 6 days since I’ve been out for a longer period of my house! I also have been taking a large dosage of omegas and b 12!
Maybe if it gets too much maybe add a small dose back in until your body gets used to it?
I tapered about 12.5 mg a per week and even coming off 12.5 mg to 0 was intense.
I’m on day 6 and definitely starting to feel better!
I really hope you start to feel better soon! Please keep us updated and reach out for any support!
Why are doctors advising this? It’s terrifying.
Hi, @sl144er - I believe that @brightwings had experience with going cold turkey off venlafaxine (Effexor) and may have some input to share from her experiences.
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@sl144er reinstate at 75 mg until your symptoms are gone, then if you want off, start a very slow taper, and please don't listen to that doctor!