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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (6363)Comment receiving replies
I’m having crazy withdrawals, or at least that’s what I’m hoping it is. Went to the hospital last night and they gave me acid reflux medicine to take for a month. I’m weaning off of Effexor evil I start my Wellbutrin. I’m at 37.5 mg of Effexor a day and 150 of Wellbutrin. I started tapering down from 150 and was fine until I went to 75 and had to stop to start my Wellbutrin. I couldn’t make it through the second day of just Wellbutrin because I thought I wasn’t going to die. After discussing it with my doctor, I am now tapering down from 37.5 for a week, then taking it every other day the next week and every third day the following week. I just want this madness to end. I just want to love my cat and my boyfriend without getting angry or crying while shaking throughout my whole body. My withdrawal symptoms are: warm sensation in middle of chest, dizziness, blurry vision and aches in my calfs.
Went to the ER last night, the doctor told me it’s not covid 19.
Replies to "I’m having crazy withdrawals, or at least that’s what I’m hoping it is. Went to the..."
Hi @stephee11, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. That must've been scary both to have such a strong withdrawal reaction and to have to go to ER. As you'll read by scrolling through past posts, the final steps of reducing the taper can be the most challenging. @texasduchess @secretwhitepop @sears have all gone slow as well as Jake. Everyone is different. Be sure to tell your doctor how you're feeling, so your taper can be adjusted to be right for you.
Hi, @stephee11 - I also wanted to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. Totally makes sense you just want to love your cat and your boyfriend and not deal with anger and crying.
I have not taken venlafaxine (Effexor) before, but came off of another antidepressant, citalopram (Celexa) years ago and switched to bupropion (Wellbutrin). The road off of my former medication was bumpy (complete with a visit to urgent care visit), as was the journey onto my new medication. However, after waiting out the buproprion about three months, it worked well for me and I've taken it since then.
I'd like to introduce you to others who also may provide some support and input as you continue your taper from 37.5 mg venlafaxine after going off completely at 75 mg didn't work well for you. Please meet @sandij @brightwings @laujenkins @ksad.
How has today gone for you?
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@stephee11
Good afternoon,
I’m no doctor but I’m not a complete idiot like I believe your doctor is. Effexor has a very short half-life 5 to 7 hours and it wasn’t designed to be taken every other day or every third day. The best way to taper is by reducing between 5 to 10% every 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks before another cut. Even the 5 to 10% method doesn’t guarantee a withdrawal free taper but it seems to work for most people. if your insurance is willing to pay for a compounding pharmacy that would be ideal.