1. < Depression & Anxiety

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 | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @2degrees "Thank-you both for advice. My kids are noticing that my mood swings a lot. If I..." + (show)
@2degrees

Thank-you both for advice. My kids are noticing that my mood swings a lot. If I start talking about something it can turn into a full out rant. The thought about retaking up the smoking for a bit is to take the edge of my effexor tapering and, since quitting smoking wasn't extremely hard, I thought I could take it up again until a put a month or two between me and my last effexor tablet. Here's the thing though; I'm not sure if I trust myself. In terms of smoking, my mind will play tricks on me to convince myself to start smoking again. Also, with this whole COVID nightmare, it's not the best time for a 55 year old man to start smoking. I just love it so much.

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@2degrees
I use chamomile tea and CBD, works wonders for me. Try them, they sure help me and I will be 70...
Bright Wings

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texasduchess | @texasduchess | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @2degrees "Thank-you both for advice. My kids are noticing that my mood swings a lot. If I..." + (show)
@2degrees

Thank-you both for advice. My kids are noticing that my mood swings a lot. If I start talking about something it can turn into a full out rant. The thought about retaking up the smoking for a bit is to take the edge of my effexor tapering and, since quitting smoking wasn't extremely hard, I thought I could take it up again until a put a month or two between me and my last effexor tablet. Here's the thing though; I'm not sure if I trust myself. In terms of smoking, my mind will play tricks on me to convince myself to start smoking again. Also, with this whole COVID nightmare, it's not the best time for a 55 year old man to start smoking. I just love it so much.

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The big tipoff that you are tapering too fast is withdrawal symptoms. It is not uncommon while tapering off Effexor to drop too fast and have anxiety and rage–often flash rage—going from mildly annoyed to I-want-to-throttle-you in seconds. Rather than taking up smoking again (you've been off six months!), you can get relief from your withdrawal symptoms by reinstating your Effexor, going back to a dose where you didn't have any WD symptoms (you might even need to up your dose some). You stay there for some weeks to stabilize before attempting ANY more tapering. When you do begin tapering again, only reduce 5–10% (or even less) and wait weeks before reducing again. With all the stress we're under with COVID-19, maybe just forget about getting off Effexor for the time being.

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2 replies
sears | @sears | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @texasduchess "The big tipoff that you are tapering too fast is withdrawal symptoms. It is not uncommon..." + (show)
@texasduchess

The big tipoff that you are tapering too fast is withdrawal symptoms. It is not uncommon while tapering off Effexor to drop too fast and have anxiety and rage–often flash rage—going from mildly annoyed to I-want-to-throttle-you in seconds. Rather than taking up smoking again (you've been off six months!), you can get relief from your withdrawal symptoms by reinstating your Effexor, going back to a dose where you didn't have any WD symptoms (you might even need to up your dose some). You stay there for some weeks to stabilize before attempting ANY more tapering. When you do begin tapering again, only reduce 5–10% (or even less) and wait weeks before reducing again. With all the stress we're under with COVID-19, maybe just forget about getting off Effexor for the time being.

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Yes try again when this crisis passes.

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1 reply
Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @texasduchess "The big tipoff that you are tapering too fast is withdrawal symptoms. It is not uncommon..." + (show)
@texasduchess

The big tipoff that you are tapering too fast is withdrawal symptoms. It is not uncommon while tapering off Effexor to drop too fast and have anxiety and rage–often flash rage—going from mildly annoyed to I-want-to-throttle-you in seconds. Rather than taking up smoking again (you've been off six months!), you can get relief from your withdrawal symptoms by reinstating your Effexor, going back to a dose where you didn't have any WD symptoms (you might even need to up your dose some). You stay there for some weeks to stabilize before attempting ANY more tapering. When you do begin tapering again, only reduce 5–10% (or even less) and wait weeks before reducing again. With all the stress we're under with COVID-19, maybe just forget about getting off Effexor for the time being.

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@texasduchess
Wise words you are giving her.

@2degrees I had a full on stroke from going 150 mg to cold turkey. I have since completely recovered. But, are you feeling lucky.
.
Getting off this drug was the hardest one for me. I am very glad you are here.
Please go back and read. We can not repeat each post for every person who comes.
.
When I got here, there were 141 pages, now there are how many?? Go read, cuz what helps one does not help another.
Be Proactive. This is your life. Bright Wings

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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @sears "Yes try again when this crisis passes." + (show)
@sears

Yes try again when this crisis passes.

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@sears I've noticed you posting a lot lately. Your words are always to take caution...
How much have you read here? Bright Wings

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sears | @sears | Apr 27, 2020

I’m not quite understanding your question.

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1 reply
Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 27, 2020
In reply to @sears "I’m not quite understanding your question." + (show)
@sears

I’m not quite understanding your question.

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You are counseling folks here. What is your knowledge base???

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2 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 27, 2020
In reply to @brightwings "You are counseling folks here. What is your knowledge base???" + (show)
@brightwings

You are counseling folks here. What is your knowledge base???

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Hi @brightwings and @sears. I'll step in here.
@brightwings, like you @sears is a member of Mayo Clinic Connect. On Connect members share their experiences and offer support. No one is or should be counseling members in a professional capacity. See the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

If you have any concerns, please contact me using this form https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

REPLY
1 reply
Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 27, 2020
In reply to @jassyj "Hi im new to this group and i couldnt figure out how to post yet. iv..." + (show)
@jassyj

Hi im new to this group and i couldnt figure out how to post yet. iv been off of effexor for 2 months and took it for almost 2years at 75ml, it stopped working and the doc said to take 2 more 75ml pills, worst thing ever, and quit cold turkey, doctors didnt tell me anything or warn me about any side effects from stopping, or tell me that i should seek their help if i want to stop. needless to say its been the worst 2 months of my life in regards of my mind and physical wellness. when im having a panic attack i think im dying or have ms or cancer. my withdrawal symptoms are constant upset stomach, gas, worse chest pain, not constantly but the most worrying symptom in the numbness tingly in the hands and face. iv been looking up how long symptoms last and what kinds their are and the numbess and tingly doesnt seem to be much of a thing so im worried its not withdrawls but another health problem. in the midst of going through withdrawls a month ago i got really bad bronchitis so im also not sure if stopping effexor had something to do with it. in the first week obviously the brain and body shocks. this covid crisis and my own personal problem with healthcare is making it more difficult to get a doctor that cares or a doctor at all to diagnoise what is wrong.

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@jassyj
I was introduced to CBD. It is the best thing ever to help with anxiety.
Please go get some.
I was using 50 mg 3 times a day and continue to use it today 3 years after I got off the effexor. I was using Lazarus Naturals out of Oregon.
Order the package that has the highest dose. Cheaper that way.
It stops panic attacks, or rather prevents them.
Takes the grumpiness away also.
I'm wishing everyone well, you ARE in the right place!
Bright Wings

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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Apr 27, 2020
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @brightwings and @sears. I'll step in here. @brightwings, like you @sears is a member of..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @brightwings and @sears. I'll step in here.
@brightwings, like you @sears is a member of Mayo Clinic Connect. On Connect members share their experiences and offer support. No one is or should be counseling members in a professional capacity. See the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

If you have any concerns, please contact me using this form https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

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Ok, @colleenyoung

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