Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@jakedduck1 Wow... just my lowly opinion and I agree with second part of your post; however , and I realize its your personal opinion, but re your opening comments, aren't they are bit harsh?we are not all the same and do not all respond the same, for a multitude of reasons.... this is similar to what I face with my adult children. However, some things they find hard, I find easy; and some things I find hard, they think "should" be easy.. we are all unique even though share same/similar medical conditions, same medications dont you think? J.

@dmp532
Would you be willing to share your diagnosis?
Jake

No. I tried this group. I’m really fragile. I thank you for the kindness but it’s no longer for me.

@dijoy @sears @rew4946 @dmp532 @sru97 @lacy2 @jakedduck1
To One and All: I can’t actually feel your pain but I certainly understand and am compassionate to you and here’s why. I know from experience that depression is the pits – literally in a dark, deep pit. I had a nervous breakdown, even catatonic, and numerous meds could not bring me out until the Drs. said my only chance was shock treatments (15 of them) Then 12 years later another breakdown (probably because I refused any meds) and 12 more shock treatments. I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar II which is basically all depression all the time. I was prescribed Lithobid (name brand of Lithium) and after a severe concussion that has left me unable to sleep, I was also prescribed Seroquel. For me it is a Godsend and allows me to get a great night’s sleep. I believe I’ve said this in the past but all meds do not act the same on all people and some that are good for some have bad reactions on another. So I also think it is dangerous to claim that any med is dangerous across the board. I have noticed so many of you adjusting your dose up or down or stopping without checking with your Doctor. Please, please know that is a dangerous practice especially with antidepressants! I have found that it is helpful for me and the doctor to make a list of all the things that are going on, side effects, etc. I just hand it to him and I don’t forget anything and I make sure he covers everything. Most important is that God loves you and wants to see you well. If HE can cure me from out of the dregs then I know He can do it for you. Isaiah 41:10 says: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” Keep looking up to His Light and never, ever give up. With all my love, Sharon

@jakedduck1, it is not our place to judge what should and shouldn't be hard or what someone finds hard or not. Please be careful with words. It is all we have to use for communication on this forum without the benefit of body language and tone of voice.

Mayo Clinic Connect is a place where people can share their experiences honestly and openly. It is during times of vulnerability that we need support the most. I agree with you that tapering very slowly is crucial. It is here, in a safe, anonymous, non-judgemental online environment that people can learn 1) they're not alone, 2) everyone is different 3) what slow tapering means and 4) how to get support from their prescribing doctor or find support if they're not getting it.

@dmp532, I'm glad that you found this group and shared the challenges you are facing. I hope you will reconsider returning to the discussion so we can support you during this fragile period.

Quite a few folks on this thread tried to quit Effexor more than once. If this time is not possible for you, you can try again later. You learned some things and there's a lot of good info here. Take care.

I bought ginger gum today. I didn't notice the nausea subsiding. However, I drink a lot of water with ice and decided to put some lemon juice in the water (as I heard lemons help nausea) I did get some relief.

@marylcamp67, you may want to try something a little stronger like ginger liquid, ginger tablets, or Celestial Seasons Lemon Ginger Tea. I brew the tea and add a half dropper full of liquid ginger. This usually helps a lot.

...sorry ,not following conversation but noticed ginger: if you like hot drink, can buy a piece of ginger root in grocery store and I cut about an inch off, wash and peel and cut in 4 pieces, add hot water. So can have it like that, or add honey or lemon. if you wrap the rest of the root in damp paper towel and put in plastic bag or container it will keep quite a while. A few years ago I did successfully grown some in the garden, sort of like a potato grows, but I read now that they sometimes put a coating on it to stop the growth of the shoots if you buy root in store ?? so I make sure I wash it (they also coat apples and other vegetables so there is no escaping it)... with our cold winters the root cant stay in soil... anyway, just an alternative and it tastes quite nice. J.

We all have a choice to make and yes it is our choice not the medical community of what works for you. ( this is important) If you take Seroquel make sure you read all of those four or five pages of side effects, long term dangers etc that we never read and only rely on our doctors advice. My X doctor told me the good out ways the bad of taking this drug, I am not sure if he meant me or them. Slept pretty good last night around 4 hours maybe. I did spend most of yesterday on the couch watching old movies. I cant even remember much of what I watched but was more just background noise I guess. This morning I will attempt to go to Walmart then back home to work on income tax. time permitting I will get on the roof and work on a few old boards that need to be replaced before I start painting in a few weeks. Last summer I did well working outside the house and yard so much. I look forward to getting outside in my yard enjoying the hot summer heat that most hate. Strange I always loved working in the 100 plus degree heat so much from my oil field days, My depression started while I worked offshore in the Gulf Of Mexico for most of my life. We had to work 2 and 3 days with no sleep all the time being on 24 hour call. I was also a drunk when I was not offshore back then. 1996 father died of cancer and I was able to quit smoking and never drank alcohol again. Then prescription drugs take over with the doctors help. It was to late to save my family and friends as the damage had been done. I will get through this somehow, I am thankful each morning for another day on this earth and for the things I have. I worked hard all my life and was able to keep my home that I still pay for, I love the outdoors and all gods creations so much including my dog Pete. What works for me may not work for you but find something that works for you and never give up. I thank this Mayo clinic group for support and others with many of the same issues of Seroquel or prescription's. My temper was always really bad getting angry over nothing, I could never let go and let things ate me alive. I have not had any issues with anger for the past year of so. Its like it is gone. It was really bad way back. everyone take it one day at a time......