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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 am so grateful for this discussion board, but so sorry to hear of everyone’s difficulties tapering off of Effexor. I just decreased from 150 mg to 75 mg, over the past week. Still having some unpleasant physical symptoms, but I am really concerned about how I’m starting to feel emotionally- I’m more easily agitated, snapping at others, a little paranoid (not about anything serious- I don’t have any history of paranoia - more silly things, like thinking people might not really “like me” and stuff like that), and am feeling more depressed/anxious. Lower energy is also a problem. I don’t know how to tell if I am falling back into a depression, or if these are normal withdrawal symptoms from tapering?as I taper down? Of course, if symptoms worsen I will contact my doctor. However, I am wondering how long I should kind of “give it” to see if this is just a natural withdrawal response? If anyone can relate and offer their opinion, it would be very much appreciated. Thank you!
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@thinks2much
I don’t think a 50%reduction of something your brain has become dependent on was a wise choice. How would you like to get a full 8 hours of sleep, food or other things you’ve become reliant on. It’s no wonder your suffering the effects that you are.
Did your doctor give you that advice. I would assume had you decreased SLOWLY you may not of had any withdrawals and perhaps your depression symptoms might have shown up more slowly giving you more time to adjust to them. You said
“people might not really like me”
why does it matter what others think of you? Love yourself and treat others the best you can and I think others will respect and like you provided your not giving them reasons not too. Who says everyone has to like everyone else.
My own personal opinion (not that it matters) but I think your accelerating your symptoms by tapertto quickly.
Perhaps you need a counselor to help you deal with life.
Maybe you need another medication to help you cope with life although I believe in using pharmaceuticals as infrequently and as sparingly as possible and I often refuse prescriptions doctors give me.
I wish you luck and please slow your yor taper VERY substantially,
Jake