Elderly mom suddenly off Effexor

Posted by jennymama @jennymama, Apr 20, 2022

Hi all, I’m new to the group! My 83 year old mom had a fall in her home 2 weeks ago and underwent partial hip replacement. In the hospital they took her off all her meds since she arrived there. She has post operative delirium that they cannot find a distinct cause for. She is extremely confused, nonverbal at most times and often agitated and has even needed restraints.She is needing IV for everything including fluids and nutrition and they said they do not have Effexor in IV form. I am beginning to realize that withdrawal from Effexor (venlafaxine) can be significant and wondering if it can even partially explain her dramatic change in cognition and confusion. They don’t believe she’s had a stroke as 3 CT scans have not shown anything significant.She takes 112.5 mg/ day for many years, probably at least 10. She’s been reassessed for swallowing and can now swallow so are reintroducing soft diet, and are beginning to out her back on her regular meds. She has her first dose of Effexor today for the first time since 16 days ago. Any thoughts on withdrawal my mom be suffering and also how long it may take for the Effexor to start working again? She’s been very agitated and scared at night and only getting fragmented sleeps. Thanks!

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clutch | @clutch | Apr 20, 2022

Why in God’s name would they knowingly do that? Huge mistake in my opinion.

jennymama | @jennymama | Apr 20, 2022

In reply to @clutch "Why in God’s name would they knowingly do that? Huge mistake in my opinion." + (show)

I know, it’s crazy. My sister and I even asked the first day if there are any side effects of not taking the Effexor and the dr said, don’t worry it would take at least 3 weeks for the body to have any withdrawal symptoms from a medication. Found out later that doctor just graduated last June! They claim that there is no intravenous form of some of the medications but that doesn’t seem right…

dottiinpuyallup | @dottiinpuyallup | Apr 20, 2022

I'm 87 and have taken Effexor for years. I also worked as a counselor many years ago. Our psych medical staff ALWAYS tapered patients off meds. I believe and hope you will see improvement in your mother's condition soon.

sears | @sears | Apr 21, 2022

So sorry that due to the ignorance of the medical community your mother had to go through this. It was inhumane.

mdjoseph | @mdjoseph | May 13, 2022

How can I wean off this med? It’s a capsule?

mdjoseph | @mdjoseph | May 13, 2022

In reply to @mdjoseph "How can I wean off this med? It’s a capsule?" + (show)

Not sure what group to pose this question to. Asking for 94 yr old patient

steve001 | @steve001 | May 13, 2022

In reply to @mdjoseph "How can I wean off this med? It’s a capsule?" + (show)

I'm in the middle of withdrawals and its not great. I was taking 150mg and I stopped cold turkey. I read omega 3 oil is very good for it and tomorrow I'm going to do hyperbaric oxygen therapy tomorrow so that should negate the rest of the withdrawals. How long they been taking it and what for?

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | May 13, 2022

Welcome to @mdjoseph and @steve001 You'll see that I moved your posts to a discussion about this very drug. I did this so that you can connect with new member @jennymama

Are these tapers or quitting cold turkey being physician supervised?