← Return to Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@mum1989

Hi I’ve weaned off Effexor 3/months ago. I thought I was fine and 2 months after got bad palpitations.. I got sick and then got bad anxiety and panic attacks. I’m now on quetiapine. Helps a little but my thoughts are horrible and I can’t distract myself. I get depression and anxiety.

Just wondering if anyone felt better re starting them? I’m worried about having horrible side effects and mentally coping with extra pressure.
How do I survive side effects from re starting or getting on a new anti depressant?

I don’t know what to do because I don’t feel like I’m coping well .

Jump to this post


Replies to "Hi I’ve weaned off Effexor 3/months ago. I thought I was fine and 2 months after..."

Also is it possible to get my life back by getting on medication again. Right now I feel I’ll never be normal.. suicidal thoughts suck so bad and scare me. I have four kids I want to watch grow up but same time in suffering and don’t know how to get on track.

Also had chest pain the last month and result are ok apart from having atelectasis at the bottom of my lungs. I’m 33. I’m worried this pain is inflammation after getting off effexor?

I tried to go off of Effexor for the first time 10+ years ago. The psychiatrist suggested I decrease me dose every 2 weeks by 75mg. I was at 450mg/day. I was great for about 4 months, but then had panic attacks for the first time in my life and severe anxiety / panic that wouldn’t go away for four days straight. I ended up going back on Effexor at 300mg and have been on that since. It worked for me…I’m not happy about it, but it might help for you if you are feeling at your limit day after day with no end in sight. That doesn’t mean you can’t try something else later when you feel stable, or try to get off it again.

I can’t believe that doctors can’t give good advice on this stuff. I’m not a medical professional, I’ve only been through my own experiences, so take it as you will.

I hope you get to a good place soon - with or without medication. There are multiple threads on the topic so if you’re up for it search around