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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (6299)Comment receiving replies
Hi,
I am currently tampering off of Effexor. I am in the beginning of month 3 of this process. Each month, I reduce the amount by 37.5mg. At the start of each reduction, I have gotten diarrhea & short lasting abdominal queasiness. Last month the queasiness occurred over a longer time period than the actual diarrhea. I have been using Metamucil as a supplement and eating yogurt on a daily basis. When I feel queasy I also eat Saltine style crackers. I have been trying to use exercise (powerlifting 3 days a week & cardio at least 2 days a week) as a natural means to replace the serotonin. The first month I was aware that I was more irritable than normal & was teary on several occasions. This past reduction, I noticed I became teary & was engaged in ruminating thoughts. That observation allowed me to change my behavior which ended the tears. I am also more sensitive than normal to heat. Although I no longer feel depressed, I am continuing to see my therapist on a weekly basis through out this process. This is the second time I have tappered my amount of Effexor. The first time was a disaster. My then-psychiatrist recommended too big of a jump. I quickly ended up back on the prior dosage. This time my goal is getting off of it completely.
I would love suggestions as to what else I can try for the gastro issues.
Replies to "Hi, I am currently tampering off of Effexor. I am in the beginning of month 3..."
You can open the capsules and remove the beads, do this gradually. I just posted a message, please read it..it was a life saver for me. All you need is a pointy tweezer a small bowl, and a note paper to log your removals of beads each week. There is no side effects this way, I am proof! DeEtta. I was taking the time release.
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Hello. I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering. I, too, am trying to come of Effexor XR 75mg after 22 years. I was prescribed the drug for fibromyalgia which resolved years ago, but dr kept prescribing and I kept taking it. What a fool I was.
I have read a lot about weaning from Effexor because we simply cannot stop or reduce in big jumps or the side effects are awful. I have been getting advice from the Surviving Antidepressants website which is very helpful. If you sign up there, the moderators (who are very knowledgeable) will help you. There is also lots of info you can read. I have only been able to drop to 73 mg from 75 in 3 months and I have had some side effects, but if I have questions about how to handle it, I can get answers on Surviving Antidepressants. Please check them out. You will be glad you did. Take care and best wishes.