Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you
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Hey C-mom. I have dealt with crappy military doctors also and crappy civilian ones as well. My present doctor does not beleive in pushing pills so I exercise a ton and watch what I eat. Just got
tostick this out and get on with life I guess…..
Attaboy Angelo. Ya gotta think positive. Keep putting ur best foot forward and dont look back!!!!!
@cherylannm. Welcome
How long have you been reducing your dosage. 5 weeks great.
What are your next step to get off it?
Am on 37.5 now and starting to night taking 2 pellets out a day .. some side effects but am going to get off this ASAP
@shaker1956
Oh my gosh girl, I didn't recognize you!!!! Oh my gosh I am so happy for you. You are back in charge of the world you live in, such as that is with your husband overseas. I am thrilled.
You feel wonderful to me. (Empath) I feel strength, smarts, even some happiness. Hipp hipp horray for you.
Oh you got me all excited girl. When you first got here you felt like a kicked wet dog, dragging yourself in here. I know you sounded like you were close to the end of your rope.
That is quite a turn around since the first of June. GOOD FOR YOU!
Now remember you still got some ways to go.
I think I started weaning a year ago. Don't do what I did. Just took no med until the symptoms got TOO BAD then took another 150 mg. I think I found this site 1 month after I quit. Click on my name and read my first post. I was miserable. I am kind of chuckling cuz that is such an understatement.
So shaker, GOOD FOR YOU.
Hahahaha. You got the wrong person there Brightwings.
Holy crap–I'm just now realizing what I may be in for. Been taking 300 mg daily for over a year, and decided I couldn't take the overly intense, life-disrupting dreams or the buckets of sweat during hot weather anymore. Plus depression. I've seen different tapering regimens. Anyone who has one with a 300 mg starting dose and with good effect I'd love to know about it.
Or should I just try going cold Turkey? Brain already feels messed up. . . Thanks and all the best to y'all.
I was on 225 for about 21/2 years went down to 150 for 2 weeks then 75 mg for 2 weeks now starting 37.50 this week. Now am taking 2 pellets out a night till am down to none !! And then I guess deal with it . Good luck
Oh, don't go cold turkey!!! Good lord, no!!! Are you taking pills or capsules? (I presume they're XR.) I'm having good success in tapering off by opening my capsules and taking out 50 per week, but I warn you it's very tedious to count out those tiny balls, plus it definitely takes a while — several months at least — to get off that way. However, so far, no brain zaps, etc. I'd suggest talking with your doctor before you do anything. See if you can get your prescribed dosage down first, and try to get that dosage lowered a bit at a time. Good luck!
@maryathome
Not sure if this will help you but my cousin switched from a cpap to a bipap machine and he likes it better. It makes exhalation easier. I tried it and didn’t notice any significant difference. Bipaps are more expensive too.
Jake
@clevermom50
It’s possible since your withdrawal symptoms appeared maybe you were reducing your dose to quickly. If I were you I’d try reducing your current 19mg into 5 doses to zero.
Best of luck.
Jake
@Sabrina I know, it's difficult, but sometimes to keep the peace we have to keep our mouths shut. Many of us are in positions like that. I was fortunate in having an absolutely wonderful mother-in-law and brother-in-law. but other family members can present a problem, and you do what you have to do.
jK