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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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I would ask your oncologist to consult with colleagues. In a place as big as DFW, there is a lot of expertise...and my impression is that many oncology groups have psychiatrists and psychologists in the mix. If that doesn't work, what about seeking a referral from one of the local cancer groups?
Psychiatrists don't necessarily get a lot of training in psychotherapy....but your observation is correct...many focus on psychopharmacology and leave the rest to other mental health professionals. One has to ask or do some research on the psychiatrist ahead of time....but having a referral from another mental health professional - or even your PCP can help.
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1 ReactionIt's difficult to count beads because the number and size vary from capsule to capsule...the easiest should be to call the doctors office and make the request for lower dose capsules - but know that 37.5mg is the lowest...but you might see if the doc is okay with taking it every other day or some other taper. In my experience, it helped to hold at the same dosage (in my case 37.5mg) for a few weeks instead of the one week as originally planned.
Not all of the SSRIs/SNRIs are difficult to taper....but just as many people have side effects getting on....you get to revisit what you had on your way off.
I was on effexor for twenty years.
I ripped the bandaid off yesterday...was on lowest dose for weeks...im taking some stuff the ER gave me for headache and they also recommend Benadryl which seem to help as well...no brain zaps yet,which usually showers you within a couple of hrs of not taking med. Well at least for me it does...
@catamite
Congrats on your determination to come off Effexor.
I can understand why you don't want to announce what you are doing.
However, I personally think it is important to tell someone, even your child.
You want someone to be aware of what you are doing just in case the person see something strange about you.
Again, it is just my opinion.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
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1 Reaction@catamite
Thank you for sharing the schedule you used to wean off the Effexor.
By doing it so slowly, how were the aide effects each time you went lower?
I think I am getting closer to coming off the Effexor, too.
I am going to do is VEREY SLOWLY!!
I see it like many others, there is NOT rush.
Ronnie
@youngsally
Good Morning,
It is my understanding that psychiatrists are used to manage psychotropic drugs.
Psychologists and social workers conduct the therapy part.
Since they are NOT medical doctors like the psychiatrist, they cannot write scripts.
You will do some talking with the psychiatrist, too.
The purpose of that is to help determine if your meds are the right dosage or even the correct medicine.
The psychiatrist tries to "match" up your behaviors and feelings from visit to visit.
That is why it is VERY IMPORTANT to be honest with the doctor and tell him/her everything.
Hope this is useful!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
Your observations have been correct for a long time but that has begun to change. There are a number of states that have begun allowing psychologists to prescribe medicines that heretofore would have been only allowed to MD or DO.
I use generic venalafaxine and it’s is in tablets that can be broken in half easily. Quarters require a little more effort but it might be better that capsule division