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
I just found out something very frustrating my doctor prescribed me 20 milligram Prozac tablets because he insisted that I only take 10 milligrams for the first 4 days and that my insurance would pay for the tablets because they were generic. Little did he know they refused and wanted a prior authorization because they were tablets. I just found that out today from the pharmacy where my doctor is at. That's why I haven't gotten them yet. I'm lucky because generics are cheap so the pharmacy let me put it on my house account and they are sending them finally. My insurance will only cover the Prozac 20 milligram capsules and not the tablets. OH, brother! So I had to call my doctor and leave a message for his nurse to tell her what happened.
Liked by texasduchess
Hi, @stephee11 – I also wanted to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. Totally makes sense you just want to love your cat and your boyfriend and not deal with anger and crying.
I have not taken venlafaxine (Effexor) before, but came off of another antidepressant, citalopram (Celexa) years ago and switched to bupropion (Wellbutrin). The road off of my former medication was bumpy (complete with a visit to urgent care visit), as was the journey onto my new medication. However, after waiting out the buproprion about three months, it worked well for me and I've taken it since then.
I'd like to introduce you to others who also may provide some support and input as you continue your taper from 37.5 mg venlafaxine after going off completely at 75 mg didn't work well for you. Please meet @sandij @brightwings @laujenkins @ksad.
How has today gone for you?
Liked by texasduchess
After my doctor refused to take my calls, I called my local health unit and they took me off Wellbutrin and ease my way back to my previous dosage of 150. I’m going to slowly taper down after that because I need to get off of this medication. With all of this coronavirus stuff going on, my anxiety thought that I got it when my chest got tight after I started my Wellbutrin.
Hopefully I can finally beat this.
Liked by texasduchess
I’m still having the shakes and am extremely dizzy. My arms tingle and I just get so nervous about all of these symptoms. I’m having acid reflux problems because of this. It’s scaring the hell out of me.
Liked by texasduchess
Hi. Even if doctors and their behaviours are frustrating they are what we have to work with. Learning what our bodies and brains can do, how they work, and recognizing limitations is a way to make sense out of it all. Being at the mercy of people and systems we don't trust definitely makes all the issues bigger and more of a burden. I wonder if doctors realize how much?
I seriously think Effexor should be taken off the market. Doctors really need to think long and hard about prescribing this med. Withdrawals sound worse than any benzo taper I’ve heard of.
Liked by abbynormal
Hello, I just found this group while Googling "How to Withdraw From Effexor". Seeing that I'm working from home for the next several months, I thought now would be a good time to get off of this terrible drug. I've been taking 37.5mg for 15 years, mostly because I survived going from 75mg to 37.5 and just couldn't deal with the withdrawal again (terrible nausea and brain zaps). This time my doctor wants me to taper down by opening a capsule, counting the beads, and slowly decreasing the number of beads I consume (via a spoonful of pudding) over several months. Has anyone tried this? I'm also 15 years older than when I went off the first time at 35 and I don't know if it will be even worse now. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Liked by texasduchess
Hello, @abbynormal, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sorry to hear your previous attempt at tapering off of venlafaxine (Effexor) did not go so well. If you click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the entire thread on venlafaxine tapering.
You mentioned your doctor suggested tapering by counting beads in the capsules and slowly decreasing the amount over several months. Some members who have mentioned this method and may have some thoughts for you from their personal experiences tapering this way include @sandij @doorman @kbmayo. @texasduchess and @jakedduck1 also may have some input.
Have you already decreased your dosage since you discussed the taper with the doctor, abbynormal? If so, how did it go?
Also, good to hear from you, @sundance6. Venlafaxine (Effexor) is used to treat depression and some anxiety and panic disorders https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/venlafaxine-oral-route/description/drg-20067379.
@sears
I think pretty much all of us are disappointed in our doctors. You’re not alone.