Connect
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.
Connect
I am so sorry for your loss of your husband. The loss of a spouse is one of the worst losses one can experience; I hope you are coping as well as can be expected.
But you are only "almost 81" and a "healthysenior" at that. My dad will be 99 in January, and I shudder to think where he would be today if he had given up on himself 18 years ago! If your reasons for wanting to get off the drug still exist, then you might reconsider, lest you wish in a few years that you'd tried to get off this poison now.
My heart goes out to you, whatever you decide. Best wishes.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI have been taking Effexor for more than 10 years and it helped me tremendously. Last year I developed constipation that eventually became extreme. Don’t know if it is a result of taking Effexor for so long as constipation is listed as a common side effect. Has anyone had severe constipation caused by Effexor? If so, what did you do? I am taking Metamucil, Miralax and a stool softener and still having almost no bowel movements.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionUnfortunately,
I cannot take trazadone. It turns me into a zombie, even at lowest dose😔
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am struggling so much with these withdrawals. I would rate this #3 on the worst things I’ve felt #1 being csf leak to put that in perspective.
I am nauseous and my stomach is killing me and then I’m not nauseous and I’m throwing up non stop. Not to mention the zaps that feel like they’re everywhere in my body. Dizziness, shaking, light sensitivity. Every-time I look around after unfocusing my eyes I have the sensation that I’m falling and it feels like every part of my body is being zapped. Also what’s up with the random crying. It’s day 7 now and it feels like it comes in strong waves. Urgent care couldn’t help, I called the er and they gave me anti nausea medication. I am a nanny and can’t work so I’ve spent the week in bed and I know I’m probably going to get fired but I mean I think it’s a tad bit valid that holding an infant isn’t the best idea I was also told not to drive due to my dizziness and random throwing up spells.
Today was my first day going out and I was dripping in sweat trying to not throw up or pass out.
My mom thinks I just have to keep going and wait it out but I feel like I’m loosing my mind. No doctor I’ve spoke to even knows what I’m talking about and no one knows anything to help the withdrawals it’s so frustrating feeling so sick but knowing there’s no cure and not knowing how long you’ll be sick for. Any advice on literally any of this would be appreciated.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI saw somewhere online that Benadryl helps with the withdrawals (I think so you just sleep through them) but I’ve been taking Benadryl every night and it puts me out. I DoorDashed it due to stores being closed so maybe you could do the same if you don’t want to wait:)
I feel your pain. I cold turkeyed 300 mg of venlafaxin, my doc 3 day bridged me with prozac and then i started lexipro the 4th day. Its been hell and i almost bailed so many times and just wanted to take the venlafaxin to stop the feeling. Im on day 11 now, and i am so glad i didnt go back on. All i can say is dont give up, it will get better, its the worst thing going through..just go minute by minute and lean on others for help...your strong and can do it
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsGravol was my friend through this, my stomach still isn't great, it does come in waves and just trying to ride through it is all you can do. Please no that its completely normal what your going through, its a terrible drug to get off of, pretty sure as bad as heroin. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out, if i can help at all i would be glad to.
You should Google Dr. Mark Horowitz. There's lots of info about how he recommends very slow and gradual weaning. I bought the book called Deprescribing Antidepressants which was very helpful. You need a good psychiatrist and other support as well. I'm still trying to wean and its been hell. Good luck.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWhat dosage were you on, for how long, what did you decrease to, and over what period of time? Your withdrawal symptoms sound extreme. Realize that "waiting it out" could take months. Have you read other posts under this same heading? There is much helpful information here. There is also Outro dot com for information on the proper way to discontinue Effexor/venlafaxine.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWithdrawal was horrible for me. Similar to what you describe. I’m not on a large dose, 75 mg. But I’m a small person, losing 25% of my body weight Due to lack of appetite caused by depression, if that matters. I couldn’t go down to 37.5 as doctor prescribed. I Had same or similar feelings as you describe, fortunately far less intense, I was on 75mg for decades. It didn’t work well, so a doctor doubled it. Within 6 or 8 hours I experienced urinary incontinence and a horrible experience with the same HMO’s Urology dept.
Now I’m back on 37.5 but along with 10mg Prozac. It’s working. We are all different. This is only to suggest that your doctor consider adding an additional SSRI in a smaller dose to accompany that withdrawal from whatever dosage you are using to taper off. I have no idea if it’ll help. It just made a world of difference to me. I think it’s irresponsible for doctors to prescribe drugs from which withdrawal can be so horrible.
Good luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction