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Weaning off Effexor with CBD Oil
After having my son last year, I had really bad postpartum. I talked to my doctor and she prescribed me Effexor. I started out with 75mg, it wasn't enough, so the doctor prescribed me 150mg. I was on that for awhile, but the side effects were interfering with my libido, so the doctor suggested I wean off of Effexor and start Wellbutrin. As I was weaning, I had the worst withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms were too much, so I quit trying to wean completely off of the Effexor, and was taking the 75mg of that and 150mg of Wellbutrin. It helped, a little, but my goal was to get completely off of Effexor so I'm trying again. And now my goal is to get off of the Effexor and Wellbutrin completely and try something natural like CBD oil. It's so hard dealing with the withdrawal symptoms, I'm trying to tell myself that this is a temporary thing and it'll be worth it in the end. Any advice for the symptoms? And has anyone had success with CBD oil for helping to wean, and using that for depression and anxiety?
Thanks!
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@lindeyt01
You are very welcome.
When I lowered my Effexor, that was and has always been the only medication I have been taking.
I'm glad you will be speaking to others.
Please remember that many doctors suggest either going cold turkey or a fast decrease plan.
I know when I questioned my new psychiatrist about how he does the reduction for Effexor, it was MUCH faster than I did it.
Good luck!
Ronnie
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3 Reactions@llndeyt01: Depression and anxiety are two sides of the same coin. I am saying this from experience, because I suffer from both. That is why the long-term treatment of anxiety is with anti-depressants, and not just anti-anxiety drugs. In many cases, a combination of both is used, as in your case [and mine]. Celexa is considered one of the safest drugs because it has virtually no side effects, in most cases. Effexor, on the other hand, is known for strong side effects. If you really want to shift completely from Effexor to Celexa--assuming that this is possible, in the first place--please do it under the supervision of your doctor, and gradually. Effexor is a drug which has to be handled carefully under medical supervision. But please don't worry or panic. Your illness is not something which cannot be handled. You will be fine, and will lead a normal life. It is simply a question of getting good medical advice. Also, pray to God. Prayer has great therapeutic value. I will pray for you. God bless you.
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4 ReactionsSome antidepressants make anxiety worse, at least at first. Get a firm diagnosis that rules out a Bipolar spectrum disorder. The drugs treating this kind of depression/anxiety are completely different.
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3 ReactionsHi there, @lindeyt01, I just read about your wish to use CBD to help prevent withdrawal symptoms. I see that you asked for some feedback for those who have done this type of withdrawal and Ginger is just the perfect mentor to help you.
Just one year ago, my PCP and I decided together that I should withdraw from Nortriptyline and replace it with an extra dose of CBD. I use a 2:1 CBD/THC for all of my pain management from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN). The withdrawal and replacement with medical cannabis worked but not without some really tough days fighting constipation. So be patient, Evaluate your progress with your clinician. Check-in with @gingerw as you move through the process. At this point, I think I am done with anti-depressants. However, when my neurologist prescribed Nortriptyline it was a lifesaver in many ways,
May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm,
Chris
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3 ReactionsHi Sheree, Your post was put on in July 2019. I am very keen to see if you were able to come off Effexor using cbd oil.
Hello @kieren09 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I noticed you started a new discussion with your first post on Weaning off Effexor with CBD Oil and then found this discussion, which is perfect. You will notice that I have removed your first post so you can connect here with members on this topic to get the support you are seeking.
One tip to help you notify members of your interest to connect with them is to include the "@" + their username/handle such as @shelleee in the case of Sheree. Unfortunately, it does look like that member is not receiving email notifications, however.
You will find other helpful members in this discussion such as @artscaping @grandmar and @gingerw who may all provide you with some helpful perspective on this topic.
As we wait for them, can I ask if you have started by consulting with your doctor on this plan to wean off Effexor? If so, what was recommended?
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1 ReactionI suggest getting 10 mg of prozac to ween off Effexor then down to 5 my then get off. Effexor is really rough to come off Prozaccis used often to get off these.
@kieren09
Welcome!
How can I help you regarding weaning off of Effexor?
GRANDMAr (Ronnie)
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1 Reaction@kieren09 @amandajro Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I do not have any experience with Effexor, so cannot offer you any tips or information. I do use CBD tincture or capsules, for help with pain control or depression maintenance. Usually I start at 30 mg and will go up to 60 mg.
Ginger
I’m wondering if anyone has or knows of anyone who has managed to come off Effexor?
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