Effexor Withdrawal - The Final Step
It was a scientific process deciding when I should bite the bullet and take the final step from 37.5mg Efexor (Venlafaxine) to nothing. We wanted to wait until after our trip to Canberra and after the kids went back to school. On Monday, the first day of term, we ended up having to leave early for Lleyton’s ultrasound appointment and I forgot to take my meds before we left. So I figured it was as good a time as any to take the plunge into the final step of withdrawal.
Very scientific indeed.
NOT!!!
And maybe not as well thought out as it should have been.
With the stress of Lleyton’s injury and having him home constantly meaning I haven’t had time to myself (not that he’s any trouble), it probably hasn’t been the easiest of times to go through this withdrawal.
Still, it hasn’t been too bad, all things considered.
The worst moment so far would have to have been during the second night when I woke up feeling like someone had just turned the power on for my nervous system. You know what it’s like when the power has been off and it suddenly comes on and you can hear the hum of the fridge and anything else that was on when it went off? Everything seems louder until your brain adjusts to the small background noises things like fridge motors make.
It was a horrible feeling - almost like I’d imagine it would be like to stick my finger in a power socket (not that I’ve ever tried to know for sure).
Fortunately it only lasted a few hours.
Other than that, my head constantly goes in waves of a kind of dizziness/headiness. It’s hard to describe but I sure hope it goes away soon.
TIPS FOR COPING WITH EFEXOR/EFFEXOR/VENLAFAXINE WITHDRAWAL
For anyone who finds this via a search for coming off of effexor (or any readers that might go through this), here are a few things that I found have helped my process so far:
- Exercise. It’s not always the easiest thing to do but it REALLY does help. I find at least 30 minutes and at a level that causes you to sweat (intervals of higher intensity and then lower intensity seems to work well).
- Be Kind To Yourself. Try not to take on too much at the same time as your body is adjusting (I’ve totally broken that this time around).
- Know What Makes You Feel Good. Before you start the withdrawal process, have some ideas of things that will make you feel good and help pass the interim time. I have a few girlie movies that have been great for when I need to rest and have something to distract me.
- Eat Healthily. Another tough one when you’re feeling shocking.
- Paracetamol. Paracetamol has been my best friend during the withdrawal process. It even seems to help with the head spins and dizziness.
Sidenote to Regular Readers
At the time this post goes to publish, I’ll be in Adelaide visiting a specialist with Lleyton. At this stage (before we leave) we’re unsure what the outcome of that visit will be. Best case scenario is that we’ll be home again by tonight and you won’t even know I’ve been gone. Not so best case scenario is that he’ll need some sort of treatment for whatever is causing his problems, in which case, I may get delayed and there’ll be a lack of posts for a few days. If this happens, keep an eye on the comments in this post for any news.
Similar Posts:
- Effexor Withdrawal
- One More Step Along the Road I Go
- Weaning Off Effexor
- Your Opinion is Needed
- There Are Some Things Money Can’t Buy
56 comments:
Write a comment:
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate each and every one of them. If this is the first comment you have left, your comment will be held in moderation for approval so you may not see it immediately. Once your first comment is approved, all future comments should appear immediately. You can choose to receive any further comments by email. Simply tick Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.
Thanks for this. I was wondering how you were going on your meds with all this other stuff happening.
Am about to start withdrawing from my meds and am actually scared stiff….. especially at this busy time of year, but who knows, maybe I will find myself again.
Thanks for your tips too.
Pray you are back real soon and able to have some time to yourself.
Praying for mediacl wisdom in this and that there are no long term side effects for your son.
Hope everything goes well with the ultrasound and that the med withdrawels disappear soon.
You’re in my thoughts. Hope all goes well with the meds and the ultrasound….. Keeping fingers and toes crossed for you xxx
***Update from Lightening***
Hello Lightening blogreaders…
Jodi has asked me to update you on Lleyton’s progress, as you may have guessed she hasn’t returned home yet.
Lleyton had surgery last night (Monday), he is in quite a bit of pain but will make a full recovery.
I’m sure she would appreciate your thoughts and prayers, as you can imagine this is pretty tough on a Mum. No one likes to see their kids in pain. And Jodi being a nicer Mum than most (well, than me!) she is really feeling for him.
The good news is he will be ok. The operation went well and he will make a full recovery.
Cheers
Sharon.
Ohhh thanks for the update Sharon. If you see this and talk to her again, please let her know that she is in my thoughts as is Lleyton for a full recovery. Having one of your kids having an op is no fun at all.
Injury?? Did I miss something in my reading? Hope Lleyton is okay.
And coming off the meds by “jumping in the deep end” ? Well done.
If you’ve got time while in Adelaide find a Ray’s Outdoors store and check out their camping washing “machines”. They’re small, look like a mini compost tumbler, you put your day’s clothes in, add a small amount of water and soap, (I’d think liquid soap would be the thing here) turn the handle a few times and your washing is done. Not sure how well they’d cope with family sized loads, but good for “smalls” and you could do the big things, jeans, towels, etc in a laundromat. You could probably use one of these just by letting the motion of the travelling do the agitating part.
I heard from Jodi again yesterday. She was doing much better than Monday. I will be sure to pass on your regards if I speak to her again.
Hi Jodi
I know exactly what you’re talking about. Especially the dizzy, floor suddenly fell out from under you feeling. I’ve gone off effexor-xr twice now. The first time I went off it, I made the mistake of going from 150mg a day to nothing! The quezy sick feeling lasts much longer when you go from a higher dose. Second time I wasn’t so stupid. I went off at 75mg, which is suggested by doctors anyway. Not so bad, but still…dizzy yukky head feeling if I moved my eyes too quickly.
Anyway, it will pass. It always does. Sadly, I know that there will be a next time…so at least I am well prepared!
Boo
I hope everything’s well with you. Take care.
The particular medication you are on can have some unpleasant withdrawal effects but it sounds as if you are doing it sensibly Jodi. Not that I have tried coming off it but I have forgotten for two days in a row a few times and boy do I know it. You describe the feelings in so well - it is like a power surge in the head. I have read of them being called brain explosions.
To be honest I am afraid to come off the things and my doc reckons I should be on them for the rest of my life because of a genetic condition I have. Long term use like this is a worry too though.
I had to edit this because a message came up saying that the name of the medication, ef…or could be flagged as spam
Good luck with it ALL!
I am currently at week three of going cold turkey from a 75mg dose of Venlafaxine. It has been a very unpleasant experience but today was a turning point and I am through the worst. I did some checking so I knew what was coming and it was as bad as they say - I have had all the symptoms. I found some internet people recommending the following to alleviate the withdrawal; Benadryl cough syrup; St johns Wort; Vitamin B; Omeaga oil; Orange juice. I tried them all and I have to say I did notice some benefits, but the experience was nonetheless very nasty. I liked the St Johns Wort best - it made me quite mellow. If you do come off Venlafaxine you must set aside a month with no work or any chores and just deal with the horrors. It is great out the other side.
First thanks to Lightening for borrowing your site. Well another ten days has passed since stopping a 75mg Venlafaxine dose and my previous post here.
There were two reasons I stopped taking. The first was because I was 99% sure the underlying issue that was dogging me and making me depressed had been resolved. It is a long story and I won’t bore you with it - but for the ladies out there, it is a love story that stretches 35 years and 12000 miles.
Secondly I had developed a degree of anger and sense of frustration in recent months and I put that down to my inner self wrestling with a drug which I no longer needed. In essence I felt I was a well person being given mind altering drugs and the whole thing was now working against me.
I decided to stop without my doctor being involved because my experience of being someone who is depressed is that you essentially have no voice. What I mean by that is that whatever you say to anyone regarding a theory or idea is received with polite disdain. “Oh really, that’s nice” kind of thing. You may know what I mean. This way I can deliver my doc a “fait a complit” without his tut-tutting.
I have had no return of my depressive state or symptoms, which indicates my theory about being no longer depressed is 100% correct. Truly I feel no depression symptoms at all. I do still feel occasional brain zaps and a little dizzy still, but I am functioning quite well and enjoying life again..
This leads me to talking about the the time-line for withdrawal. I can find no information, anecdotal or otherwise, about just how long does the withdrawal take to finally be over. My experience was a dreadful initial three weeks and then a week of diminishing effects to a point where I basically have no withdrawal symptoms. As I mentioned though I still have a zap or two and do feel a little tired, and I guess it would not be unrealistic to feel so after coming off a very powerful drug.
If Lightening or anyone else can shed some light on the total time taken to feel no ill effects from withdrawal I would love to know.
If my posting is helping anyone - you are very welcome. I feel for anyone who is depressed and relying on pills. It really sucks.
Thanks.
Good luck to all of you. I am coming off Venlafaxine75 after being on it for 7-8 years.
The withdrawl comes in waves since I am using the “bead method”. I have had severed digestive problems for the last 2 years and have lost a huge part of my life. My problems all seem to be coming from being on Effexor. Test after test show normal for the past 2 year, all digestive.
Since I have been weaning off, I am seeing new symptoms: More severe nausea, brain fog, brain zaps and I haven’t slept in days.
There is alot I would like to say but I know you have heard it all.
P.S. I traveled 5 hours away from home to a hospital that I thought may be able to help me. I’ll know something about all the test for digestive disorders tomorrow, but I think they will not find anything either…it’s the Venlafaxine, I’m sure of. I just want my life back.
God Bless
I am hoping someone on here can help me. I have read all of the posts on here and on many other sites and have not gotten the answers I have needed. My doctor is a prick and knows nothing about the withdrawls of SSRI’s so I turn to the online community for support. Here goes…
I have been on 150 mg of Efxr for almost three years. three months ago, I managed to get down to 37.5 mg which was complete HELL. After I adjusted (sort of) I found out I was pregnant. (I am now 7 weeks) and at 5 weeks I went from 37.5 to nothing. I swear I almost became catatonic from this. I felt like a robot with serious depersonalization and many many other horrible symptoms. I then decided to open up the capsule and take a few mg (about 6-10) just to get through the day.
I am down to literally 2mg a day and I just can’t do it. I feel so unreal and am beginning to have feelings of wanting an abortion just so I can stay on them. I look in the mirror and picture killing myself. I am completely lost as to what to do because I don’t want to stay on it and harm my baby, but at the same time, coming off of it is making me hate what is growing in my tummy. I feel like a complete psychopath and need to get off this safely.
The other MAJOR problem is that I am almost positive I have developed Serotonin Syndrome. I have been on all different doses of Efxr, I used to drink large amounts of alcohol, use cocaine and MDMA all while being on it a couple of years ago.
Any help is VERY much appreciated. Please keep in mind that I am pregnant and cannot take St. John’s Wort or anything else for that matter. I really just need to know if I am ever going to be the same again without the pills or If I am going to feel like this forever.
I can’t find a straight answer about healing Serotonin Syndrome anywhere. To be honest, I really don’t even understand what it is. Am I not making my own Serotonin anymore or is my brain making too much?
PLEASE HELP!!!!
thank you
Tiff
I am currently trying to get pregnant and on 75mg’s a day. My doctor said that it is completely safe. Also, with your case in point, the little risk’s that you have in taking the pill’s is better than the emotional turmoil of a newly pregnant woman.
I feel a bit like you. I now feel like I should just stay on my low dose forever because the low’s when I go off the pill’s are just too hard for the family to deal with. But I’m also getting counciling and I hope that you’re getting more help than just the pill’s.
Find a dose that is good for you, that is not too high. 37.5mg is good. And stick to it. Don’t be playing with the level’s too often because it’s not good for your head.
And I suggest finding a different doctor. It’s awful to think there is a doctor out there who is unwilling to put a mother’s mind at ease, especially since she has depression.
PLease talk to someone. Please write it down and let someone know exactly how you’re feeling. You need a better doctor and you need someone to support you heavily through this. There are some good online forums for depression as well as places like babyfit.com where you may be able to find a support group to get you through.
Boo
Hi
I have been on Effexor for 10 years at 300mg per day (xr). I am trying to cut back and have been taking 150mg daily for the last few weeks. I also have rheumatoid arthritis, so I am not really sure as to whether my symptoms of aching joints are related to RA or withdrawal from Effexor. The brain zaps are bearable, but I seem to be experiencing some weird thoughts. My dreams are so vivid and I can remember each and everyone of them the next morning. I am also very tired and am sleeping most of the time. Has anyone else experienced the same thing?
Hi Stephanie,
300mg is considered quite a high dose. I was on it for a short time but my brain just couldn’t cope. The most difficult thing can be working out whether you’re having some kind of withdrawal reaction or whether symptoms are depression returning. Make sure you communicate everything you notice with your health professionals. {{{HUGS}}}
Thanks for that. I have an appt with my Rheumatologist soon and I also need to get my fatigue under control. Apparently one of the withdrawal symptoms of Eff. can be fatigue!!!
Hi
Im on the DT coaster atm. Worst experience Ive had. Ive been on effexor xr 2 years now at 300mg a day - It has really helped with my condition, but as my recovery from severe depression and anxiety progressed and i started to have less need for the meds I accidently missed a day here and there. Big mistake - the next day - usually the time i realised id forgotten to take meds was a nightmare Migraine headaches disorientation loss of blance nausea the runs and difficulty staying awake. Recently i had A forgetful day and hit the usual next day symptoms - I got angry that this drug had this much control on me - after 12 hours i took 1 x 150 mg tab vowing never again to be at 300 mg. realistically thats 2 big a drop but i found the 2nd day improved and on 3rd day i was back to normal although on 150mg less - beauty that wasnt so hard Im glad i bit the bullet. My sex drive went balistic tho as a side effect - not necessarily a good thing lol. - I think a lot has to do with my positive focus and feeling of wellbeing at the time - i havent been depressed in months so the reason im taking the stuff really has only been because id be sick if i didnt. Move on 1 month- Im feeling good only copped a 3 day hit for the loss of 50% of my med and things are great and steady. Im thinking i want to kick this stuff for good. Do i use some 75mg tablets or drop 150 again? I went for 150mg- having run out of 75Mg tablets. Which brings me to the present- im on day 4 cycling between ravenous hunger and extreme nausea. Im moving around and have about the same cognitive capacity as though im continually drunk. I havent had the headaches or runs tho so thats good. Im really hoping tomorrow will be a better day and I start to improve. Im still resisting the urge to stop it all with a tablet. but my resolve is weakening with every bout of nausea. I hate being contolled by these tablets.
I gotta say even tho i have done a lot of research and have a good understanding of these meds, im still being an idiot. Whilst i have had discussions with my Doc about going through this process. She hasnt been involved im these recent 2 drops in meds - Really stupid and I would not reccomend anyone do this. 2 reasons 1 is dealing with the side effects may require medical help, and 2 the reason you are taking the meds in the 1st place has to be monitored. In my case the reason im taking the meds changed from me needing them for depression to taking them because id be sick if i didnt happened about 6 months ago so im ok with the depression side of things. Cant wait to be free of these things. Oh and sex drive gone balistic again but the nausea kind of counter acts it. At least im still smiling for now and i hope im through the worst of it.
Cheers
Hi All, I am on day two of coming off 150mg a day after 18 months, the brain explosions aren’t severe yet just some strange little twitches. Anyone got a heads up on what else is coming.
Thanks
Matt
Hey Matt - good luck with it all. Everyone’s body is different. You may not have any other troubles coming off. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly. Don’t be afraid to be in touch with your doctor if you’re concerned about anything.
Hi Matt, I hope you aren’t going from 150mg to nothing at all… You should be tapering off from 150 to 112.5mg, then to 75mg, then to 37.5mg and finally nothing. I have been on Effexor for 5 years and came off it once after 2 years. I had to taper down because after 3 days without it I went mental. Had brain zaps, nausea, cold sweats, anger, irritability and so much more. I hope this doesn’t happen to you. Everyone is different keep in mind and I hope the best for you. I had a horrible time even tapering off and tried again a year ago and failed. I cannot come off it now because I am pretty sure I have developed seretonin syndrome. Good luck!!!
i had my dose of 75mg effexor xr halved 3 weeks ago, and it has been hell,
i am now past most of the withdrawals except constant, overwhelming anxiety,
agoraphobia and anger, i am more angry at not being told what this drug can do, not before going on it, not during my 13 years on it and not when told i had to come off it.
my psych’ said all i would get was some sort of uncontrollable muscle twitch, what bull. i am not an angry person, so it is really scary. i was suicidal coming off this drug and spent days on a contract with lifeline ringing them every day every hour,
it was only thoughts of hurting my kids and grandkids that kept me going.
i am really scared because i know i am only half way to getting off this drug, i now have to stop the last 37.5 mg, i wish people had given me warning, i would never of taken it in the first place. help me i am afraid of the next step.
i amm a 49 year old female, was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, agoraphobia and social phobia. i live alone.
Thanks for the comfort! It’s week 3 for me of withdrawl (stepping down from 150mg)… and such a comfort to know I’m not going nuts.. Dizzy… spinning… nauseous feeling. I’ve just taken the last step step 37.5 to none… second attempt..
I went to work to sit quietly, read so i wouldn’t be alone- Nope- not a good thing. I feel manic- not me at all- racing ideas. I’ve come home.. in tears
I knew it would be challenging, by how severly sick i felt forgetting to take my meds. But i”m stubbonly determined to finish.
I’m going to go for a swim!
Good luck all!
Well, against advice I have no been completely off Efexor since the 12th December 2009. Still some minor side effects. Was a fairly nervous time, luckilly I was on Efexor as a replacement to pain meds (the doctor felt it better to keep me up beat rather than pain free.) that said still not on pain meds either.
Suffer some blue days and the kids put me to the test often, however I have coped and are still doing so. I had some advice in the 2nd week as I was suffereing bouts of nausea, the local chemist gave me an over the counter maxlon treatment and st johns wart which assisted.
To those still coming off or looking to, life is far better on my side now.
Hi - I ended up here and reading your blog because I googled “effexor withdrawal and hunger”. I was wondering if anyone else feels hungry as sort of another side effect of the withdrawal - really? Another side effect!
I’ve been on effexor 37.5 for several years and forgot to take the pills 2 days in a row and OMG the weirdness I felt and the weird head thing - I call it loopy. So, realizing how potent this drug is, I decided to get off it and see how I am with no medication. It’s now been 5 days without any pills and I don’t feel any worse, but sadly I don’t feel any better.
I’m freaking out about the hunger thing because I’ve been dieting and have lost 30 lbs but now I’m afraid of slipping and gaining back some weight. NO! Effexor withdrawal is taking over my life and I’m not liking it.
Like you said, exercise seems to help. I go to the gym 4 days a week and have continued even tho I was afraid I’d fall of the treatmill or something! Happily I did not and while I’m on it, I feel pretty normal. I actually ok while I’m still, like watching tv, but when I’m motoring around and moving my head alot that’s when I feel loopy.
Soooo, just wanted to touch base with another victim of withdrawal symptoms.
Thanks - and good luck!
. . . . . . and I forgot to mention having the emotions of a 12 year old girl going thru puberty. OMG I could look at a shoe on the floor and burst into tears. Have you had any of that. I really don’t want to be a 12 year old again. Yikes.
: )
Hi Jill,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I used to find the same thing if I forgot to take it. Weird headspins and just feeling plain awful. Some of the symptoms I also get when I forget to take what I’m on now (Citalopram) but nowhere near as bad. I really hope you’re being monitored by a professional and not just coming off the drug without any support. Once my body was completely clear of the drug, I slowly slipped in a downward spiral and needed to go on something else (so despite the side effects and horrible withdrawal, it was actually helping while I was on it). I did however refuse to go back on the same drug and fortunately had a new GP at the time who agreed it wasn’t the right one for me.
Effexor is known to suppress appetite so that might be what is happening with the hunger as you withdraw from it. I’m 10-15kg heavier now than I was while I was on Effexor.
Not the news you want to hear I’m sure. Still, exercise and trying to eat good foods should help (SO hard when you feel like crap I know). What I do try to remind myself is that I’m better off happy and a little heavier than I am slimmer (I’ll probably never actually be “slim”) and struggling with life.
I can so relate to the moving head thing. In fact, reading your experiences, I can actually still feel those feelings. It will pass.
Crying? I’m so emotional anyway that it’s hard to tell what’s just me and what is withdrawal or my depression returning. I did find I was particularly teary as I came off Effexor and I also find that overall, my entire emotional range is a bit muted when I’m on an anti-depressant.
All I can say is hang in there. Take paracetamol if things are really bad (it seemed to help me). It did take about a month for all of the symptoms to subside but during that time they gradually improved. And keep an open mind to the fact that you may need to try another drug. Not all of them are like Effexor. I do sometimes think certain symptoms of withdrawal are not caused by the withdrawal but by the depression returning. It’s hard to tell and everyone’s body is different. I know of people who have worse experiences than I did with withdrawal and others who had very little trouble coming off the drug.
My inbox is open if you need to chat. If you want to contact me privately there is a tab at the top of the blog titled “contact” which will give you a form to contact me directly.
Hope you can get everything sorted and get the help and support you need to get your body back on track.
Hi - wow you got back to me very quickly (thanks)! Yesterday, I had a sign that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I still had the weird head thing but it was not as strong as every other day and today . . . a miracle! I am almost normal. I still have a bit of the head loopiness but not too much. I think that by the weekend, I will be back to my old self - hmmmm wonder what that will be like. All I know is that no matter what happens in my future life, effexor will not be a part of it. Another medication at some point may be needed but not that poison!
Thanks for your support - your blog really did help me.
: )
Hi, I have just currently stopped my venafelaxine also, i went from 150mg to 75mg and now to nothing and am having a rough time with it, though it is only early days , day 5 to be exact. These brain ‘zaps’ are certainly keeping me on my toes, not in a pleasant way. And i am also having trouble with dizziness, hot sweats through the day and at night, and some trouble sleeping but not as much as i was when i first started venafelxaine. I am also crying at the drop of a hat over very minor things and having lots of dreams. I appreciate all the stories people have shared and making myself feel i am not alone. I also have read of some things to help in this process such as the omega 3 supplementation and i am implementing them into my withdrawl also. I no longer feel that i am alone in this and i have a wonderfully supportive family and husband behind me in my decision. Thank you for the space to vent my worries and trouble with this withdrawl at this time. I shall give am update soon, hopefully with a few less side effects! Thanks for listening
Hi Rachael,
I’m so pleased to hear you have some good support. Hang in there. Things should gradually ease up. If the crying doesn’t though, keep an open mind to the fact that it may be the depression (I did get particularly teary though in the withdrawal so fingers crossed that’s all it is). Keep us posted on how you are going.
Thanks for sharing your experience too.
{{{HUGS}}}
Lightening
thanks so much for the reply, i am now currently 8 days in and am feeling so much better. Crying has subsided, brain zaps are less frequant and agressive and i am sleeping better with only a little dizziness through the day. I think anyone just starting to come off should really surround themselves with strong people to support them because it is hard at the beginning, i struggled but am so thankful i have made it here and that the worst is over so far….i hope. Thanks so much lightening for ur kinds words.
feeling better
will let you know in a few weeks when hopefully the withdrawral has finished how things are
Rachael
Only on day 1 of trying to reduce my dosage from 300mg to 225mg. Will be taking 300mg tomorrow then 225mg the day after. I have two young children to look after and also live out of town. I can only hope a slow weaning process will allow me to wean off effexor and if need be onto a different med. It has been great to find this blog to read what others have gone through and somewhat know what to expect. I have felt a bit ‘out of it’ today, and have had a headache and feel sleepy….but after going outside for a while I have seemed to pick up a little. Will see how I go!!
Tilda - Very wise idea to take it slowly, particularly given the high dose you’re on. My body could never tolerate the 300mg. It really messed with my head. Take care of yourself. Do you have anyone to give you a break from the kids? Hang in there and keep us posted with how you are going. {{{HUGS}}} Lightening
New plan - staying on 300gm til I go back to the Dr! I took 300gm today but had horrible dizzy spells and also have had trouble putting words together!! Thankyou for your support!!
I feel for you all so much, depression is a bastard, we really do not need this other pain and I think it should be made public so that there are better ways for victims to learn how to cope with this horrid withdrawal. I have only taken 75mg Effexor for 7 months due to depression from survival guilt from lung cancer. Don’t feel sorry for me, I did it myself, but what got me was that I am in the 1 % that will liver a longer healthier life then others in a similar position but are diagnosed too late, a male friend was diagnosed at the same time and died several months later.
I have had all of the symptoms that you have had, even so far as sleeping with odd ghosts that kept touching me and talking to me throughout the night, and this is only my 2nd day after stopping the 37 milligram dose. I have taken today off work to get my body straight, I am interested in knowing if anyone else had a build up of this drug which effected you the same way as the withdrawals, hence the reason I came off, I started with the electric shocks and dizziness which were getting progressively worse so that I was forced to come off them.
Hi,
I was put on Effexor at around 20 yrs old, due to anxiety/agitated mood/depression etc. It made me quite lucid, calm/collected and helped me cope with issues I was faced with at that point in time. Though I did notice great memory loss with my vocabulary, I found this quite strange. While this drug greatly helped me, I found it lost its effect after 4 months? From that point onwards I felt the same as I had before, I was getting odd dreams, many lucid dreams and altered mind states.. I lost my libido around the 5th month period, Which I found very difficult to deal with. I took the plunge to withdraw from Effexor at the 9th month period.. I initiated the weening process over a 3 month period, 1st month of 75mg every 2 days. 2nd Month 37.5mg every day. 3rd month 37.5mg every 2nd day and slowly spaced the days of use from there. The withdrawals were horrendous, Nausea, Brain Zaps, Anxiety, Confusion and Paranoia. (Note benadryl is good for reducing brain zaps. As is Omega 3 Fish oil with a high eicosapentaenoic acid rating. Excercise is great also!) I was lucky enough to have a strong friend circle and family to support me through this change… Over all these side effects took about 2 weeks to get over. I’ve been off of Effexor for roughly 9 months now… Up until probably 3 months ago I was coping fine… But a change in Financial status and starting a job in a profession I thought I would never go back to (I.T) has reduced my confidence and increased my anxiety/agitated approach to life. Basically I don’t feel %100 percent, I find that some weeks I feel great and others I feel really down and anti social. But I guess I’ve learnt to slowly accept it. Although my libido still is not back which is not the most pleasant thing in the world. My advice to most people is to steer clear of this drug as it is so potent and doctors/psychiatrist/scientists have little knowledge of the long term effects of these Psychotropics. The way they condone the use of these drugs to treat minor mental problems is ludicrous. I do strongly support the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Benzodiazepines as they are a far less invasive means of helping address mental health problems.
I guess in writing this I just wanted to have some appropriate input to a matter that seems to affect many, as I have read a lot of posts on forums regarding this and they often made little sense. That’s the end of my rant and I hope this helps someone out there because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel of withdrawal of Effexor! You will feel normal again I am certain of it.
Kind regards,
Hi,
I’ve been looking at information on Effexor all day today and just stumbled upon your site. It seems to be one of the only ones with recent entries so I thought I’d give it a go - I’ve got nothing to loose! I’m a 36 yr old female and I’ve been taking various antidepressants with limited success for nearly 18 mths and after the last 6 mths on various doses of Effexor and a lot of “googling” over the last couple of days I am unsure as to whether I should stay on any medication or wean myself off of all of them completely. I am on 225mg dose which was reduced from 300mg 5 days ago. I have had all of the side effects throughout the whole time of taking the Effexor and if anything feel that they are getting worse. This has included, sweating, vivid dreams, itchy skin (mainly my face & ears), what my partner calls bizarre behaviour - things that are totally out of character for me, complete apathy (I don’t argue my side at all anymore just shrug and “whatever” attitude), insomnia then too much sleep as well as exhaustion during the day (mornings especially), confusion; decreased concentration & coordination; shocking memory problems; agitation, impulsiveness (became an ebay shoe addict for a few months with no thought to financial ramifications), irritability, nervousness, cough at night - dry mouth; persistent & extreme headaches (diazepam & tramadol prescribed) dizziness, stomach pain & bloating, general physical weakness, trouble concentrating; lack of usual coordination; constant breakthrough bleeding - no normal periods anymore with extreme PMT) blurred vision, dizziness; sensitive to light but I don’t think there has been any worsening of my initial depression. My mood does seem to have lifted - I don’t feel entirely helpless anymore but I just want to get rid of this horrible physical exhaustion and other issues. Unfortunately my partner is not the most understanding - according to him the medication is no alternative to exercise and keeping busy & my only issue is “lazy- itis”. My Psych seems to think adding other drugs such as sleeping tablets will help but it just leads to more lazy-itis. My GP’s are giving me painkillers and anti-inflamatories for the chronic headaches & muscle pain and I just feel that I’m taking so much medication that it can’t be good for me. Your advice, thoughts or comments on where to go or who to talk to would be greatly appreciated. I don’t think coming off the Effexor will be too much of a problem as I am currently having most withdrawal symptoms anyway. I am however worried about my general ability to function which is much worse (non-existent) in the mornings but does improve later in the day around 5-6pm for a couple of hours. We run a business from home (I cram this into the few hours of “OK” time I have in the evening) and I was originally working full time as well which caused the initial burnout and depressive episode and all anyone seems to want to do is get me back to work. We’ve tried this on 4 previous occasions where I return to work, I go well for a week or two & then crash again. Each time its been change the dosage, add this drug etc and now I realise that something needs to change drastically as otherwise the cycle continues over again. Any ideas on how people have managed this, whether its with or without medication, natural therapies, change of Doctors or anything else I would really appreciate hearing about all of your insights & experiences or any ideas. Thanks for providing an avenue for those of us that need help to find it - greatly appreciated.
I am 52 and was put on 75 Effexor by my GYN for menopause symptoms - mainly the hot flashes. It worked amazing and was so relieved to not have these flashes in the middle of the night. I have been taking since February. About w weeks ago Idecided to go off the meds and started taking every other day, every third day, every fourth day then stopped. Last Monday I called in sick to work. By Tuesday I was at the family doctor’s office. By Friday, I was ready to go absolutely crazy. My doctor finally returns my call Friday afternoon and she’s discussed with another doctor and determines my “bubble-headedness” (her term) is from stopping my Effexor and she would call me in some Prozac to help relieve my symptoms and since I was crying non-stop, I obviously need something to calm my nerves. So, since she is my doctor and I she did bill me $375 for an exam and bloodwork and I think I can pretty much trust her … Well, I had some Effexor in my pocketbook and being desperate I went ahead and took another pill. Geez, what a dumb idea. I have taken one each day since Friday thinking I’d start the new meds when I finished this Rx because of the extreme costs of the meds. Now I finally research withdrawal and everything I read scares me to death. So, I guess I get to start all over again. I’m angry that my first doctor didn’t warn me of the side effects and angry at the drug company.
Hi Karen,
It is tough but all I can really do is reassure you that it does pass. If the symptoms don’t pass, then it is likely they are caused by the reduced serotonin rather than simply withdrawal. I have read that taking another anti-depressant drug in small doses helps with the withdrawal (to do with the way the “half life” works - not that I fully understand the science behind it). So, having a dr that’s going to give you something to help ride out the bumps is great. Mine wouldn’t even acknowledge such withdrawals exist so I had to “go it alone”.
{{{{HUGS}}}}
Lightening
It has been quite a while since I have posted. I am now on 150mg (down from 300mg). Something that has helped me was only reducing 37.5mg at a time. The other thing that has made a HUGE difference and reduced withdrawal symptoms dramatically is taking a daily multi B vitamin! I have had a few other health issues so remaining at 150mg for now…with the aim of weaning totally in the next 12 months!! Good luck to all!! Tilda x
Hi have been on 300mg for 14 years started to tip a few granuals out every day it took me 3 weeks to get to about 25 mg and the side effects are extreme dizzieness feeling very sick and have the runs pretty bad now I am down to 25mg.
Think I will have to see this episode through and then very very slowly come off the last few mg.
Its funny really its like the Effexor is hanging on like grim death just to stay in my system, my earlier side effects were bearable. Remember if you worry enough
about what others are going through pure fear can make it a lot worse,I just got angry and said to myself bring it on.
I think it gave me the strength to beat it.
Fish capsules do help a bit.
Watched the XFactor last night laughed, cried and really enjoyed it havent been able to cry for a long time feel real again…. not in a cotton wool world.
Dont get scared get angry.!!!!!!!
Hi Tilda,
Lovely to hear from you. I find I need a daily multi B vitamin or my depression symptoms get a LOT worse. I’m not so great at remembering at times though!
Lightening
Hi Joan,
Yes, there is certainly a fine line between reading others experiences and building fear, and reading others experiences to help you prepare and recognise that these symptoms are “normal” and do pass.
Lightening
So, Day 2. I woke this morning feeling exhausted and topsey turvey. I opened my email and found the comment from Joan - THANK YOU!!!! I have a new attitude and will do this.
On another note, I sent an email to Diane Sawyer at ABC News yesterday. I saw a show in January - I think - on how effective effexor was on reducing hot flashes in women. I thought I’d found a miracle! Yep, hot flashes all but disappeared. Now, coming off this medicine, I’m dealing with the flashes on top of all the other fun side effects. I sent the email because I think if women know the truth, they may think twice. If there’s no follow through, I may send another.
Thanks for the “ear”. Feels good to know someone is listening …
Hi Karen glad I could help.You seem the same type of person
as myself and I know you can do it.
I went to my Doctor today and she was shocked that I had got so far so quickly alone without a plan of action. I had to as I had to wait a fortnight to see her.
She thought it was great the way I was doing it as my mind and body told me how far to go.
I overdid it one night and took too many granuals out ….the next day it hit me so I tipped a few granuals (about 10 of them) into my mouth and felt better.
Its 1am here in Aus… feel so good now maybe I should not take anything…….Nah better had’ its the mornings when I feel dizzy,I must be patient I will get there and so will you.
Better go to bed… ni night.
Dont get sad get MAD.
ps keep us informed of your progress
Day 4 and it’s better than I thought it would be. I don’t know if it’s the prozac or that this time I actually know what’s going on. The worst of it is the crying … where the heck do these tears keep coming from??? I have had minor dizziness and some feeling like there’s an elephant sitting on my chest, but it passes and I’m doing this!!!!
Joan, keep on going! We’ll get through this!!!
Well I got too cocky and didnt take one last night. Oh Boy paid for it today,I was so very dizzy could not do a thing sick as a dog as well.
So took a 37mg cap( my Doc told me to fill this scipt in) at about 4pm felt slightly better 4hrs later.
It was explained that my body has to catch up with my decision as it hasent had a chance to compensate yet as 300 mg is a big dosage to come off too quickly.
Might take another cap tomorrow morning if really bad again and see how I go.
Cant take Prozac it made me really ill thats why I was put on this rotton Effexor in the first place.
Will just have to wait untill my body can come to terms with the low dose then I am off all of it.
Isent it rotton to be controlled like this.but I refuse to go back only forward.
You are going great… keep it up
Well got 6hrs uninterupted sleep last night! as usual took a sleeper but only works for about 3hrs.
Cannot remember sleeping for this long for yrs ….I thought about not taking a cap but its too soon to ,think if I carry on like this I will be free completly in about a week.
Dont get me wrong I feel very tired and slightly sick but slowly improving.
Its 9.14 am must do the washing.
Hello to you all-I have been on effexor 150 for many years-cannot actually recall when I started-but the medication certainly helped in those early days. Psych tried higher doses, but the side effects horrific. Back then I was a “water pot” had so many family problems that as soon as someone enquired, I would start to cry. Even with strangers! However, tried to get off them some years ago-by going cold turkey-ended up with extremely severe brain zaps and total disorientation (and I was still working at that time), so went back on them.
Have other stresses now-am 64 years old, not the best health, however, still want to do many things-and always have ideas on what/how to do new things. Have read since I was a toddler, so reading is a pleasure, but not good as no exercise involved! Am now trying to get off them completely. Now on 75 dose but need to find a doctor who understands the medication correctly. I did not know there was a 37.5 dose-my doctor did not mention that at all-simply wrote a script for lower and left it at that.
I do take vitamin pills, and will try the fish oil-and also the paracetamol as mentioned in the beginning of this blog page. However, must admit I am scared of when I go off them totally-lowering to 75 has been ok-no zaps or anything as yet, and have had disturbed sleep due to being tired and napping during day-I have assumed this is due to my arthritis as I am on my own temporarily and have to do the “hard” labour around house-mowing lawn or washing windows is one activity that sends me to bed after some liniment rub on arms, etc.
What I actually wanted to say is that this site gives me so much confidence-all you wonderful people out there are coping, so I assume I will be ok when I get to my old doctor and get good assistance. Also go to counsellor, but he is not into medication knowledge, but good for understanding my attitudes,problems, and ways of coping. Good luck to us all, and thanks again. Hugs and kisses.
Hi, had trouble sending my first comment-so this is shortened. I was put on 150mg many years ago-and it was helpful. Stopped crying all the time, was able to work and remain ok in spite of all stresses at that time. Tried once to go cold turkey, ended up almost psychotic, and went back to same dose after initial 75mg dose.
Now trying to get off permanently. Doctor is not much help, will have to go to my old doctor (another suburb) and hopefully will get better advice.
My dose this week has been 75 and all feels ok. Have other stresses etc in my life-ageing, ill health, living alone since July with no “heavy” assistance. Seems if I do anything-like going shopping and bringing back too much, or mowing lawn, or taking garbage bins out, etc etc., need to rub some liniment into aching joints and have a nap. Have a mild headache this week, but this could be due to my smoking more. I volunteer 3 days a week, which gets me out of house and also some exercise, plus being with other people, some of who have similar problems. I do forget to take my vitamin pills every day, and even if it is a placebo effect, I do feel better. I also take osteo paracetamol (not regularly) which helps with sleep and aches.
I see a counsellor for other issues: that is good because whilst he is not into medication, he is into relaxation, making me aware of what is possible/not possible and what I can do to get a positive outcome.
I am worried when I get down to nothing! I get really bad brain zaps-i always think of them as brain wiring trying to connect to something. will have to check out the Seratonin Syndrome later.
I have read the previous comments, and my heart goes out to all who have had serious issues. It is apparent the Australian mental health system is mainly into dosing rather than CBT (probably due to lack of govt practitioners and costs) for those who do not have private health insurance.
Another thing I have learnt over the years-life is not always straight and placid-there are moments of pure happiness around, and I savour those, and when I feel really down, I always think of people worse off, and then I go and do something-keeping occupied if one has the time is really good-even stamp collecting, collecting recipes and using them, or for simpler things, get a couple of plants and look after them, and if you have garden space, try growing something easy (not good for me-vegetables quiver in fright when I come near them) so I just toss self seeding seeds into bare ground and lo and behold up come nice flowers. Again, thanks, and I will get back to you when I have lowered my dose. Love to you all.
Hello, I did not think my first comment went through, so wrote another one-please delete one of them-whatever you think is suitable. Thanks, and apologies for the trouble.
Hi Helena, Thanks for your comments. I liked both of them and each had something different to offer other readers so I’ve published them both along with your explanation so people understand what is going on. If this bothers you, let me know and I’ll delete whichever you’d like me to. I would definitely ask about the 37.5mg. I’ve also heard of people trying to take just half of those by tipping small amounts of the capsule out. I didn’t bother with that. It does pass if it’s simply side effects but, like me, you may need an alternative medication. I use cipramil now and have virtually no side effects even when moving up and down in the dosages. I haven’t actually tried to come completely off of them though (and may never if they continue to work). I’m currently seeing a Mental Health Nurse and that’s working well for me in terms of learning how to live with and manage the depression so I’m not 100% reliant on the medications (but they are still a part of my overall treatment).
Well here I am off effexor completely for a month.And guess what ! I am having a lot of problems with Sciatica and disc degeneration pain now, feel sick most days worse than I ever did …now on Oxycontin long acting opiate supposed to take one night and morning but I only take the morning one because these can be habit forming.( from the fat into the fire)
Also have Endone for the really bad times.
I have just found out that Effexor can be good for chronic pain.What does that mean….does it block it out mentally or physically ,I just sit and cry sometimes feel tired old and dare I say sorry for myself.
SO what does this mean??? has it protected me all these years from this.
I do NOT want to go back onto Effexor so what is the alternative.
Is it the cart before the horse or the horse before the cart ??? that’s how confused I feel.
I am wondering if there is another antidepressant out there with few side effects that I can take that will control the pain but not control my life as effexor did.
So sorry for venting on here but I know all of you will understand.
I also hope Karen you are going ok and the rest of you.
Take care sincerely Joan.
Helena here-hello to you all. Was thinking about Joan’s comments re sciatica and disc-it does have to do with age and is fairly widespread in the community-I have spinal stenosis, narrowing of spinal thingey-plus aching feet with bunions and heel spurs. I was very depressed when I got the mri results, the doctor did not say much except to recommend a surgeon! This was some years ago, and when I asked if physio would help he said yes! Why didn’t he say so immediately??? Knowing my body was degenerating was very depressing, and it took some months before I started to accept that this was it for me-no improvements possible to bones etc., unless I did some exercises and moved in a way that lessened pain. So went to physio, got some exercises to do. Forgotten some of them, but a couple I do almost daily and they help. Re feet-happened to see in local paper (again some years ago) the local uni wanting volunteers for heel spur study-was I lucky to get into that! Got free testing of shoe inserts, was told of the one that is good for me, and have used it since. Unfortunately cannot wear “nice” shoes-by that I mean I now wear size 10W (wide) sneakers with the shoe insert. My heel pain has gone. Only problem is the cost of shoes-$170 and inserts are $50. However-can walk without pain most times!!!! Also got myself a treat this year- a pair of red boots-did I feel wonderful. The inserts fit, the boots are comfortable-but would you believe have only worn them once this year and summer is coming.
Back to Joan and sciatica-also had that many years ago-fortunately found an acupuncturist-bulk billing as well! and it only needed about 4 visits and pain was gone. With all these physical problems have learnt there are ways to move, bend, sit. Found sitting in lounge chair no good-usually a kitchen chair is excellent and having a telephone book under feet also helpful. Plus putting feet up-which i forget to do often! I don’t think the effexor would have had an effect truly on your pain levels. Depending on your age, can you join some gym? Again depends on age, but some local centres in Melbourne have very good subsidised memberships and you can very slowly get some mobility in all your body-and that will make you feel better.
You mentioned Endone and the other, which is almost morphine-these are habit forming. Has your doctor recommended any physio at all??? You may never get back your mobility-but just finding some activity that takes away some of the pain is so good and you can maybe lessen your dosage. Recently had to go to hospital by ambulance-had what I call a “back attack”-only received morphine tablets, & codeine -sent home. Came home, no pain, but woozy, and by myself. Managed to knock into a chair in loungeroom, fell against fireplace, skinned my thigh which bled, then went to bed-all with no pain! Still had local gp come out for more pain killers, but after 1 week or so, all ok. Joan, you probably have arthritis as well-check phone book and write to them for information on how to live with it. Good stuff.
Joan, I know it sound like the end of the world-everything seems to be going wrong. See if you can be like me-upset, but coming to grips with the fact that your body is “falling apart”-you can still breathe, you can read, you can enjoy the sunshine, you can join some self help group- YOU ARE STILL ALIVE- ENJOY IT PLEASE. I found a local drop in centre, it saved my life-3 days a week attending and volunteering, meeting people with mental illnesses (some of them), sorting clothes, chatting, finding things in common, seeing an older lady who has been attending literacy and maths classes, she also does art, and has paid for her own motorised wheelchair otherwise she would be stuck at home.
These wonderful people I have met have meant that even if I feel a bit stiff and sore, I know I will feel better going out-even with some pain.
AND I KNOW ABOUT FEELING SORRY FOR MYSELF-NOTHING LIKE A WHINGE AND A CRY WHICH OF COURSE I HAVE DONE-BUT ONLY VERY RARELY NOW. - There are people out there who seem to enjoy my company, so out I go.
Please check with your doctor about physio and stick to it-pain goes after a month or so of regular exercise.
Hugs and kisses to all, and especially to you, dear Joan.,
Helena at Reservoir (Vic)