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Anyone withdrawing off Ven tried St John's Wort??

Posted , 5 users are following.

catblackalex
catblackalex

Hi all, I'm in week 6 now of no Venlafaxine, after a 5 year stint and withdrawing over four months or so. Started off okay, had the usual physical symptoms, but now I'm faced with severe depression and to be frank, I'm losing the will to live. Taking supplements and trying to keep away from the people who make it worse but ... Battling with myself is a daily thing but I do not want to go back on that awful drug. Just so, so sick of myself and wondering what others have experienced with the SJW.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • leanne61579
    leanne61579 catblackalex

    Posted

    I tried St john's wort years ago and it made me sickly.  A lot of that over the counter stuff has things in it that dont agree with our systems.  I do know that the way I was I definately could of considered something drastic and didn't think it was possible.  Just struggle with our problems and so glad we have this sight to come to.
    • catblackalex
      catblackalex leanne61579

      Posted

      That's interesting that it made you sickly Leanne, the last time I tried it, SJW had no effect on my depression but I remember using it years ago with some sucess. You definately have to buy something that has a decent label on it. I'm just so fed up with feeling like this and refuse to go back to the pharmaceuticals ... so glad we have this site too, would be lost, literally, without it
    • leanne61579
      leanne61579 catblackalex

      Posted

      I also tried that black ( kiosh) or whatever for menipause and that also made me sick and I just might be more that way than so Thank you for responding
    • catblackalex
      catblackalex leanne61579

      Posted

      I could well be that your body doesn't tolerate all that stuff and none of it is any good if it makes you feel ill ... ugh, that ontop of depression makes for a miserable time sad
  • ncoules49
    ncoules49 catblackalex

    Posted

    I'm on week 5 of being off of V. I thought I was doing ok . But get very depressed as well . Depression was never my thing. Anxiety was so I've been struggling . I have been taking triptophan . Some one else on this site said omega 3 so I bought some today.  My husband has been on this crazy ride with me and keeps reminding me that it's just this f-Ing drug I cry  and then feel better. Do you have any one close to be by your side? It really helps. I did go on a site and a woman told her story she went thru hell and back and after a year off this crap she is living a normal life again. We are all different but we can get through it! Hang tough play game on the computer watch funny tv shows.. 

    Good luck hang in there!!

    • ncoules49
      ncoules49

      Posted

      Working out helps too. And thank god for  site. Remember it is the drug not you!
    • catblackalex
      catblackalex ncoules49

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply and the words, they help, really help. I feel quite jealous (silly I know) of people with husbands and supportive families. I have neither, except my old mum, who tries so hard, but doesn't quite understand. I just feel down, and alone, and more down, then more alone. Am an introvert by nature too, which doesn't help. I'm lucky to have two wee dogs with happy faces and wagging tails though. I have this site, and people like you who actually give a damn, and a TV with Sky so I do have some distractions. I know working out helps, but I've lost all motivation to care for myself at the moment. It's a vicious cycle of depression, junk food, sleeping and more depression ... but thanks for reminding me that it is the drug,  not me and yes THANK GOD for this site. Thanks again, you're a beautiful person for caring and sharing smile
    • leanne61579
      leanne61579 ncoules49

      Posted

      I never had a depression problem until I tried going off and then they were there and bad. My husband too and has been great but wonder how they can be.
  • anne240
    anne240 catblackalex

    Posted

    Yes when I withdrew last year tried St John's Wort.  Taking lots of supplements.  As withdrew over 10 months did not get any withdrawal symptoms.

    St John's Wort did not make any difference, but on Kalms now, and they are working.  I was on anti depressants for over 20 years and Effexor 150mg daily for 9 years.  Doing well after 16 months without medication.  I don't want to go back on it either as took so long to withdraw. 

    I am sure you will begin to feel better soon.  At least I lost all the weight I put on.

  • lisa03229
    lisa03229 catblackalex

    Posted

    Well done for coming off the med...It really is a big step forward. I was thinking that this time of year possibly won't help with feeling depressed. I always think November is such a grey month as it's dark so early...I find I want to sleep more due to the weather & darkness.

    I had tried to come off Venlafaxine & had complete meltdown 2 weekends ago. I spoke with one of my colleagues. She is one of my mentors on the mental health course I am doing as part of my job. She was so supportive & I am sticking to half dose of my med meantime.

    I've found this site invaluable ~ kind, supportive & amazing words from people who do understand the hell of reducing or stopping the drug. Stick in there & remember those of us on here do care. And I've just realised I've made no mention of SJW ~ which was part of your post! 

  • lucy159
    lucy159 catblackalex

    Posted

    I'm still coming off venlafaxine so can't take st johns wart. I have however started taking tumeric twice a day as this is suggested to be better than prozac in one (maybe more, i can't remember) study. I can't really say whether it's working as i'm reducing my venlafaxine very slowly but i've not had any depression or any side effects from taking it...might be worth a try?

    Also, if you do feel really bad, take the venlafaxine again...it's not a nice drug but it's better than feeling terrible...i've had to go back on before and have just had to accept that sometimes i need it :-/

  • ncoules49
    ncoules49 catblackalex

    Posted

    Good job to all for getting off of or trying to get off this drug. I just don't get how the drug companies can get away with it. They have us  by the balls or the brains i guess I should say. I have read some great success stories. I think my husband saved them on his computer. I will try to find them and post. THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. WE JUST HAVE TO WORK HARD TO GET THERE!!  Lets keep talking! I know it has helped me tremendously. I hope it has helped you all as well.   
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