coming off venlafaxine?

Why can't you edit on this? My last sentence doesn't make sense, delete the "I can"

Chad,

Thanks for suggesting supplements. My herb doctor told me not to go any lower until I take what he prescribed for me. I will do that. I wasn't aware of tougher time down the stretch. Last time I tapered AD, at the end I did take one every other day, then every 3rd day, every 4th day, ... Until I took a half pill once a week for 2-3 weeks before I completely stop. It took me over all 3 months to get off, another 2 months not to feel side effects.

Julie

I too will be seeing a naturopath in a couple of weeks to get supplements for tapering off this 37.5 again. For me it was my anger that was over the top. I'm usually low key but when I went down to 1/2 of 37.5 I was a walking b..... I am back on the 37.5 for now and will stay there for a few weeks and then go for it again. I have tapered down from 225 to 37.5 over approx 12 weeks but I think my brain needs a break for a bit. I know I sure do. I am feeling good right now so I am going to enjoy it.

For Maureen

I am so sorry to ask you some support again Maureen. I know you want you are facing your own demons.

I don't seem to be having regular effects of withdrawal. Have had no good days in the almost 10 weeks I've been off the drug. Many days are more than I can handle. Last night I couldn't sleep with some discomfort and I have had the most terrible nausea vomiting and anxiety since I woke up. I also have yellow stool i'm so worried about that.

My doctor did take me off the drugs over 3 or 4 months from 150 there is no way I will ever go back on this drug though to start again.

I honestly seem to be getting worse and the withdrawals seem to be getting worse My doctor told me to stay strong for another month but I find it hard to believe him. He also has told me I would have good and bad days but so far I have only had and worse days. If I could I would go I to rehab as I do t think I can do this on my own although my husband is fantastic but it's not fair on him.

When you had that terrible withdrawal off Zoloft did you have such bad days too?

So sorry to trouble you or anyone else who may be able to relate.

Thanks so much

Sally's

*bad or worse days

I'm okay now. Sometimes I lose my positivity when overwhelmed by symptoms which makes the symptoms worse in turn. Also I have barely been eating the past few days as I lose my appetite so no brain food for strength. But I'm taking myself in stock and going to make sure I eat sensibly.

Keep strong everyone!

Some very informative responses, thanks guys and best of luck to you all. Slightly off topic - has anyone tried supplementing with omega 3 fish oil with high level EPA?

Either alongside meds or without. Tons of research suggests ours very good for depression and anxiety. I've just increased my dosage will keep the forum informed on any progress.

Toby

Sally. Funny you mention the yellow stool that was me today too. I think it is just our bodies levelling out. These withdrawal symptoms seem to come and go. Hang in there.

Toby,

Yeah I have had a lot of luck with the Omega 3 suppliments. I personally take Flaxseed oil tablets mostly but do add in fish oil every few days. Honestly, I'm afraid to take fish oil now because of the radiation found in a lot of the pacific seafood. Maybe just paraniod but flaxseed is a good source. I have definately noticed that my withdrawls are almost non existent when I suppliment. I also take some other good brain herbs and such. Mangosteen, Tyrosine, Korean Ginseng, and Gingko Biloba. I feel good when I take them and not so good when I don't. Do your research and good luck to ya.

Chad

Hello. I've been taking Venlafaxine 275mg daily for the last 6 years or so. I decided that I wanted to come off these meds as I didnt want to be on them for the rest of my life. I tried everything possible before, and these were the only ones which agreed with me.

I cut them down real slowly and missing one every other day and then half one day then nothing then 1/4 u get the drift? A few weeks afterwards I started to feel better and the brain zaps which were the only side effect I was having (withdrawal) finally resolved.

Now antidepressant free since last October 2013 I am starting to feel emotional for no apparent reason. Wondered if anyone was feeling the same since coming off this medication, or whether it is a withdrawal side effect.

Good luck to anyone coming off these meds. It's a rather bumpy road........But you will get there!

TIA

Tia

Yeah, I'm recently off, 3 weeks now, and I have had bouts of emotion. From unexplained rage to that feeling of crying without the trigger ya now? It's a little weird but in my opinion I think it is just my brain coming back to normal. That stuff evened me out pretty well but in doing so it suppressed real emotions. Now that I'm off my mind is like "let em rip!". now I'm not a crier, but maybe watching a movie that pulls at your heart and just letting go and crying might help.

I'm coming up to 11 weeks off. I am still getting intense hard-to handle waves but have noticed a few more intermittent brief windows especially at night. I have found that a complete change of mental attitude towards the withdrawals has helped me a lot. Acceptance, trying not to focus on them, distraction and getting out and socialising even when I don't think I can make it is helping get through. Self-talk and positivity is also helping me. And am trying to avoid crying out of self-pity as I found that was bringing me down a lot. I am also intending to travel in 2 days time and I think the distraction while I'm away will be good for me.

Don't get me wrong it is very very hard and uncomfortable and I fully understand how many people give up and restart the drug but, for me, that is not an option so I just have to brave it through to the bitter end which I hope won't take too much longer.

I will update in due course.

Hoping everyone else is coping okay

Well, an update on my withdrawal......week 5 and things are settling down! Please please everyone you must try omega 3 1000mg capsules x 2 per day. Gosh, they have helped me so very much with my dizziness and tiredness. Things are still very intense....anger and emotional but by far much more improved with the omega 3 x