coming off venlafaxine?

I am not surprised by any of he side effects you mention Lorraine and Rob and I syparhise

i am still I withdrawal hell with severe symptoms and mania. I have anxiety, anorexia, agitation, panic attacks,mania, suicidal thoughts and mania throughout the day.  Life is pretty impossible and every minute is a challenge.

I had a brief window a week or so ago and that was it 

I am 13 weeks off. Everyone is worried about me and I a worried about me too.  

Sorry Lorraine. My last sentence sounded glib.  I am sure your symptoms are tough too.  What I meant to say was that some people handle withdrawals better than others but I'm working on it!

Apologies to anyone I may have brought down in my recent threads but tend to panic! Am just only 3 months off in months terms and am starting to see big improvements now and feeling much better.  Still ups and downs but the ups are getting more frequent so getting there and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Hope you are all doing well on this journey too.

So wonderful to "meet" you all on here! I am a 43 year-old mother of 4 of the world's most amazing people. About 7 years ago I was put on Venlafaxine 37.5mg to help cope with abuses since birth as well as hell that I had been experiencing in my marriage at that time. A few years later it was increased to 75mg since the lower dose was no longer working out for me. 

When I began Venlafaxine it was suggested by my GP, who was sincerely concerned with my well-being, since I was unable to function as the mother of my children. The effects of going on the medication was discussed with me, however never was the discontinuation syndrome mentioned. When I began the 37.5mg I was feeling much of the same effects that I am now that I'm discontinuing the drug, but that dissipated after a bit of time; however I was never "myself", sure the vibrant and fun-loving me would pop out at times but that was only when my adrenaline was high. Being on Venlafaxine also made me to have poor judgement in areas which normally I would never have done so, for example accepting positions in jobs that were just not right for the passive person I was on the drug. (I had lost my job as a medical secretary during the beginning of the drug-induced stupor as well, so being a single mom with zero support, no income, no family to turn to, all my friends sided with my ex and I didn't want their drama, so I had to leave it all behind; with the exception of my precious children for the most part.... another story)

Don't get me wrong, I want no sympathy and I am only writing on here so that perhaps it may help others (My life's quest)

Ok so fast forward to today....I am still the mother of 4 of the world's most amazing people, and with the extention of two "additions" by way of dating/committed relationships I am also in a "marriage" with my "book-end" my match, my forever love...and with that also comes two other older children who I think are amazing adults... I am surrounded by love and caring. 

As a result I decided to take this time to quit the Venlafaxine!! That was a finality three days ago. Over the past 3 months I have been cutting it back, each week removing a tiny little bit out of the capsule. I ended up being at about 1/10 left in each for the past two weeks. After discussion with my love and my children I began........ here are my symptoms so far:

Day 1, just a bit of tingling in my face, not happy but not too unhappy either; more medocre as per usual as being on Venlafaxin. I had a headache as well, but that could be from the storms that we've had in our location. I didn't have much of an issue and since I've missed a few doses here and there over the years I knew how this day would be. 

Day 2 (yesterday), I woke up with a headache, dizzy and feeling "pins and needles" in my face, my tongue tingled. My focus was off and although most of the day was relaxing, as soon as we decided to visit with my friend and her family I started having heart palpations, flushed face, dizzy, and the feeling like I was in a tunnel (with the echoing sounds that goes with it). The day did not end well on a few levels. During the night I couldn't sleep, paranoia and insomia set in, so I found this forum and immediately shared it with my hubby. I feel the need to allow everyone in on the effects of this journey to "my real self" so that I can muster up as much support as ever possible; since they are not going through the symptoms they need to hear from others who are and who have in order to understand my reactions and feelings. I just hope they don't give up on me....another symptom of Venlafaxine (fear of abandonment). 

Day 3 (today) I had about 4 hours of sleep, a deep sleep, no vivid dreams . I felt like I did yesterday for the most part when I woke up. I am now 1/2 way through the day and I've been keeping busy with laundry, answering emails for people in my new business venture and enjoying a day together with my 17 year-old daughter. My head is foggy, dizzy, and I get brain zaps quite abit, especially if I my head jolts uncontrolably from time to time. I have been clumsy today, dropping things from counters and I have a buzzing in my ears that is persistant. I am the primary driver, the only one who is fully licensed to drive in the household; although my daughter is in training, so I drop off and pick up loved ones from work/school etc............this is a worry for me. I believe I will need to make other arrangements until I can see straight again. This morning wasn't too bad since I knew the effects well enough to make it my goal to be the most amazing driver on the road, lol. It took A LOT  Concentration is so very difficult, and the feeling that other vehicles are going to hit you is so strong. On any given day I am a very very confident and natural driver, not only that but I love it, so this is another hurtle for me. 

I will keep you posted how things carry along, perhaps daily, depending on my level of emotions and ability. I expect that I haven't hit the worst of the discontinuation syndrome, however, there's no turning back now. I will never touch another tablet/capsule or bead of that horrendous stuff ever again, I've already invested 3 days into this there's no way I would go back to have to do these 3 days all over again; not for me, not for my hubby and not for my children. 

I should add as well that I am supplementing with Muti-vitamins 2xs/day, Omega 3-6-9 3x/day, Calcium/Magnesium at bedtime, Potassium at bedtime and believe in my whole being that this can only help heal me back to "Me". 

Wishing you all a very wonderful day, and in the words of Winston Churchill "Never, never, never give up!"

The afternoon of Day 3, after I finished writing on here I had a very nasty experience. Up to that point I was feeling well enough to drive, however that ended when I was picking up my son from school. Paranoia set in, dizziness and the shear lack of confidence that I could bring us both home safely set me bawling when I eventually did make it home safely. As a result the children needed to be sent to their father’s place until I could drive once again…then came the guilt…”how awful I am to have to put them through all of this since they look forward to their week at our home.” I don’t cry often, never have but perhaps I needed to. Before they went away I asked my daughter if she could drive to pick up my hubby as well as a few groceries …. That outing was horrendous, I felt that all traffic was going to hit us, that my daughter was going to crash into cars (although she is a very good student driver).  I was in a bad state by the time we got home. The brain zaps were the worst of it all, so I began Benadryl as many of you had suggested.  This sincerely helped so I thank all of you for sharing that!!  I went to bed tearful that the children were away, but thankful to have made it through another day, getting closer to the finish line of this hell. My hubby made arrangements to be home with me for the rest of the week, for which I was also very thankful. I am normally one to suffer alone, but with this hell the proper support is an absolute necessity. (I secretly feel sorry for the poor guy to have to put up with a dizzy, zapped out zombie for the rest of the week, but we all make choices in life .. just kidding, lol). It would be difficult on him as well, not knowing how I was feeling and wanting to call to be sure I was ok during his workday.

I will post my 4th day on another entry since I am so long-winded, lol. 

 Stay posted 

Day 4: Yesterday I woke up after a fairly restful sleep; I had a few vivid dreams toward the end of my sleep, but nothing scary. It was tough to fall asleep, but I would call it moderate insomnia. The pain throughout my body was the real issue. Every time I would drift of another zap to my feet, or in my arms, my torso and neck would bring me to consciousness again, then the thoughts of the day, month, year , etc. would bombard my mind.  

My hubby was home with me throughout the day, and since I was on the Benadryl most of the brain zaps were under control and I was not as dizzy. We share a wonderful sense of humour  and throughout the day he kept my mind working on being witty back at his humorous “jabs”. Soooooo….. feeling reasonably well I tried to go out and drive to get some more Calcium/Magnesium from a nearby store and drop off a file for work….. that wasn’t  as difficult as the drive the day before  (at the time of driving), however when we got back home I felt as though I couldn’t walk or stand anymore and my legs gave in under me; I was so drained from such a ridiculously small venture out.  I am a very active person, so all of this is so very trying for me. The feelings of being “useless” would be so much more if I didn’t have the strong support from my hubby. He has been making a huge difference for me. I am blessed.

I was to have a chiropractor visit as scheduled, since I’m also addressing my neck/back pain, but I felt I had to cancel this. When I informed my incredible Dr., she told me she would come to my home to do the adjustment anyway! I live in an area of North America where that is unheard of anymore. The adjustment helped so much! I could function quite well, and most of the side effects dissipated for the evening.  I was still tired, and had a bit of a prickly feeling in my face, but not as horrific as the majority of the day!!  She told me she would be back over the next few days as well, just to continue as needed. No, she is not asking extra $$ for the time or gas etc. either!! This woman is a true God-send.

Getting to sleep was an issue for me still; I would continue to call it moderate insomnia though.

To recap what I am taking to aid the symptoms as of Day 4: Omega 3-6-9. Calcium/Magnesium, MultiVitamins, Potassium, and Benadryl. 

Day 5: I am almost through the 5th day of dealing with the Discontinuation Syndrome…  It has been a relaxing day for the most part.

I started it off with a Benadryl, Omega 3-6-9, Multi-Vitamin, Calcium/Magnesium and Potassium.

My sleep was restful…once I got to sleep; I still have insomnia as described on Day 4. After waking I  stayed  in bed for 15 mins, but found that I couldn’t fall back to sleep, total amount of sleep was 4 hours. I usually get a 7-8 hr sleep and require as much as well.

After a very restful morning with my hubby, we decided to take a walk to a nearby Health Food store since as I am going through the withdrawal of Ven, I also want to detox and flush out my entire system. We purchased a 30 day cleanse  and also found something called “Calms Forte” http://www.calmsforte.com/home/ This product had been raved about by many of the people I’ve worked with, so I felt I should give it a try to see  if that corrects the insomnia I’m experiencing at the moment. I pray it does, and I will post the result tomorrow or the next day.

During our walk to the store, began to sweat. Even though it was a cool 14°C, I was fairly dizzy and it felt like the world was far too expansive for my mind; I had to look down on the ground for much of my walk. When we arrived at the store I began sweating profusely.  The cool breeze helped a fair bit, but by the time we got home I was drenched. An inability to stand once more followed the sweating almost immediately upon arrival at home.  Please note that my hubby and I are hikers, we’ve trekked hours on all terrains without really breaking a sweat. This is so unusual for me. I ate a bit of lunch and then had a nap. I did sleep well during this nap; however the dreams were vivid and strange, but still not scary.

My chiropractor came over once again after her work day was completed and performed an adjustment. She was VERY amazed at how my body had gone back from the adjustment of just yesterday. She finds that the discontinuation syndrome is pushing my body into a stress-filled knot, especially in my neck. The relief of the dizziness was almost instant after the adjustment, although not completely gone the difference was astounding.   I’m hoping someone reading this one day will seek out the aid of a chiropractor to assist in relieving some of the hellish symptoms.  I believe the realignment of the cervical column allows more blood to go to the head, allowing more oxygen into the brain and as a result the headaches and tension is close to eliminated.

I find that no matter what, I still require Benadryl to assist with the brain zaps and dizziness. I will be taking the cleanse this evening as well as the Calms product before sleeping. …. Hoping it goes well 

I thought I would give you an update on how I am doing at 4 months off.  Please bear in mind that we are all different in our makeup and previous drug history so what's applies to me does not necessarily apply to you.

I am now exactly 4 months off and it has been hell. Some days I didn't know how I was going to get through them but I tried to keep strong and ride the waves.  In my case I would say my first 4 months have been acute withdrawal.  I am viewing my recovery in batchesbatches of 4 months.  For the past 2 days I am getting some relief in that although I still feel horrible the waves have been milder.  I am finally realising that self-control is so important and I can do something about them by staying calm (as stress symtpoms) are very similar to antidepressant withdrawals.  Am trying to stay active and social and not bore my friends too much as I will lose them.  Misery loves misery etc.

I had a horrendous reaction to Omega3   Awful.  Please look up the side effects before you take them.  I know some people swear by them. I am currently taking Magnesium and Calcium, Vitamin B complex, Evening Primrose and Starflower Oil and a multivitamin.  Not sure if it helps but it can't to any harm.

It is very hard though but acceptance, distraction, perseverance and positivity are essential.

 

Hi There,

I am on day 4. I tapered on my own. Taking 3 weeks to go from 150 to 37.5 mg. Then off for good 4 days ago. I was prescribed Effexor for off label use. I have had chronic pain for over 20 years. I was adament for years to not get on any antidepressents but finally gave in due to pain level. Sure it helped for a couple of years but then it wasn't. My doctor felt I needed more medication. I said no. SOme of my stress or sadness was situational. I asked her why anti depreesents are so easily prescribed. She pointed out how different I was after I first saw her and then started the effexor. I started having hot flashes so my dose was upped 37.5. I became stupid and blah and not thinking before saying hurtful things. I stopped that 37.5 on my own. I have gained 20 pounds in the last 5 years but I chalked it up to  a beer problem and menopause. This last half year I have been really despondent in ways. My drinking got worse after being on the meds as well as smoking. My doctor said it was unrelated..ha. I have been waking in mornings not wanting to get out of bed, Having mortality thoughts and having no ambition. I wasn't like that before the meds! I heard a good documentary on how antidepressents more often stop working if not making us worse so I decided to go off. I refuse to see my doc. She is a good doctor in other ways but assertive about my staying on them. Actually she feels I need more!!!!  SO. Here I am. Still having the nausea. It comes in waves. The first two nights sleeping were hellish. The last two nights, not bad actually. I am taking the super omega pills. 4 a day, as well as b12 and D and magneium. I feel spacey still. I wouldn't go anywhere yet as I don't feel safe in my own body. I am eating very well. I usually do anyway. I haven't been drinking these past 4 days as well and have no plans of going back to it.

I have more creativity, I am an artist-and am being productive albeit the symptoms. I am really angry at Big Pharma for this. We are all guinea pigs for their research. AND how fortunate that the withdrawal is so bad that it keeps people afraid to come off and THEM making money off us. I am also mad at a system here in Canada where if one is not well wheteher it is physical or emotional, that the first therapy is ANTIDEPRESSAENTS! WTF.  Yep. Most of us can't afford the therapy needed and to see a psychologist is really dicfficult. Sure, a psychiatrist is funded and easier to see but the first thing they want to do is medicate!!     My neighbour told me when she was going through menopause she was getting dizzy spells. her doctor suggested antidepressants!!!  I mean REALLY! Sorry peeps but I am also short tempered as of late. My typing sucks as well right now. I hope everyone gets through this. I know I won't be going back. The worst is over..fingers crossed-Let's just hope now that this med with its long hooked fingers hasn't done permanent dammage to my neurotransmitters!