coming off venlafaxine?

Even worse today, am at work, dont know how I got here, have been sick and my head is pounding!

Still havent given in, still only 37.5mg since Sunday.

Can I go cold turkey? I think I can get through this, although it is hell, i believe each day that passes is a day closer to being "normal"

To Teri1968,

Cheers for the update - it's hard enough coming off this stuff as it is, so 'good-on-yer' for managing to go to work & write on here.

Hope you get some relief soon....

I was somewhat improved yesterday (far from symptom free, but they were slightly less intense), today however is a different story :-( .... Right back to square flipping one!! Bit disappointed as I thought progress was being made by how I felt yesterday, especially as I managed to go for a walk.

Anyway, yet another day with nothing done again (ironing, housework, decorating, exercise, dog-walking etc etc) .... my 'ings' are building up which aggravates me ... they will just have to wait.

Teri1968 & Rachel22597 - Each minute that passes for us is another one without Venlafaxie, so at least that's something positive which must make our withdrawal suffering worth doing! Lol

Onwards we go ..... x

2014January and Rachel22597 we can do this. Another few days have past now.

Well I still haven't had anything since Tuesday (half a tablet), yesterday was my worst day yet, couldn't even wash my hair (yuk), was busy at work which was brilliant, as I drove home I started thinking about my husband and in his total shock I instigated sex when I got home, he was totally shocked!

This morning after taking some nytol I slept for around 10 hours, got up and went on a 10K bike ride, I don't feel so sick today but my head is very fuzzy but manageable.

My GP told me off for going cold turkey but I feel what is the point of taking a tablet every few days, is only going to prolong the agony.

Tomorrow is another day and I may go down hill but so far no regrets!

Thanks Teri1968 & Ha,haha lol - your hubby getting the benefits of Venlafaxine withdrawal! ;-)

Good to hear your progress & positivity - great stuff! x

I too am trying to come off ven. It he dr started me me on 150mg of Wellbutrin a week ago and then 2 nights ago I started reducing the effexor. I was on 225mg xr and have reduced that by 37.5 because that is the smallest available in xr. The first night I slept fine and was restless during the day. Last night I did not sleep so well and had anxiety much of today, plus was weepy and depressed feeling. Has anyone else experienced this. I am supposed to be on the 37.5 reduction for 1 month. I am anxious and just want to feel normal.

The reason I wanted off the ven is that I had gone up to 225mg 7 months ago and it was horrible a month on my couch and it never did seem to fully work. Then I just crashed after Christmas, with very big depression.

To judi1959, poor you :-(

The depression/anxiety journey is not a straightforward one as your story ( & many on here) shows. As far as I know there's no 'quick fix'...trial & error with meds is par for the course as is trying to work out if the sensations & feelings are the illness or the drugs' side effects !

It's all so hard to deal with at times & I know that feeling of wanting to be normal.

If you've read through these forums you will have seen that there are a variety of symptoms & side effects fellow contributors have stated. The ups & downs of it all is difficult to cope with sometimes but it sounds as though your GP is trying to help you....maybe you could possibly have a telephone consultation with them to check out your symptoms & reassure you.

Take care

I am so glad to have found this forum. I have been on venlafaxine XR for 6 years and being a diabetic ( not on insulin ) I began to read up on the side effects of this drug. I found it brings up your blood pressure and cholesterol. Because I am diabetic my GP has me on drugs for both even though they are in the normal range for someone who is not a diabetic. Although I am 78 years old I do not want to end up as a pill factory as so many older people are. Because my life is much more stable and happier now I feel I would like to come off of the venlafaxine. I was on 187.5 dosage. My doctor has changed my prescription from 1 37.5 and 1 150 to 5 37.5 per day to make this easier but has left it up to my discretion on how I come off of them. He is providing no other support nor does he seem inclined to. Over a three month period I am down to 112.5 or 3 pills a day rather than 5 and feel I should go a bit slower as I have insomnia ( have alway been a good sleeper) dry mouth,dizziness and an very tired most days. I feel because of their effect on Blood Pressure and Cholesterol that I may also be able to eventually come off of both of those pills. Wish me luck and a few prayers wouldn't hurt. WE ARE NEVER TO OLD TO BE PROACTIVE ABOUT OUR BODIES.

I have called for an appointment and am waiting on the dr. To call me back. I did not sleep well last night and am having fog head today. I feel the dr. Has a good plan I just have to endure. I am just so tired of all of this.

To Judy1959,

I'm 8 days Venlafaxine free, but far from symptom free!

It's been one very Ll-oO-nN-Gg , zzzappy, hot, wOnkY, blurry, 'headachey', nauseas week for me.

Wears me out as it does you .... Hoping for a better tomorrow ....

Hi Shirley24070,

I too was pleased when I found this forum & have found it beneficial. Like you I decided that the time had come to reduce & get off Venlafaxine. I don't like to hear of or see others suffering but it does help to know that I'm not alone in my suffering, that it's not just me & there are others who 'get it' & understand.

Good health & wellbeing is so precious but I seem to keep getting 'illness obstacles' to overcome which prevent me from obtaining it! Lol, lol ....

Anyway, I wish you luck & wellness.

Well the dr. Was closed today. But they will call back tomorrow. My head is much clearer now. I slept most of the day. This is a horrible medication. I am just praying for the strwnght to wait out these side effects.

Hi there

I am 7 days out! I went "cold turkey" as I just want to get on with my life and didnt want to prolonge the agony.

Is the best thing I ever did, am not out the otherside yet but definitely getting there.

I am coping with exercise!

Hey Teri

What dose were you on? Ii knew this would be tough but I need to hang in there. I will try exercise as soon as I feel like I can move.

Hello all,

Just found this forum!!! It may have helped already!!! Just knowing that the side effects of being on this horrible drug and knowing that the withdrawal symptoms that I have are "normal" and I am not the only 1 have these issues if very comforting!! Day 3 of withdrawal symptoms "pure hell" Brain Zaps are unbearable!!! Just took 75mg, hopefully that will be enough to help me through the day.

For me day 3 was hell day. I am feeling much better today. I am taking another day off work but slept good last night and am not so sleepy today. So I am hanging in there and knowing each day will get better.

Hi it's been over 6 months since I gave up ven' and I'm glad I did! I've managed to lose 6 kg, which I know isnt much; but better than putting it on as I was doing continually while taking the drug, I still haven't been able to sleep through an entire night very often, maybe I am now in a bad habit? I decided to get a puppy to give me a different perspective and it's worked a treat! Yes! It is worth going through the withdrawal to come out happy on the other side, only try it if your feeling well! It is tough though....Very