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Coming Off Venlaflaxine

Posted , 8 users are following.

Guest
Guest

Hello,

I stopped taking venlaflaxine cold turkey 2 weeks ago & i was just wondering how long it takes to fully come out of you're system?

If anyone has any experiences please do let me know, it would help me alot as its been hell coming off this drug.

Thanks in advance.

Butterfly x

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • cathy1949
    cathy1949 Guest

    Posted

    I stopped almost two weeks ago also. I cut back over a period of months. I had a few days of feeling pretty good. The past three days have been awful. From what I have read, everyone is different. 
  • Wildrover
    Wildrover Guest

    Posted

    I have to say, I've only been off it a week the same way and my head just feels really fuzzy and dizzy sometimes. It's really hard to sleep and mind goes into overdrive at the minute.
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hello,

    Thank you for you're replies. I feel all over the place emotionally this past 3 days. I have no energy at all, feel starving, awful headache & really tired i could just sleep all day. Not to mention crying every 5 minutes, it's just awful isn't it, i just want to feel normal whatever that is sad

    • cathy1949
      cathy1949 Guest

      Posted

      I totally feel your pain! I have felt all of your symptoms. 
  • thomas25220
    thomas25220 Guest

    Posted

    I myself am in the process of getting off of venlaflaxine, and have been taking it for 7 years.  I was up to 225mg/day and am now at a hold at 75mg/day.  I have tried the cold turkey approach in the past and personally I could not continue working and make it through.  I do know about all of the symptoms that persist during the w/d period and empathize with you during this time.  I AM PROUD OF YOU for making a conscious effort to rid yourself of this drug! It can be helpful for many, but when it comes to the aftermath, quite hurtful to move on.  I can suggest many things that can ease your discomfort during this time, albeit many of them may go against your typical medical advisement.  Let me know if you are interested in these as I would be happy to share some things that have worked for me
    • cathy1949
      cathy1949 thomas25220

      Posted

      Hi, Thomas, I am interested in hearing your suggestions. I am not understanding why this is so difficult!!! 
    • cathy1949
      cathy1949 thomas25220

      Posted

      Thomas, have you had continuing side effects as you have cut back?

       

    • debra09492
      debra09492 thomas25220

      Posted

      I am interested in the suggestions that you have for the disclomfort.  I started 3 months ago, and have not taken any Ven for about a month now.I have now been without for a month now.  The thing I notice most is I have dizzy spells.  It has been a difficult thing to get off of the drug.  Never imagined in my wildest dreams that since this is not a narcotic.  Anyway...I have also, tingling in my hands and arms.  I started taking every other day, 1/2 (capsules in applesauce, not very tasty, but managable), then every other day on the 1/2.  Then just quit.  I can tell I am short tempered, but all in all, I am trying to manage.  But, any suggestions on how to get through the rest would be appreciated!
  • thomas25220
    thomas25220 Guest

    Posted

    I myself am in the process of getting off of venlaflaxine, and have been taking it for 7 years.  I was up to 225mg/day and am now at a hold at 75mg/day.  I have tried the cold turkey approach in the past and personally I could not continue working and make it through.  I do know about all of the symptoms that persist during the w/d period and empathize with you during this time.  I AM PROUD OF YOU for making a conscious effort to rid yourself of this drug! It can be helpful for many, but when it comes to the aftermath, quite hurtful to move on.  I can suggest many things that can ease your discomfort during this time, albeit many of them may go against your typical medical advisement.  Let me know if you are interested in these as I would be happy to share some things that have worked for me
  • thomas25220
    thomas25220 Guest

    Posted

    I personally cut tapered once every two weeks at a slow rate, over a period of six months, so my symptoms have been virtually non-existent.  A MAJOR component of my process has been exercise and diet.  I found that if I was to stay as active as possible, the side effects did not bother me near as much as if I sat around and thought about how bad things were.  I literally push myself everyday in all of my activities, so that when the end of the day comes, I am ready to lay down and my body will allow me to rest.  Drink ALOT of water, like upwards of .5/.75 gal a day.  It will help
  • totallytiffy1
    totallytiffy1 Guest

    Posted

    Hello. Our bodies are different. But time only. Ad it could be days weeks months. Stay positive. Meditate. To stay relaxed. Get a massage. Walk in park. And ride it out like a rough ocean wave. You'll be ok.😊😊
  • kennybhoy
    kennybhoy Guest

    Posted

    Hi can I ask why you've decided to come off it?
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hello,

    Yes of course. I came off it because i just wanted to sleep all the time & felt so tired, the sweats are just awful, feeling sick & headaches( i do suffer with headaches anyway but they are worse on this med) all the time & dizzy. but no change in mood at all. So i think what is the point taking it & getting all these side effects with no results. So i'm going to try & Give my body a rest from all tablets & see how i get on.

    Can i ask Thomas how have you got any energy to do the exercise as i really want to go swimming & have no energy at all. I mean getiing of off bed & waking is a struggle for me. And i will add this is sooo not me i used to be up at 4am not being able to sleep.

    My body feels such a mess & this is why i want all tablets of of my system.

    Butterfly x

  • sandra1165
    sandra1165 Guest

    Posted

    Hi,

    I came off venlifaxine 4 weeks ago after being on it for 2 years. I was getting "brain zaps" and insomnia amongst other things. I checked the internet as I couldn't sleep looking for something to tell me I wasn't going crazy and found someone who took Benedryl when they were coming off. It calms the withdrawals and helps with the sleeping. I was like a new person once I had started taking them and 4 weeks on I don't need to take Benedryl except for allergies and I get the occasional bout of insomnia and a brain zap now and then, but I hope this will go with time. I hope thus is of some help to others because it saved me from contemplating suicide.

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi Sandra,

    Thanks for the advice i will give it a try. Anything is worth a try.

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