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Going off of Ven

Posted , 4 users are following.

debra09492
debra09492

I have tried 3 times to take this medicine...and while it takes care of my depressed feeling...it makes me anxious and lethargic.  I am starting the weaning off of it now.  Last time I weaned off I took 3 weeks to do it.  I felt all of the symptoms everyone talks about when they go off of this med.  I only stayed off for 3 weeks....and felt edgy and cross.  But I was not exercising and watching my diet.  I know all of the proper diet, exercise , deep breathing and praying helps!  Anybody have any other suggestions?  My thought is to just quit cold turkey.  I am on 37.5 and have been very sensitive to all medications all of my llife.  But I want it over with!!

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • amanda25783
    amanda25783 debra09492

    Posted

    Hi Debra

    Are you sure that the symtoms of anxiety, lethargy and edginess/ crossness aren't part of the depressive illness, rather than the result of the venlafaxine, or withdrawal from it? 

    How many times a day are you taking your 37.5mg, and how long have you been on it for?  If it is only once a day, then it is a sub-therapeutic dose for an adult, despite your sensitivity to med.s. 

    I took it for 11 years, and had to stop it cold turkey as it used to make me sick, as I broke my pelvis, so couldn't get to a bowl or to the loo in time on crutches.  I may have been pre-occupied with the symptoms of the fracture, or the withdrawal effects may have been made less by the pain killers, but I really don't remember having a problem stopping it.  I used to be on 150mg slow release.

    I think gentle regular exercise, particularly outdoors, is a great help.  It keeps you in touch with nature, the seasons, and releases endorphins, which always make you feel better.

    I hope you feel better soon xx

     

    • patricia85842
      patricia85842 amanda25783

      Posted

      Hi Amanda.  I was interested to read you saying about the symptoms being part of the illness.  Iwonder that. How do you noq?
  • Minion21
    Minion21 debra09492

    Posted

    I think 37.5 is quite a low dosage, so you might be able to come off cold turkey.  It sounds as though you have a plan - proper diet, exercise etc which can only help.  What I would suggest is making sure you have family/friends around to help you out if you need it.  You are bound to have low days where you might just need a boost to help you through, someone to get you out for a walk or take your mind off things.  Also another discussion with your GP might be worthwhile, see what else they can suggest.

    Good luck.

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