Help with Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello!
I've been on venlafaxine for about 2 years, taking a dose of 150mg per day. I used to take the generic pills which are cheaper. To be honest I didn't even know there was an 'original' one, named Effexor, until last friday.
When I changed town I continued the treatment with another doctor, and he suggested i came off the drug. I thought I'd try, and for the first month I reduced from 150mg to 75mg. Nothing wrong there. Then I took another step and reduced from 75 to 37,5mg and in the fourth day I collapsed.
I had this breakdown, feeling all kind of weird symptoms: dizzyness, dry mouth, excess sleepness, confusion, mental oblivions (memory lapses), total apathy, total loss of libido.
I got really scared and tried to go back on my own since I was off town and couldnt talk to the doctor.
I took for 3 days the 150 mg pills but that didnt help. I consulted another doctor and he suggested to take a 107,5 mg dose (75+37,5) for 20 days and then restore the original 150 mg dose afterwards.
It's been 6 days since I started taking this dose and I still feel awful! I feel like I'm not the same anymore!!! It's the strangest thing ever. I had to ask for a job-absent license cause I can't work in these conditions.
One other thing is that a moved from the generic pills to the Effexor (from Pfizer - Wyeth) - the doc suggested that - and I don't know if that is making things worse...
I feel really akward, useless, like my brain is in slow motion. I've been thinking about goin' cold turkey since taking back venlafaxine didnt help.
I appreciate any messages. Sorry for the english, I'm Brazilian and the head also feels awful.
1 like, 7 replies
shilpa67541 ricardo31
Posted
medication can have lot of side effects
celtics ricardo31
Posted
shilpa67541 ricardo31
Posted
try to stick to it,medication are very strong I felt the same originally and wanted to come off but my Dr guided me to stay on I had initially some bad symptoms but I persevered.
celtics shilpa67541
Posted
krollette66 ricardo31
Posted
I am on Venlafaxine myself and very tempted to Go cold turkey myself but As I have been on It a while I have decided to request a reduction In dose to avoid the sort of side effects you mentioned. Try not to worry too much about the side effects. I am sure that its just temporary but It must have given you a Bit of à scare.
If you have anyone to support you Let them Help you through this blip In your recovery .
Remember to trust yourself and your Body if you Still feel unwell after a few days Go back to your doctor and ask advice. J
ricardo31
Posted
ricardo31
Posted
Sometimes I feel like a child, staring at things I wouldn’t normally stare at. I couldn`t read the newspaper because a flush of thoughts invade my head and can`t make me concentrate. I`m kinda drunk 24-7, the reflexes are a bit slower.
How can one single med do that much with someone? I mean, it raises the serotonin in the bloodstream as I`m aware of. Not nice..