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Severe Venlafaxine withdrawal

Posted , 6 users are following.

jodie35286
jodie35286

I never actually realised how strong this medication was! Until weaning myself off of it. That's when the suffering started...

I had been taking 37.5mg twice a day for as long as I can remember, then I was upped to 75mg twice a day after trying to come off of it, the doctor thought I was depressed so gave me more! When in fact I was trying to come off them and was suffering withdrawal. I've suffered on and off for years with depression and I would love to just be free from pills and to just feel normal! I'd coped with my mums sudden death and my own cancer diagnosis a couple of years ago, if I can do that, I can do anything!

I went to see the doc who prescribed me the lower dose as I still had some higher, to gradually wean off. Seemed OK. Did it a bit at a time, and while I did notice the odd 'brain zap', nothing prepares you for when you've completely stopped them.

I last took a quarter of a 37.5mg 5 days ago, all I have done since then is suffered with numerous symptoms.

First came the 'electric shock like brain zaps' which have intensified and is one of the worst symptoms. Scared to even cross the road and so glad I don't drive as wouldn't the able to. They are so bad I can see it when it happens in my eyes, like I can 'hear with my eyes' strangely. Then came the nausea, which I was able to cope with by sipping water and sucking a mint or two. Then came the headaches which I needed to take painkillers for. Then the sweaty, shaky nervous feeling. Constant crying for no reason has happened quite a lot also. Then the anger/aggression that is so severe I had to ring the 111 number for advice as I was so frightened what I may do. Very unlike me. So this drug pretty much triggered some psychosis in me. Then came extreme tiredness, like the anger took it out of me. Saw the out of hours doctor who prescribed me Valium. Which is helping calm me. The next thing is the horrific stomach cramps that had me bent in two crying through excruciating pain.

My personal feeling is that this drug is 'THE DEVIL'. I will not undo all of my suffering to take one tablet. I will ride this out.

Reading other stories and what I heard from the doctor, well, I never knew this was so hard to come off of. I will never take this drug again and unless absolutely necessary I would never take this drug yourself. I never knew this depth of suffering from AD withdrawal.the out of hours doctor said she doesn't even prescribe this medicine now because of its debilitating symptoms when trying to come off of them. Anyone with a similar story? Always nice to share experiences.

0 likes, 22 replies

22 Replies

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  • KMRC
    KMRC jodie35286

    Posted

    Those antidepressants can and do cause significant withdrawal and the Valium should help.  Just don't get to used to them u will be having withdrawals from that, too.  Good luck fighting the good fight. 😎
  • Kayel_Gee
    Kayel_Gee jodie35286

    Posted

    I'm sorry you've had such an awful time coming off venlafaxine. I agree they are pretty terrible.

    However, for me the terrible impact of severe recurrent depression is something I am motivated to avoid so I've been grateful for venlafaxine .

    Kay

  • patricia44773
    patricia44773 jodie35286

    Posted

    Your post has frightened me, Jodie.  I have taken Venlafaxine for many years, I take 75mg once a day and I thought it was quite harmless, it seems to keep me on an even keel.  I had considered coming off the drug to see how I would be, but I am now thinking I will just keep on taking it. 

    If you felt so bad coming off Venlafaxine, were you not tempted to carry on taking it?  Why was it so important for you to quit?  I would have thought that replacing Venlafaxine with Valium wasn't a good choice, but I am no expert.

    Anyway, good luck, I hope you get relief from your depression, it isn't an easy road, is it?

    Pat xx

    • jodie35286
      jodie35286 patricia44773

      Posted

      It really isn't. I deceive do wanted to as felt it was ineffective now. I have rang the doctor to speak to him today and I'd be happy to try something else if needs be. I just don't want to be taking it for years and years if I can go without. Am struggling though. Symptoms have slightly diminished today. Still have the 'brain zaps'. I think people are too frightened to come off of this drug because of the withdrawal. I don't want to frighten anyone deliberately, but the reason I posted is so other people know how bad it can be if they didn't already. I wouldn't want anyone to suffer like I have. I will only take the Valium for a week and I'm ok on it as have have before for numerous things like back spasms. It cannot be as bad as this dreaded drug! I'm being strong and resisting the urge to take one and undo all my hard work and suffering. Not so much a replacement, just to help ease symptoms. Have been taking omega 3 and vitamin b complex to help also. I don't know what's working but they are slowly getting better xx
    • Kayel_Gee
      Kayel_Gee patricia44773

      Posted

      I think the dangers of depression are more frightening than some unpleasant side effects during withdrawal Pat! If it's kept you well, celebrate ! There's plenty of other things to worry about !
    • jodie35286
      jodie35286 Kayel_Gee

      Posted

      This is worse than depression for me! I've learnt to cope as I've been through so much in the last 10 years. Ridiculously so. 2 of the worst things that could happen to me did. After cancer is never let depression run my life, it's too precious! Trust me, I've suffered and done stupid things many times. I don't really want to talk about that though as its a bit too personal for a public forum x
  • Sunnydays79
    Sunnydays79 jodie35286

    Posted

    Yes under had exactly the experience you described. I had to take tiny fragments of the smallest tablet towards the end of my withdrawal to try and minimise symptoms. I had the same with Seroxat years ago.

    If the drug works for you and you've had severe and debilitating depression, I'd say really think hard about coming off at all.

    Many doctors seem to really underestimate the physical withdrawal symptoms from these drugs. The regime they give you can be way to harsh for some.

    I for example get those hideous 'brain zaps' as you brilliantly describe them, if I even miss a dose of an AD I've been on long-term so as I'm 'quite sensitive' as my doc put it- pain in the rear she means!

    So yes definitely be careful, and Jodie - it WILL pass but I took about 8-10 weeks x

    • jodie35286
      jodie35286 Sunnydays79

      Posted

      Totally. Even while taking them twice a day, I would get the odd 'brain zap'! Quite scary how much they help, it's like they don't want you to stop them and make you feel so horrific when trying to come off them!
    • jodie35286
      jodie35286

      Posted

      I feel strong enough to discontinue them at the moment and so did my doctor. I'll ride it out!
    • patricia44773
      patricia44773 jodie35286

      Posted

      Please let us know how you go on.  I hope you continue to feel less of the effects.

      Pat xx

    • jodie35286
      jodie35286 patricia44773

      Posted

      Thanks Pat. It's actually a lot better today. Feel more relaxed and chilled. Hopefully been through the worst of it. (Hopefully!)

      Xx

    • Sunnydays79
      Sunnydays79 jodie35286

      Posted

      Glad you are feeling up to the challenge! Well done 😁

      I had a CMH ref appt today and the Psychiatrist actually suggested I try the venlafaxin again even though it had pretty much no effect on my symptoms at the standard 'maxium' dose according to my GP ! But at a much higher dose. No thank you!! 😵😱

    • Kayel_Gee
      Kayel_Gee Sunnydays79

      Posted

      What dose were you on? It works on different things ... I have been better at 225... I have a friend on 300. I haven't had worse side effects as the dose increased . It is often a good choice for people who've been unsuccessful with standard ssri's
    • Kayel_Gee
      Kayel_Gee jodie35286

      Posted

      That's not a high dose at all ! That's the starting dose ... If you don't get relief from your new meds I'd definitely recommend trying a higher dose ....
    • Sunnydays79
      Sunnydays79 Kayel_Gee

      Posted

      TBH I don't remember as I was in quite a state for the whole time I was on.

      it. I think may have been 75 or 150. But only once daily and not extended release type.

      Another one beginning with 'D' was suggested but I hadn't actually heard of it! 😮

    • jodie35286
      jodie35286 Kayel_Gee

      Posted

      Actually I was doubled and was 150 a day. It was 37.5 to begin with. All react differently to withdrawals. That's what's make it worse, that's it was out up then down again!
    • jodie35286
      jodie35286

      Posted

      Was 37.5 slow release twice a day, then was 150 in the end
    • Kayel_Gee
      Kayel_Gee Sunnydays79

      Posted

      I think I need a psych to sanction anything above 225.:. I definitely felt s big difference at 225.

      Sorry it's been so tough

      Kay

    • Sunnydays79
      Sunnydays79 Kayel_Gee

      Posted

      Thanks Kay,

      Yes the Psych was mentioning pretty big numbers about sert and ven tabs.

      Now I've got to pick what I want to.go on! I have enough trouble deciding if I have it in me or not to brush my teeth each day! Duxo something is the other one.

      Oh well 😕

    • jodie35286
      jodie35286 Kayel_Gee

      Posted

      I agree. To be prescribed such a high dose of this drug makes you wonder if they should be looking at something different x
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