Severe Venlafaxine withdrawal

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