Venlafaxine withdrawal hell

[quote:3efcc0a3af=\"ruby3m\"]I have been on venlafaxine for about ten years for bad panic attacks. They really have helped meto live a normal life. However this is my third time trying to come off the flipping things.

I have reduced from 75mg modified release to 37.5mg in the morning and have managed to get down to half 37.5mg each morning.

However it is a nightmare. I am currently laying on my bed unable to breathe properly, dizzy, palpitations, numb hands and feet, head shocks, nausea - everything you read about. It has lasted about an hour so far and I have had to leave work to come home to try and force myself to breathe properly.

I feel so proud of myself for getting so far but I am so so tempted to throw another tablet down my throat and forget coming off them. It has taken me three months so far to get to this stage but I just don't know what to do.

Has anyone out there gone through this and come out the other side? How long will it take and am I better off just going cold turkey for a while?

Thank you for any thoughts. It is a very lonely place to be. My husband and kids are very supportive but unless you have been there you just don't understand

Xxx[/quote:3efcc0a3af]

Hi ruby3m.

I just thought I'd type this - so don't feel too alone.

I can't believe that after three months of calculated weening you are in such an awful place - I'm afraid I don't have any of the answers you seek - I just wanted you know you are courageuos.

Take care,

les

Hello ruby3m

I have enormous sympathy for you, but sadly that is the only certainty I can offer.

I have recently come off Venlafaxine myself. I had a 7 day weening period of half dosage, then stopped them and started on Dosulepin. It's been 5 days since my last Venlafaxine and the withdrawal symptoms are still bad. I've tried like you to get more definitive answers about duration, but all I get are \"ball of string\" analogies.

The only other thing I can say is this; If you have the willpower and the desire to rid your life of this truly dreadful drug, you at least know you also have our support, and hopefully of those around you too.

This scares me......

I was on ven slow release about 12 years ago.... had no problems when I came off it.

Now on the regular venlafaxine x2 a day.... I'm hoping its just an individual reaction.

Might add... (this is a little embarrasing to say :oops: ) but my orgasm have been very different! not all bad though :oops:

I just hope when I come off it... its as easy as last time.... though I was strong headed then and did it without Dr's support!

Wish you all well

M :wink:

I think I may have mixed up 2 post hear... yet again :oops:

But I do still wish you all well

M :oops:

Guess I'm having a bad day :?

Hi Mushroom

It is good that you bear in mind that everyones experience is individual. It's human nature to only want to make a point about negative things (even if they aren't manicaly depressed with anxiety issues like some of us).

I also understand your reluctance to share some of the symptoms. I was also unsure, but I decided if I'm going to share my experiences I have to be as open and honest as I can. The sexual side effects seem to be quite common. Many posts - including mine - have mentioned something similar.

My advice would be that you talk to your GP about any concerns you have about it's effectiveness of side effects so at least your decissions will be informed ones. I wish you well!