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Venlafaxine withdrawal ~ how do I get through it.....

Posted , 10 users are following.

lisa03229
lisa03229

Hallo I am in the midst of yet another attempt to stop taking Venlafaxine and I've had a complete meltdown this morning which has left me feeling very anxious. I have been on 150 mg for 6 years and I really don't want to take it any more. I feel abandoned by my GP and I've tried to reduce dose myself. It's been 3 days since I had 75mg and now I feel so anxious, angry, tearful and physically shaky. 

I am wondering if other people have experienced this when reducing or trying to stop?

To be honest I feel so helpless and I don't know what to do. 

I really would value insight from other people who have or are going through this....

1 like, 76 replies

76 Replies

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  • michelle54608
    michelle54608 lisa03229

    Posted

    Hi Lisa

    • michelle54608
      michelle54608

      Posted

      Sorry, pressed the wrong button!

      Please stick with it. I had exactly the same when I reduced my dose then finally came off. I have never felt so unwell in my entire life. Shaking, crying, acute anxiety, suicidal thoughts and so much anger! It does get better. Do take it slowly though, don't come off too quickly. I think this drug seems to take ages to fully disappear from the body. Surround yourself with people who love you and who know what you are going through. It does get better I promise.

      Love Shelly xxx

    • ncoules49
      ncoules49 michelle54608

      Posted

      I'm 2 weeks off and still experiencing withdrawls. It's tough! Everything you said is the absolute truth . I especially agree with the having people that love and care for you!! They will help you more than you know!!
    • lisa03229
      lisa03229 michelle54608

      Posted

      Hallo Shelly, thank you for your kind & positive words ~ it really means a lot to me with all the lovely replies I have had. I managed to face the world today & go to work, but kept feeling so sad that my children saw me in such a state yesterday. The withdrawal symptoms are so awful & I know I will never go 'cold turkey' again. It's frightening to think medication can have such a powerful hold over our mind & body....

      But today has been a far more productive day than yesterday & it really is a case of taking one day at a time...

      I hope that you are keeping well & once again a big thank you for your encouraging words x

    • lisa03229
      lisa03229 ncoules49

      Posted

      Keep going....I was just saying in my reply to Shelly that it's one day at a time. Which I know is often easier said than done with busy home & work lives...x
    • ncoules49
      ncoules49 lisa03229

      Posted

      It is one day at a time. I feel like a drug addict sometimes . All of you on this site are the ones that understand!! My husband that has been on my side thru all of this is forgetting because I have been off this stupid drug for 3-3 weeks that I still am with drawling. I'm losing count of how long it's been. 

      Thank you all!!

      PS sometimes it's one minute at a time!

    • lisa03229
      lisa03229 ncoules49

      Posted

      It's so difficult for people who have never experienced it to understand. I've had good & bad reactions when I have disclosed about trying to stop. One person seemed to think I could just stop from original dose there and then & I'd be fine by the following day! 

      I am so glad I have found this page and it's wonderful to see the support everyone gives each other.

    • leanne61579
      leanne61579 lisa03229

      Posted

      Unless you experience what we have, most people don't understand why we cant just stop.  I too am glad for this page and realize how lucky I am compared to most of you.  Thinking of you all
    • lisa03229
      lisa03229 leanne61579

      Posted

      Me too Leanne. Hope you are feeling ok & get a good night's sleep.
    • gillybean36
      gillybean36 lisa03229

      Posted

      It's good to be able to talk to people who understand, unless u have been on this drug u will never understand. I am so grateful to everyone who gives advice and shares experiences on here
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