Venlafaxine withdrawal-please help

Hi D,

Sorry to be direct, but by the timings you mention my guess is that you are now at or below your therapeutic dose of Venlafaxine. (After being on 150mg, then reducing gradually to 37.5mg where you have been for 2 weeks) . It does take a while for the drug to stop affecting you, and I would recommend discussion with psychiatrist about what are the next steps. I take Venlafaxine 150mg and my life is much the better for it. My suggestion would be to go back up to 75mg immediately and confirm with doc. Once you are stable for a month you can try again if you want. Remember that the meds are to help us and it's ok to take that help when we need it. What's prompting you to get off Venlafaxine just now, if I may ask?

Thank you D for your post. I have been feeling so much better after a period of 3 years of depression and wanted to see if I could manage without antidepressants! I have also read about the detrimental side-effects of the drug and was concerned.

It's my pleasure. I hope it helps you . Looking at the side effects of Venlafaxine can be quite scary. My approach is delete it from my thoughts and respond only if the side effect actually occurs. I did get headaches (chemist pain pills) and dry mouth (sounds dumb, just drink more water which is good for us anyway). I felt so bad before Ven. that anything short of 'impending demise' would not have bothered me.

But I do understand the desire to be med free. IMHO if you add some other positives you will be more likely to succeed than reducing dose on its own. This could be daily exercise routine, CBT , stability around work / relationship. All good things to chat about. David

Hello Daisy,

I agree with David's comments. If you have been taking Venlafaxine for three years what is the rush to get off it in weeks and without your doctor's agreement and support? Unless you are suffering hugely with side effects when taking 150mg you do not need to rush the taper. Personally I would suggest a fairly long period of no depressive episodes is needed, plus life circumstances being stable, before anyone tries coming off this medication.

I have been taking Venlafaxine for sixteen years, 300mg daily. Due to reaching menopause and also ceasing employment I have not had a depressive episode for nearly three years. I am only now, with my Doctor's support, undertaking a withdrawal. I currently take 150mg. I have some withdrawal effects but they have been managable and short lasting. I believe this is because I am doing the withdrawal SLOWLY, plus healthy eating, exercise and high dose Omega 3 capsules - in other words looking after myself. it has taken me three months to drop 150mg and I won't be ready to drop again for probably another few weeks. I know when the time is right.

Seek advice from your Doctor, don't be in a hurry and trust your deep instinct! Remember, Venlafaxine may be quite toxic in some ways but it also WORKS for depression and anxiety. It has been a life saver for me in the past.

Good Luck,

Sue x

Hi daisy, my names Mo. I hope I can be of some use! sorry to hear you are having such a rough time of it with venlafaxine withdrawal. I sympathise as this was me last Aug! I was first put on 150mg back in 2008 and tapered down to 75mg then 37.5mg and then half that, then a 1/4 tablet then every other day! (my main motivation to come off them was to have a baby and venlafaxine is a big no no there!) But as you are learning, this drug is very sophisticated, and would my body let me shake it off? hell no! I was having tremors, sweats, headaches, brain zapping, violent mood swings, sickness and in the end my hubby phoned 111 as I was in such a state. Now I'm not saying this is the answer and that this is right for you but I was prescribed a week long course of 2mg diazepam to counteract the side effects of venlafaxine. I was better very quickly and able to function. I am now 30 weeks pregnant and missing my venlafaxine as the reason I was on it was for anxiety and even though I cursed this drug when I went through withdrawal I know I will be back on my suited dose of 37.5mg soon after the birth. If you taper down further don't be surprised if side effects peak. I wish you well darling as its so unpleasant and think discussing a low dose of diazepam with your doc may be best before stopping completely. hope this helps x

David, Sue and Mo-thank you so much for your kind and supportive words. I have never used this forum before but it so helpful. I really do appreciate it.

Mo, I am thrilled that you are pregnant! I became depressed due to not being able to have children so feel so happy for you!

Thank you again to you all-let's hope tomorrow is a better day! Xx