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Withdrawal progress update

Posted , 3 users are following.

lucy159
lucy159

Hello...i started reducing slowly from venlafine about three months ago...i counted the number of beads in the capsules (500) and then started reducing by approx 10 beads a week. When i had something important on a work or in my personal life i slowed down the rate of reduction. Usually i would feel sick,dizzy, have brain zaps and be a bit anxious for three or four days after reducing, then feel fine for a few days, then reduce again.

Over Christmas I had two weeks off. I decided to see what would happen if i reduced by 10 beads a day - i knew that because i had a quiet christmas i would be able to have the withdrawal effects without needing to do an work etc.... I did this...and stopped experiencing any withdrawal symptoms apart from a slightly buzzy head!

Has anyone else had a similar experience? I don't know how to explain it! I expected to feel much worse but feel fine.

Thanks,

Lucy

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • anne240
    anne240 lucy159

    Posted

    I withdrew from Venlafaxine over 10 months.  Once before I had stopped cold turkey, but depression returned within 6 months. 

    Perhaps your body has adjusted well to the drop.  When taking out beads it must be difficult to judge what reduction you are making.  You do not know what each bead contains, so perhaps you were not making much of a change.  Or, perhaps you are through the worse.

    I did not withdraw using this method, and I did not get any withdrawls at all.  I do hope yoiu continue to feel better.  Glad you feel fine.  Keep us updated.

  • ncoules49
    ncoules49 lucy159

    Posted

    I am so happy for you!! Glad to hear you are doing well. My husband reduced the beads. I think October 12 th was my last day . I had withdrawls for a while . In the mean Time I had a close friend pass away and foot surgery. But am doing well. I have had bouts of depression. And the pain meds I'm pretty sure put me there. Trying not to take them. 

    I'm so happy to hear you are doing better!

    • anne240
      anne240 ncoules49

      Posted

      Hey there, you are doing really well.  I am so pleased that you and I are coping without anti depressants. 

      I had a set back over Christmas, but coping OK.  Ups and downs.  I know what I can and can't do, and on the whole keep myself occupied to try an alleviate the lonliness I feel.  Not easy this time of year.  Did have a longish walk today, and went to cinema by myself yesterday.  I stroke and talk to my cat a lot.

      My arthritis bit painful at the moment.  Just take mild pain killers.  sorry you are in a lot of pain. 

      Well done, and take care.  The only way is up!!!

    • ncoules49
      ncoules49 anne240

      Posted

      Hi Anne,

      Keep up the good work the holiday can be draining as it is but you made it thru! Good job! My little dog Stella and I are best of buds. She has been been through withdrawls loss of a childhood friend and surgery. I talk to her all of the time. My kids were laughing when I had surgery she started licking her left rear paw raw so bad we had to bandage it. When my left foot that was operated on got better and the bandage came off her foot got better too hahahaha. Animals / pets are so helpful and keep us company! Keep up the good work and talk to your Cat!! 

      Be well. Talk soon!

  • lucy159
    lucy159

    Posted

    Hello...I think i've crashed a little bit so have stopped reducing for a little while. Suddenly started feeling really sick and dizzy!! Also, I am having a slightly difficult time in my personal life (nothing major) so feel like it's good to stop reducing for a while for that reason too....still, am generally well and as I think every single person who have posted in the site knows comig off this drug as well as just life in general has its ups and downs!
    • anne240
      anne240 lucy159

      Posted

      Hi Lucy.  sorry you are having a bit of a difficult time at the moment. You are wise to stop reducing until you can cope again.  Very sensible. 

      I am having a bad day today as hardly slept last night.  I am taking lots of supplements but don't know how many I should take and the dosage.  I will give my body a little time without anything, and see how I go.  I was doing pretty well and definitely do not want to go back onto anti depressants.

    • lucy159
      lucy159 anne240

      Posted

      Yeah, i think rest as much as possible, take supplements and eat well are the best things. Sorry to hear you're having a bad day sad
    • ncoules49
      ncoules49 lucy159

      Posted

      Hi Lucy, 

      Do what you have to do . We are all different! Just keep moving forward. As a friend of mine says baby steps if that's what you need to do , do it. I Keep posting on this sight reading everyone's posts . It helps me still and I have been off of effort almost 3 months. I still need to keep in check,still have ups and downs but so much better every week month etc. keep up the good work!! If I had known what I kno today ......., my doctor acted like she had no clue about the withdrawls. I think the doctors get kick backs from drug companies. That just my opinion. 

      Like Anne said only way is up!!

    • anne240
      anne240 lucy159

      Posted

      I have bucked up.  Been sleeping better, taking supplements, and feeling a lot brighter.  Just a bad day, but have good ones too.  Just have to take the bad with the good. 
    • lucy159
      lucy159 anne240

      Posted

      I'm so glad!! smile Me too...also feeling better...phew!
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