As someone who has taken Effexor XR (venlafaxine HCl), I know all too well what the withdrawal symptoms of this medication are like – they can be pure hell. I was fortunate to have only taken this medication for a couple months. However, there are people out there that have been on this powerful antidepressant for years. If you come off the medication cold turkey, you may send your body and mind into a state of total shock, depression, anxiety, and disarray. In other words, you may not be able to cope with what you are experiencing because the withdrawal is that powerful.
Obviously if you were taking Effexor XR, you know that it is an “extended release” SNRI medication. In other words it contributes to the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters Serotonin and Norepinephrine in the brain. This is supposed to help people with depression and anxiety function better in society and cope with their condition. This medication is considered among the toughest to withdraw from due to its potency as well as short half life of the drug.
Factors that influence Effexor XR withdrawal include:
1. Time Span
How long have you taken Effexor? Did you take it for a couple months? Years? Have you taken it for over a decade? The amount of time you have taken this medication means your body has become reliant on this medication for everyday functioning.
2. Dosage
What dosage did you take? The dosage of Effexor that is commonly prescribed is 75 mg/day. However, some people may start at 37.5 mg, while others may fall between the range of 75 mg and 150 mg. The higher the dosage of the drug you were taking, the more difficulty you will have withdrawing.
3. Individual Physiology
Individual factors play a huge role in withdrawal. If you naturally aren’t really affected from antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, you may not be hit as hard with Effexor. On the other hand if you are very sensitive to medication, you may have a tougher time coping with the withdrawal.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
Do you plan on stopping Effexor XR cold turkey? Or have you set up a tapering protocol with your doctor? These are some questions to ask. Obviously cold turkey is much tougher on your body and brain’s readjustment compared to a gradual taper.
Effexor XR Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of discontinuation from Venlafaxine XR typically are most severe upon complete cessation, but may start to emerge during a taper (i.e. dosage reduction). Considering the fact that Effexor stays in your system for around 1.15 days and its metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine is excreted within 2.52 days of stopping, symptoms initially become most noticeable at around day 3 of the withdrawal process.
- Anger – Do you feel like you are ready to rage? This is likely a result of stopping your medication. You aren’t able to feel as good as you did on the medication so your brain is trying to compensate. This may make you become increasingly hostile and a tough person to hang out with for awhile.
- Anxiety – Since the brain will not have the surplus serotonin available that it was getting from the drug, it is highly likely that you will experience anxiety upon withdrawal from this medication.
- Confusion – It may be tough to think and you may experience a degree of confusion when trying to stop Effexor. This is just your brain attempting to readjust to normalcy. It may take awhile, but eventually the confusion will stop.
- Crying spells – If you have severe depression, you may cry for no reason or experience “crying spells.” This is basically uncontrollable crying because you feel so depressed. When coming off a medication that was helping treat your depression, it is natural to experience the opposite of happiness.
- Depersonalization – Do you feel like a zombie or unlike yourself? Do you feel like your soul left your body and you have become someone else? This is natural and it’s called “depersonalization.” This is a very common symptom of withdrawal.
- Depression – You may experience increased symptoms of depression or more severe depression while coming off of Effexor. Try to take a step back and realize that this is totally natural. Eventually you will recover from feeling so down in the dumps.
- Dizziness – Antidepressants are extremely powerful and can really mess with your brain. Once your brain becomes accustomed to a chemical, and you take it away, it attempts to recalibrate itself. Therefore you may experience dizziness upon withdrawal.
- Electric shocks – Some people experience what are commonly referred to as “brain zaps” or electrical shocks when they stop taking Effexor. This is most common with drugs like Effexor and Paxil that have short half lives and are extremely powerful.
- Fatigue – Nearly everyone will experience fatigue, lethargy, and tiredness when stopping an antidepressant.
- Headaches – Do you have a pounding headache or migraine? If you experienced this when you quit taking your Effexor, it could be a withdrawal symptom.
- Insomnia – The inability to fall asleep at night is what people with naturally higher levels of anxiety may experience.
- Irritability – Every little thing may get on your nerves or “set you off.” Try your best to relax and control yourself around others.
- Loss of appetite – Some people may not feel like eating. It’s important to make sure that you are eating healthy and maintain a good diet even when stopping this medication.
- Mood swings – You may be irritable, crabby, angry, etc. If your moods are all over the place when coming off this medication, just know that this is pretty common.
- Nausea – Do you feel nauseated and somewhat sick? This may be an especially prevalent side effect in the first couple weeks of withdrawal from the medication.
- Nightmares – Some individuals experience weird dreams and/or nightmares. These are no fun, but part of the process.
- Pain – You may experience pain within your muscles and joints. Although this is less common, it is still what some individuals experience.
- Panic attacks – Everything may send you into a major state of panic. Your work, your school project, etc. may make your anxiety skyrocket to the point where you experience panic attacks. This is because your brain doesn’t have sufficient stores of serotonin – they will eventually get replenished.
- Vomiting – Do you keep throwing up? If you are constantly puking as a result of stopping Effexor, just know that it’s part of the withdrawal. If this is a big deal, you may want to taper more gradually.
When will Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms subside?
It may take weeks, it may take months, and it may take a year for you to completely recover to 100%. Everyone copes differently with their withdrawal period. If you are withdrawing and have a major panic attack or anxiety that won’t go away, you may think that you’ll never end up recovering. Just give it time and continue about your life the best you can.
As you probably already know, Effexor is one of the toughest medications to withdraw from if you have been on it for an extended period of time. These antidepressants are no joke and some would say that they are more extreme than hard drugs to withdraw from. Although your psychiatrist may consider withdrawal to be easy or a simple process, he or she did not take the medications so really has no idea what’s going on internally – within your mind and body.
Be sure to always communicate with friends and family during your withdrawal period. Try your best to get sunlight, stay outside, eat healthy, and exercise. Eventually you will recover. A lot of people think that they can get permanently damaged from taking antidepressants – this is pretty doubtful. However, it may be a couple years before you are completely recovered and feel completely “natural” again. Take things one day at a time. Gradually life will get easier. If you can make it through this drug withdrawal, you can do anything.
I stopped taking Effexor XR 75Mg 8 days ago, after decreasing the dose from 425mg over the past two years. As with everyone else, withdrawals were terrible and I started looking for help. I started taking fish oil, vit C and niacin, after reading several posts and articles. While I still have withdrawals, I have found them less severe and much more manageable, especially the brain zaps. I actually feel as though I can function again. So, I just wanted to share and spread hope. This is working for me, and I hope it might work for others too. Good luck and hang in there – get off this horribly debilitating drug as soon as you can. Deb :-)
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I gave been taking Effexor XR 150 mg for 15 years, I want to stop taking this drug and I’m afraid I would like to use the forum to help me through the process of weaning. I guess my first step is to see my doctor. How long will it take to stop taking this drug at all?
Hi Carolyn, good idea! And yes, you should definitely talk to your doctor. S/he might have a specific protocol for coming off Effexor XR safely, but you could also check out a book called “The Antidepressant Solution” by Dr. Joseph Glenmullen. He’s a Harvard professor and psychiatrist, and in the book, he suggests a 2-4 month taper. I read the book only after I came off my SSRI (not the same one as you), and I really wished I’d read the book BEFORE going through the process. Your best bet is to inform yourself and talk to your doctor, and then do the taper when you’re ready. The idea is to decrease the drug at a pace that’s comfortable for you, and with withdrawal symptoms at a level that you feel you can tolerate. It makes sense! Some can go a bit faster and some a bit slower. Take care, and good luck! C
I’ve been on Effexor XR 75 for over 15 years and prior to that on prozac and two others. I no longer want to be addicted to this drug! I feel flat and not able to experience joy or true sorrow. I question now after 20 yrs why I was ever prescribed an antidepressant to begin with. My new doctor prescribed a lower dose of 37.5 and wants me to stay on that for a few months. Since that is the lowest dose for Effexor XR, does one just stop this altogether? I read the book you mentioned but it doesn’t specifically talk about Effexor; it’s mostly about Paxil. Reading this blog has me frightened. I’m 69 yrs old and I don’t have a real good support system. Any suggestions anyone?
I have started weaning one month ago 150 to 75 to 37.5. Did not experience any withdrawals issues until I came off of Effexor all together after one-month weaning. Was nervous, anxious and ready to set-off in a minute – plus cried a lot – for little things and weeped for big things. This is tough and I am hoping I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. In the interim, my doctor put me on Wellbutin (sp?).
Please help. I have been on Efexor XR for about 18 years and several months ago I began having terrible memory issues. I did some research and it appears that Effexor after long term use can cause short term memory problems. With my Dr’s support I have weaned gradually from 150mg, to 112.5mg and now to 75mg. I have been on 75mg for about two weeks now and have migraine headaches and extreme aches and pains in my hips and knees… it is so challenging. I have to take Nurofen several times a day to allow me to function, but the pain is still breaking through and it wakes me up at night, so I have to take more Nurofen. I am also taking supplements (B Complex vitamins, Flaxseed Oil tablets).
How long will this pain in my head, hips and knees last? It is unbearable.
Thanks
Mary
Hi Mary, I have been taking Effexor XR 150 mg for same time I can’t help with your concerns as I am still taking, however I want to stop can you please let me know how long it took to reduce from 150 mg to 75 mg? Are you doing well now? All the best.
Here is a suggestion to help you withdraw from effexor 150mg. Take a dose when you get up in the morning lets say 6:30am. The next day take your dose at 7:30am. The third day take it at 8:30am. Keep going up an hour each day! I’m on my 10th day doing this. This might not help everyone, but it has helped me with little or no side effects!
I have been on Effexor XR 75mg for approx. 17 years. A month ago I decided that I no longer want to be on this drug. So I have been tapering off by reducing the number of granules every day. So yesterday was the first day Effexor free. Today I feel like hell. Sick, constant brain shivers, electrical zaps in my legs, nausea, muscle and joint pain. And now I read that the withdrawal symptoms may take months or a year to subside.
Ok so I have been on effexor xr 75mg for 2 months, I was basically dead… I gained 40 lbs and slept at least 18hrs every day, when I went in to see my dr I told him I wanted off, so he reduced my dosage to 37.5, he told me to take it for a week then I should be able to stop. I didn’t experience any side effects with the drop in dose, but I took my last pill 2 days ago and yesterday I started the day with a headache and nausea that hung around most of the day.
Today I called in sick to work and have been unable/uninterested in getting out of bed, I have a horrible headache and am exhausted and somewhat nauseous again… can anyone give me some insight on how long this will last or what I can do? I am also taking Lamictal 200mg and Concerta 36mg. Email me if you have any suggestions please outsidethebox(at)live.com
I was put on the generic version of Effexor 75mg ER in 2010 for severe hot flashes that weren’t controlled by hormonal replacement after surgical menopause. It was a miracle drug at first, allowing me to sleep for the first time in months. It worked as it should for it’s intended purpose for about three years when it slowly began to become less effective.
I had forgotten a pill or two over the past four and a half years but had never tracked the terrible and dysfunctional feeling subsequent to forgetting the pill until I ran out of my prescription in the middle of a move cross country. OMG! I immediately got a refill and began researching withdrawal problems with Effexor. What I read was frightening. I have never been on anti-depresseants for mood disorders so I was pretty unhappy with my doc for not telling me what I was getting into. Never again will I trust a drug until I throughly read up on it and weigh the pros and cons of taking it.
In spite of the several warnings to not go cold turkey, I decided to get off the drug without tapering because it no longer worked and I do not like being dependent on any chemical especially one that had no benefit. My symptoms have mostly been physical: Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, elevated blood pressure and pulse, ringing in my ears, cotton mouth, poor sleep, dizziness and overall physical weakness. I’ve also experienced aphasia, technicolor and disturbing dreams and the feeling of looking out at the world through a long tunnel.
The first two or three days were the worst. I could barely get out of bed or off of the couch and I didn’t care if I did which is unlike me. Very much like having a really bad case of the flu. All of my symptoms have been subsiding over the past week and I’m left with a milder morning headache and sleep and dream disturbances (though I haven’t had my BP checked in about 4 days) again very much like recovering from the flu. Compared to most of you, I got off very easy. Unless the other shoe drops, I’ve gone through most of the withdrawal in 6-7 days and I’m grateful. Best of luck to those of you dealing with this drug, it’s the devil.
I’ve been taking Effexor XR for 16 years. I know I no longer need it but am too afraid to tell my doctor because I’m terrified of the withdrawal symptoms. I went off of it cold turkey once and went through withdrawals for almost 5 months. I take 300mg and if I take any less, I feel it. Will I ever be able to get off of it??
After only 30 days on Effexor I am experiencing withdrawal. This is my fourth day off Effexor (there are no pills left). I hope it does not last long.
Today I took a Sertraline, my original medication. Now I am a little worried. Does anyone know a reason why I should not take the Sertraline (Zoloft) at this time?
The switch to Effexor was an attempt to get relief from hot flashes. I was disappointed that it did not help, but now I am glad. I am so sorry for how all have you have suffered.
I am so happy to have found this comment thread. I feel much better knowing everything I am experiencing is normal. The worst for me is the brain zaps. I have been on various anti dep for 10 years now. Effexor XL for the last 5. Just last week my doc switched me to bupropion to help me quit smoking. So I stopped the Effexor and started the bupropion. It finally hit me today that everything I am experiencing was from withdrawal of Effexor and not the side affects of bupropion. It’s HELL!!!! But I have spent all day reading and reading information on these drugs and I am so angry at myself.
I’m going to continue on this journey and get off these drugs. I want them out of my system. I am not sure how it feels to be “normal”. The withdrawals just prove how strong these drugs are on our system. I can’t live like that. I’m going to take vitamins, plenty of water, omega 3’s are supposed to help tremendously. I also read ginger root in smoothies is another great detoxin to help rid the cells of this drug among other things. Good luck to each of you. Looks like we are all in it together. I don’t feel so alone anymore. Thank you each for your story!!!!
I’m on my fourth day of going cold turkey, feeling goodish, had a incidents from a third party, but was impressed how well I conducted myself. No headaches, but some dizziness, but it’s the ringing in my ears, that’s Doing my head in !! Been tied, and dopey !! So dopey not being able to make sense of what people are saying to me, but on saying that, these people I think lack in communication skills, and a few dopey experiences that have made me laugh.
Have had a few crying spells, but as I have nothing really to cry about and they only lasted 2-3 minutes, wasn’t too bothered. Had some great retail therapy , I can recommend that. Going to start multi vitamins today. I wish us all the best of luck coming off medication – to a bright and positive future xx
I been on Effexor 225mg Since 2012, was put off work due to cts so cannot afford the meds. Stopped cold turkey, got all the messed up withdrawal symptoms but want to give my liver a break and dont want to go back to pills. Instead got a medical marijuana card and it works so much better than anti depressants and tranquilizers. Feel great, happy, productive and chilled out. Not trying to be any ones enabler but just sharing my experience. Good luck
I’m glad I read these posts. I AM 2 MONTHS OFF EFFEXOR- Still experiencing symptoms…
I was taking 75 mg for 9 years and tapered over the course of 3 months. About two weeks after hell broke lose. I have experienced tingling feeling in my head, numbness in my head, migraines, I am CONSTANTLY TIRED (so annoying), anxiety has returned and taken the form of extreme health anxiety.
*Side note- having brain zaps? Take Fish oil… a strong one.. I took 6 per day and brain zaps vanished…. Now I take 3 a day just to maintain my sanity lol…
What I mean by this is that even after reading that all of you have had similar symptoms within the past two months I have gotten a brain MRI (thought the tingling and migraines could be something worse), Echocardiogram (the chest pain and shortness of breath worried me about my heart), Breast ultrasound, Pelvic ultrasound. You name it I’ve done it because I keep telling myself HOW COULD ALL OF THESE FEELINGS BE FROM A PILL I STOPPED TWO MONTHS AGO? But guess what… Every dang test came back perfectly fine. I am trying to reduce this health anxiety but if its not me worrying about one things its another. I have even questioned whether or not my heart could have suddenly changed since my echo 1 month ago… or if my brain could have mysteriously formed a problem (I don’t even like saying the t or c word)… but this is all extremely irrational. It’s the medicine. Remind yourself that.
Some days I cry because “I just want to feel better… I just want to feel happy again”
Good news? I can feel again.. I was a little numb on the effexor.. AND I’ve lost 25 lbs in 2 months… It was like someone opened the valve of the balloon effexor created and the weight is just seeping away. The important thing to remember is WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT. No one will go through an identical withdrawal experience so its important to stay positive and lead a healthy lifestyle until these horrific symptoms dissipate.
Best of Luck and keep in touch.
P.S. Anyone have any of these symptoms I’ve described? I cant seem to kick the weird head sensations and extreme fatigue.
How are you feeling now?
Hi there :) I am 2 months off after 2 years on and I’m still struggling. How much longer did it last for you? I too am struggling with anxiety health mainly :(. Any response would be great.
Hi all. I was on Effexor 75mg for 6 months and it just numbed me. I took my last Effexor 76 hours ago and the symptoms you are all describing started after 24 hours, especially those horrible ‘brain zaps’. I want you to read up about vitamin b3 (Niacin) and how blasting your system with high doses of this totally natural vitamin can act as a replacement to anti-depressants and also counteracts these horrible side-effects.
Rather than me writing it all out here, please, for your own positive mental well-being, do your research on Niacin and give it a try. It’s very likely that your body isn’t able to absorb enough of this vitamin from the food your eating and there is a direct link between a lack of b3 and depression, some of us just lack the gene involved. Omega oils are also essential. I’ve been on Niacin for about two months now with a view to getting off Effexor and within just a few days, my life had dramatically changed for the better.
I wish I had known about it before I went on Effexor. My dose is 1200 mg per day (normal b3 rda is just 100 mg). Early days yet, I know, on the giving up Effexor front, but I’m going to stick with it and believe Niacin is the key.
I’ve only been on Effexor for six months at 20mg, which is a minute amount compared to the prescriptions listed here. I weaned myself off it successfully by moving to 10 and then 5 a couple months ago. I subsequently went through some major life stressors and put myself back on it. I just went off of it cold turkey four days ago…..omg! Insomnia, dizziness, anorexia….it’s a killer. My heart goes out to all of you. It’s now on my “never again” list!
My psychiatrist reduced my daily dosage of Effexor XR from 450 mg down to 375 mg about 17 days ago. I was only on the 450 mg for about two months. Here at Day 18, I am still having physical withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, earaches, and headaches. Anyone know how much longer I can expect to have these physical withdrawals? Ibuprofen (600 mg) does almost nothing for the pain.
I was on Effexor for 5 years, ending in 2008. The tapering was HELL, and this was (surprisingly) before any documentation of just how hard it is to ween off and the effects of doing so. The withdrawal-inducing brain zaps had me go get an MRI on my head since this effect was undocumented only to find out later it was the medication. While weening for months, I was down to taking the granules out of the pill it was so terrible. The unbelievably short half life of the medication meant brain zaps and mental fog would come easy whether the medication was half a day late or a full day.
The unfortunate part of these medications is that they don’t actually ‘fix’ you. Whether it’s because you don’t produce enough of a neurotransmitter(s) or your receptors are insensitive or there isn’t enough of them, these medications just block the re-uptake of neurotransmitters (depending on your med), overwhelming the receptors in hopes of flooding them to achieve a ‘normal’ mood. This can have detrimental effects on it’s own.
I started talking Venlafaxine 75 mg for anxiety in January. About two weeks ago I decided to quit cold turkey. I know that is not recommended by anyone or any doctor but I didn’t like the person I was while on the medication anymore. It was like nothing phased me. The first 4 days were absolutely horrific BUT i took some fish oil so that helped a lot with the brain zaps.
I had Tylenol for the headaches and I drank only water…no coffee soda or juice. I also drank Yogi drtox tea three times a day. This should help push this stuff out of your system. I also found natural remedies for anxiety and stress and purchased a bottle of Anxiety and Stress from Natural Wellbeing. I take that everyday and I am starting to feel like myself again. I have been free of this pill for 12 days…I have no more nausea….no more brain zaps…crying spells…its been rough but with the help of God and the great support system I have (family and friends)…I now know I will be okay!
So if you are on Effexor and trying to get off you can do this! I wouldn’t suggest cold turkey but hopefully some of the things i listed helps! If you are NOT on this drug DO NOT TAKE IT! Find natural ways to help yourself…this is not a road you want to go down.
Thank you everyone for the comments they are all very helpful. I too would like to let everyone know that even though the side effects are horrible and at times you may feel like giving up, it’s absolutely worth it!!! I have been on varied doses for about 6 years and have just now decided that I needed to get off them. I am now two weeks “sober” and am already feeling much better. I personally used the taper effect. You truly do have to take one day at a time. I still have my bad days. Good luck to everyone I hope all of you can successfully ween off the medication and reek the benefits!!!
I have been on 300mgs of xr for years and am currently 12 weeks pregnant. I feel so alone terrified ect… i hear horror stories about babies being born with issues even dying. I can’t even pour a few capsule beads out with out going into horrible withdrawal. Absolutely miserable being told me and baby could die if i stop, but if i stay on my baby could still pass. Drs seem so oblivious about the withdrawal. I see 4 drs just for my pregnancy. I’m completely torn.
Here’s what I have to say to “Bragging Brenda” in her comments of August 3rd. Don’t be so egotistic and full of yourself. Your symptoms which you say are gone could return at any time and no positive attitude in the world is going to get rid of the severe headaches, the brain zapping, and the lightheadness. We each have our roads to travel. It’s great that you think you are better than the rest of us because you have a “positive attitude” but personally I would just rather hear a little less bragging.
Wow, no need to make personal attacks, first. And second, I see nothing wrong with Brenda’s comments. We are all obviously struggling, have some compassion for others!
I have been on 150 mg Effexor twice a day for 15 years. I now have a gastric problem and have to take a medication called Reglan. The Reglan can not be taken with the Effexor so they want me to stop the Effexor forever. I am very worried.
Reglan has horrible neurological side effects! My GI doctor suggested a medication available through online Canadian pharmacies that does precisely the same thing but with NO side effects. It is called Motilium. It helps your stomach empty, which is what Reglan does, and it works perfectly. Fairly inexpensive too! I HIGHLY recommend your switching.
I have withdrew from other drugs and it was hell. However, the withdrawal from Effexor was even worse. Other drugs I have gone cold turkey (non antidepressants). I have plenty of will power. But with the Effexor, I feared for my life. Nearly all of the withdrawal effects were physical, not emotional (did not get depressed or anxious or anything).
Irregular heart beat, extreme blood pressure fluctuations, sweats, respiratory distress, and overall body pain. But it was the blood pressure and heart palpitations that worried me the most. So I decided to wean slowly. It was a long, long process. About a year. Even when I was down to 5mg, I couldn’t just stop. I had to go to 2mg, then go every other day on 2mg. I was cutting up my pills into the tiniest pieces (they weren’t XR anyway).
And it wasn’t placebo, bkz sometimes I would not remember that I didn’t take it and all of the sudden I would get hit with the side effect, and I would be like “what the heck is going on”, then I would remember that I forgot to take it. Anyhow, all good now, but man, it was a long arduous process. Good luck
Reading all of your blogs has been an eye opening experience. Like many off you I thought I was the only one suffering nasty withdrawal effects from Effexor ER. I was on 300mg a day for almost 4 years. I spoke to my therapist 3 months ago about stopping the drug and he told me to tapper slowly off it. I decided to cut my dosage in half (I didn’t tell my doctor about this, I just did it). My doctor had wanted me to reduce my dosage by only 25mg per month. It was actually empowering to make a decision about my mental health. I had withdrawals for 4 or 5 days and then things settled down. Over that 4 or 5 days the symptoms markedly reduced each day becoming more tolerable each day.
5 days ago (5th Sepetember 2014) when my prescription ran out I stopped cold turkey. I was had been taking 150mg and now I take 0mg. Again, I felt empowered I had made this decision. I have been wanting to get off this medication for a while and my therapist kept convincing me to stay on it. He does not know I have stopped it and to be honest I don’t think he will really care. I’m just a paycheck to him.
I nievely thought that my withdrawals this time would again only last 4 or 5 days. Well I was very wrong!!!!!!! They are awful and much worse then when I cut my dose from 300mg to 150mg, 3 months ago. I feel nautious all day and night, the brain zaps are driving me crazy, I’m so angry all the time, I’m sweating perfously and having horrible nightmares when I eventually fall asleep. I feel absolutely drained and exhausted, more exhausted then I’ve felt in a very long time. I am a primary school teacher and it’s really hard to go to work at the moment. I’m really scared I’ll over react to the students behaviour and that is just not fair on them. I will not give up and go back on the drug. I know the withdrawals will eventually pass and my brain fog will clear and I’ll be able to sleep again I just hope it happens sooner rather then later.
Good luck
I have suffered from depression (and related anxiety) for most of my life. When I was young I went into therapy for 3 years which helped greatly and I also acquired some good skills to help deal with it. As I got older I was able to rally at times and kind of kick myself out of a depressive state. In my forties when I was still raising my family and taking care of my elderly parents, I finally asked my doctor for some help. She put me on Zoloft which helped for awhile. She then sent me to a psychiatrist.
He had me try a couple other drugs which would work for awhile but eventually stop giving me relief. He finally put me on Effexor XR. It was a very good drug for me and I was on it for many years. It was exhausting dealing with depression and related anxiety for so many years and being able to take medication for it was an incredible relief. After years on Effexor XR, it finally stopped working. My psychiatrist weaned me off of it. I thought I was doing ok with the withdrawal but then I started unraveling.
My doctor was trying to find another antidepressant to help me but nothing seemed to be working. My depression just kept getting worse. I stopped doing everything. All I wanted to do is stay in bed and sleep if I could and I desperately wanted to get away from the emotional pain. It was excruciating beyond words. I had no interest in anything or anyone. I am fortunate as I have a wonderful husband and family and they were taking care of me. I was having suicidal thoughts and I also felt I was going into a vegetated state.
I was very scared. I told my doctor he might need to hospitalized me. The point of this is my doctor finally found the right drug combination to bring me back from my living hell. I know why people take their lives now and have great sympathy for them and their love ones. These drugs so many of us are prescribed these days are not to be taken lightly. Be careful and do your own research. They need to be prescribed by a good, qualified doctor preferably a psychiatrist and one with which you have a comfort level.
I am now 68 years old and I know I need to be medicated and will have to be the rest of my life. Thank God the medications are there for people like me. Remember Effexor XR worked for me for many years. My experience with Effexor XR withdrawal was a bad one but we all experience these drugs differently whether side effects from being on them or withdrawal symptoms from going off of them. It doesn’t mean their bad for everyone. Online forums are good and provide a wealth of information. Sometimes though, only the negatives get posted. I hope someone can gleam something from my experience. Keep trying to find a solution and don’t give up hope!
Doesn’t sound like a good situation to be in at home. I am sorry about that. Do what is comfortable to you. In the end all that matters is how you think and feel. My struggle is far from over and I pray for yours as well. Take care and believe in yourself, only you can be the change. Hugs (u)
Today no headache…yet. But I took the Effexor last night. Now I’m going to try to be off for a week unless my therapist says otherwise. And off the Wellbutrin only every other day for a couple more weeks. I will do what my therapist says. He is so knowledgeable and he is so professional. If you find a good therapist you can get along with a lousy doctor who is only good for yearly physicals, I guess. I’ll have zaps again tomorrow or Tuesday and then I won’t have a positive thought. The best help is to be outside as much as possible. Is there hope for the long range. I do not have a family or friends to notice the difference because I will not share this with anyone. They are not open to mental health issues. They are not even open to physical health issues. To them, a person either stays well or dies and there’s no in between. There’s no such thing as needing to take care of yourself. So I have to go it alone or spend the rest of my life having them all say I am “crazy”.
The Lorazepam and Clonazepam are the first I cut along with 150mg of Wilburtrin. On the last week I cut Effexor. ..It was hard. Restless nights of no sleep, nightmares, sweats and self doubt. I rarely get nightmares now but the most important thing I gained from this is the ability to make conscious decisions. I was living in a mist before and now I can see clearly. It was my decision to change the way I thought about things. I have to retrain my brain…my friends, family, children and my partner have noticed a big difference in my behavior. The pills were there when I wanted to escape. I wanted to stop running.
Karen, do you think you could have gotten through it without the lorazepam and the clonazepam. I know those are controlled drugs and Effexor also should be a controlled drug. At the very lease not used for more than 6 months. I did take 150 mg last night and the brain zaps lessened but still a loud buzzing in my head. Woke up at 4 and started jerking. Lasted about 10 minutes. Seemed uncontrollable, then it stopped. I tried deep breathing to make it stop sooner. Also photophobia since I stopped Effexor – need to wear dark glasses just like after an eye refraction test. Tell me what would you do. I am taking Wellbutrin 300 mg and have stopped it at the same time except 1 or 2 a week (that’s probably just a crutch that isn’t doing anything anyway). Would you keep trying to get through it. Would you start the pills again? Would it be easier to just take them the rest of my life like my internist suggested? I think he should take it for a year, then tell me what he has told me up until now. It’s like others have said. They don’t know. They haven’t taken the drug but I am amazed that my therapist knows. He has spent more time dealing with these after effects because the internist just tells his nurse to get rid of that caller.
My dosage was 300mg/day. I was on Effexor for 8 years. May 29th was the last day I took any antidepressant. I was also on anti anxiety medications Lorazepam 2mg as needed and Clonazepam 2mg twice per day and sleeping pills. In 3 weeks I was medically watched and tapered off all medication. I have suffered through dizziness, irritability, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
It is now September and I still suffer from little anxiety and reduced depression. I am managing my disorders with a mental health worker seen every two weeks and learning coping skills. I can now think without my thoughts being clouded. I can not sleep through the night but I get enough rest. Most of all I am in full control of my thoughts and actions. I am no longer addicted to pills.
Congrats. its nice saying “no longer addicted to pills”. I kicked Lorazapam cold. Was on about 8-10mg/day, sometimes more. That’s kind of like kicking heroin. After three days you stop shaking, and start returning to normal from there (at least for me). But kicking Effexor was a whole different story. Kudos to you.
I have been on Effexor 150 for 6 or 7 years. My doctor said I could take it the rest of my life. He said it would do no harm. There would not be side effects. He said there is no withdrawal if you stop. I thought my doctor knew everything. Now I know he was parroting what the drug reps told him. He did not find out. I stopped 8 months ago when I forgot to take it for 10 days. I called and he didn’t even talk to me.
He just told his nurse to relay a message. After several desperate sobbing calls he told his nurse to tell me I needed to see a psychiatrist. She said I wouldn’t be able to get in for 6 months or more. He said to keep the next appointment I had with him in a week. By then I had realized I hadn’t been taking Effexor and I started again. So I told him what happened. Then he told me what some people claim they had for withdrawal symptoms. He never told me that before.
He admitted he didn’t know what to do for my frantic symptoms a week before so he just said I should see a psychiatrist. My doctor is in internal medicine. He was one of the top in his medical class 20 years ago. I thought he was empathetic. I thought he cared about his patients. That week I learned when he didn’t know, he just didn’t handle the situation. He did not even talk to me. His nurse said “we are here for you”. That was when she said I wouldn’t be able to see a psychiatrist for 6 months.
That is how my doctor was “there for me”. Now I am seeing a therapist. He knows there are horrible withdrawal symptoms. He knows I want to get off the meds. I am just a person who always does things right away, I never do things gradually. so that’s why I quit. I want him to think I reached my goal. My friend says “are you still on that drug?” I want her to think I have gotten off of it. I want to please. This morning I had brain zaps ..continuous. And the headache is horrible. I’ve taken pain pills with no help. I have NO support.
I want to call my therapist but it is the weekend. He said I could call but he needs his time off. I think I am going to die. I am so afraid. I have no one to talk to. So then I cry and the stress makes it worse. If I can relax it is better. I felt sick all day. I ate chicken broth only. Can anyone help me . can anyone say I matter. can anyone tell me whether I should start taking the pill at least every other day or should I just wait until I see my therapist in 3 days? Please let me know what you would do.
Don’t know if I am getting into this discussion or not as I am not very computer savvy. I am having almost all the withdrawal symptoms mentioned by all of you after taking effexor ONLY 17 DAYS. I quit when I realized it was causing severe constipation. It is a horrible drug and I am angry with my doctor for prescribing it without mentioning a word about side effects or withdrawal symptoms. I am elderly and also have fibromyalgia, which makes the withdrawal even worse. I am so upset to learn that these symptoms can last up to a year or more. Thanks for letting me vent.
Cornhusker, I know this is a few months later and I am praying that you are OK! Listen to me! You are more than OK and you more then matter. I have been prescribed more meds then anyone could count and I KNOW what everyone is expressing here. My first reaction, Anger! I have seen,watched, and read good and decent people have their lives turned upside down because of a jack ass of a college educated Dr. thinks he knows best. I had one doctor many years ago who hardly ever perscibed nor referred patients to psychiatrists and others getting them trapped in an endless Insurance and medical nightmare.
He told you the Truth! “don’t get mixed up in those meds” he would say. Yes, some diagnosis require meds, but they have gotten wrapped up in the business of pharmaceutical companies and kickbacks. Do the research! If they would just read some of these comments, making a million shouldn’t be first and people’s well being second. Why would any well educated decent Human Being put an innocent person thru this, turning their lives, their jobs, and their families on the line. At least educate the patient and tell them Everything!
Make an informed decision with the patient best interest in mind. Where are these doctors when it all falls apart. I was put on Oxycotin for a bad back within months of being diagnosed. I LOST EVERYTHING! Where was the doctor? Praying I didn’t sue him for malpractice. My heart goes out to each and every person here and those that read. When someone posts wondering if they matter anymore? That pisses me off. I am all for suing every drug company that manufactures this stuff.
I will be the first to say that some medications have changed peoples lives for the better. Great! Success stories are wonderful to hear! But when it doesn’t go well, most cases, at some point, it is the responsibility of the prescribing doctor to step up, own up, help, and not disappear! I pray you all have made it! I am off everything! Every pain med, suboxone, Klonopin, effexor er, prozac, Zoloft, you name it. It has been a month off effexor and just starting to feel “normal” again! They, of course, never explained how it rolled.
I BEGGED my doctor to take me off twice. When I demanded because, funny thing, It’s my life, he looked at me and asked, why didn’t you ask me? I used more self control that moment then any other time in my life! It took everything I had not to knock him into last month. I could tell by the look on his face he knew I meant it. God Bless each one of you and anyone reading this. My faith has gotten me through and leveled me, hope you all can find yours.. Life is meant to be happy and Joyful.. Not hurtful!
Cut back to half a tablet of 75mg for a week then stopped dead. Main effect is light headed and a feeling of lookin at things from the back of my head. Hard to explain. Otherwise not so bad. Was a bit tired first few days.
I don’t know if my experience with Effexor XR will be helpful, but i hope so. I have been taking 150 mg for 3.5 years. I lost my job 6 weeks ago-and am no longer insured. Since I can’t afford to pay for the Effexor, I decided to wean myself off….and so far ( fingers crossed)….. It hasn’t been too terribly bad. I have missed doses in the past, so am quite familiar with the horrible withdrawal symptoms. What I have been doing is waiting until I start to feel withdrawal symptoms.
When I do… I immediately take a pill. I feel sick for maybe an hour or so…but it is tolerable. The length of time between doses that it takes to feel symptomatic has steadily increased over the past 4 weeks. This morning I realized that it has been 4 days since my last pill and I feel OK, that is no symptoms of withdrawal. Over the years I have been off/on other antidepressants ( including Effexor), and have always tapered off the meds.
This way seems to be working just as we’ll for me and is taking less time. I have to say that there has been a couple of times during this process that I took a pill prior to being symptomatic. That was when I was going to bed and was afraid that I would wake up symptomatic. As I said earlier, it has been 4 days and I am cautiously hopeful that I’ve successfully weaned myself off. I hope that my experience can be helpful. I would like to wish everyone Good Luck and please take care.
I am going to try that. I went 3 days and then could not stand it anymore. If what you are saying is right, it might work for me. I can only hope.
I have been off effexor Xr for six weeks. I am still not sleeping well, and have severe fatigue. I some days don’t move off the couch.
There are support groups out there now to help people withdraw from Effexor so you can understand what to expect and know you are not alone. David some people are able to cold turkey but if you are one of those that it backfires on it can be hell and make the w/d longer. You are at 4 wks and I hope all goes well for you. Gut health is important so maybe you are one of the lucky ones. It has nothing to do with being “strong” Effexor can kick anyones a** I find a lot of the people do come back and share after they are off Effexor and they also come back to help others going through this ordeal. Surviving antidepressants is a good group and Facebook has groups too.
Hi all, I just want to share my experiences with those reading these forums, searching for answers, looking for help, reaching out for support.
Over the past four years I would have spent HUNDREDS of hours on forums/sites such as this, in a desperate bid to find the ‘key’ all the medical professionals were missing in their attempts to ameliorate the symptoms of EXTREME DEPRESSION I experienced, and to further understand the medications I was prescribed (LOADS!), and if I was ever to get better, how I would cope when I the time came to stop taking even just one of the medications I was prescribed.
Just for some context, I’m a 36 year old Australian male. For my entire life, I would have to say that I had a tendency toward depression and anxiety, however, four years ago, I had surgery on my spine and this triggered a COMPLETE inward collapse – without telling you all what you already know about your own depression/mental illness, I experienced all of the classic symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, Severe General Anxiety Disorder and extreme chronic pain due to my surgery and the nature of my spine injury. At my peak medication period, a little over 6 months ago, my daily medication regimen consisted of – 425mg Effexor XR, 2000mg Seroquel, 45mg Endone, 20mg Fentanyl Transdermal Patch (applied every 3 days), 18mg Clonazepam, 90mg Oxazepam, with a good mix of ‘let’s try you on this for a bit’ thrown in too.
Remember, 6 months ago (as of 29 Aug 2014), I was taking ALL of this, EVERYDAY, along with weekly sessions with a psychiatrist.
My psychiatrist went on annual leave for three weeks, 7 months ago. We decided together that since my mental health was stable at TERRIBLE, I wouldn’t benefit from seeing someone different while he was away.
One week into his absence, I figured that the only course of treatment we HADN’T tried, was FEWER medications, not more.
Without his knowledge or consent, I immediately stopped taking ALL medication, with the exception of 425mg Effexor (caveat: I cannot urge enough the importance of discussing with your medical practitioner ANY and ALL decisions to change/reduce/increase/modify your particular medication profile. It is extremely important, for a raft of reasons, that your treating physician knows EXACTLY where you’re at. Being fully cognisant of the importance of this, I went ahead with my chosen course of action. Again, DO NOT DO THIS!).
Two days later, I noticed a DRAMATIC improvement in my mental health. The only way to describe how I felt is ‘fixed’. I was better. Better than ever. That lasted less than three days.
Then the hell began. Again, I’m not going to go into details about what a lot of you already know regarding the what can be completely debilitating challenges of stopping any or all of these meds (but please contact me if you’d like to know ANYTHING at all about my process/progress/experience).
What I do want to focus on with this post are my POSITIVE experiences. After spending so much of my own time on forums/blogs/websites, I KNOW this is a voice that is out there, it’s just missing from the sites we seek for information and reassurance that we can get better, and that not all of the horror stories you will read are true.
I have two theories regarding the proliferation of terrifying news out there, and the dearth of positive. Well, one theory, and one fact.
We all want to get better, so we read, absorb, share, learn as much as we can. The most common questions we all ask are ‘how is this going to affect me?’, ‘for how long?’, ‘how much more shit am I going to have to go through?’, ‘what are the side effects/withdrawals?’ etc. Then through our collective experiences, there’s an online knowledge base we refer to for those answers. But here’s the problem, ALMOST ALL THE ANSWERS are TERRIFYING, so our despair grows deeper, and we are more likely to avoid taking steps that in a lot of cases could lead to dramatic improvements in our mental health and wellbeing.
Why are the answers all so terrifying? How can it be that all these drugs that help people so much, can also cripple them so much?
Theory One Through Personal Experience: people get well. MILLIONS of them (like ME!). And in nearly all cases, those people close that excruciating chapter on their lives, they move on, and don’t return to ‘the knowledge base’. There are UNFATHOMABLY more positive outcomes out there that we simply don’t hear about because people get well and start to rebuild their lives. And good on them. The only problem for the rest of us is that the people who asked the same questions we all did don’t go on to feed back in to the ‘knowledge base’ loop with their POSITIVE recovery experiences. They get on with life. I was aware of this while seeking my own answers and reassurances that things will get better during the crushing depths of withdrawing from – remember, Cold Turkey and LOADS of – medications. I promised myself that if I ever got even remotely better, I would feed back into the loop with my positive experiences.
So, regarding Effexor XR alone (forgetting all the others for now, but again, contact me if there’s anything you’d like to know). Four weeks ago, this time in discussion with my psych, I told him I wanted to stop taking the Effexor. He said ‘fine, we’ll start the taper, with monthly reductions at 10%’. I said ‘no, I will start the taper tomorrow at 100%. I won’t be taking it at all (remember, my daily dose was 425mg – that’s a very high dose)’. He objected, but I reminded him that I went cold turkey on an extreme cocktail of very potent prescription meds. I have already experienced the agony of both severe depression, and of cold turkey withdrawals. I’ve been through hell twice, I can give it another crack. He agreed, but I would be closely monitored.
What’s my POSITIVE message? Four weeks ago, I was on 425mg Effexor XR. The next day I was on zero. Today, I am on zero. Despite some very minor ‘annoyances’, my withdrawal from Effexor was non-existent (however, I am still experiencing some ongoing ‘annoyances’).
I think the take-home from what I’m trying to convey is that everyone’s experiences will be different. Sure, some people will experience the full gamut of terrible withdrawal symptoms (and for those of you that do, hang in, be strong, things WILL GET BETTER), but I’d be prepared to stake a lot that THE VAST MAJORITY of people don’t, we just don’t hear from them, because they closed that nasty ass book. The internet has its virtues, but it’s got more than its fair share of vices. PLEASE, don’t absorb just the terrible experiences you read about, there’s FAR more extraordinarily positive messages that we just don’t hear.
This post is probably long enough for now (is anyone still with me?! Ha), so I’ll leave the FACT about the negative messages we read for another time.
If anyone would like to contact me for any support or advice, I’d love to help if I can – david(underscore)ingram(at)mac(dot)com
Sincere best wishes to you all.
David
You are awesome and If I could formulate a better response right now I would. I hope this reply finds you well and adjusting to life w/out Effexor. I am only on day 2 w/ out it after 14 years of 150 mgs. The brain zaps and crying symptoms might be the death of me.
Thank you for the comments. I stopped taking Effexor 75mg 2 weeks ago and am experiencing many of the symptoms expressed by others. I began seeking advice via the internet a few days ago and was wondering why, until now, had not read one word about anyone getting over the terrible withdrawal symptoms and being able to go on with their lives in a positive manner. What I want to know at this point is how long the nausea, headache, gastrointestinal, dizziness, etc., might go on. I know that each person has a different healing process but, sometimes you can look at all the information and estimate, based on your own body chemistry, about how long it might be.
Bearing in mind that this is just an estimate and may be longer or shorter, it at least gives me something to look forward too. Further, I do understand the positive nature of being able to vent and share our mutual experiences. I am so glad these forums exist…I thought I was going crazy. Thank you all so much for sharing your experience. I admire all of you for the strength you have shown and wish you all the best in your struggle. Furthermore, someone mentioned legal action with respect to this medication and I am so with you. If I had known what I could expect if I ever wanted or needed to stop these meds I would not have started them.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing and not forgetting to provide hope for those of us that have decided to stop cold turkey; off at a 100%. Looking forward to getting better and eventually withdrawal symptoms subsiding.
Hi David, thanks for posting this info. I was on 225mg for about 15 years, prior to that Zoloft for about the same amount of time, and before that sinequin (sp?) for about another 5 years. I want to be in charge. I was sick of not feeling anything, flat constantly – no highs no lows. I just want to feel. I am guilty of running on adrenaline and giving to everyone else, particularly at work, but nothing left for me.
Every time I go on holiday I get sick, every single time.. Something has to give, so I decided to wean off drop a tablet a week for 3 weeks, after about 4th day of nothing, felt disassociated, a bit unsteady and sweats (going through menopause as well!) reading these accounts are making me more determined to be clean again. I have adopted clean eating and am including probiotics as recent research indicates a direct relationship between mental health and lack of healthy gut flora. So… Will persevere!
Thank you David – your post is not just brilliant but a really bright light at the end of the tunnel. All the best for you!
Hi David, Are you ok now without effexor? I have reduced 75mg to half and I take three other day until a stop definitively. I have no depression, just hot flashes that make me crazy. Lord Jesus help me!! Thanks
I have been on this f*cking drug for 2 months! I went cold turkey because my doctor said that was the only way. I was taking Pristq but because of my medical insurance I could not afford to pay 215.00 a month for it. (Thank you Obama). I want to be drug free so I can reevaluate my self and my life. Effexor withdrawal is f*cking hell. I don’t think that after only being on it for 2 months I should have every symptom. The brain zaps and crying and hostility are the absolute worst. My husband says I need to be medicated but he just doesn’t understand what the withdrawal does to you.
The drug was worse. I could have cared less if I stopped at a stop sign or that I was driving on the wrong side of the road. We had a great sex life until Effexor took that from me. I loved that I didn’t want to eat. I was losing weight. I still am with the withdrawal. I still do not care if I eat. But I force myself sometimes. I want to lose some weight so I am taking vitamins. I had a huge horrible blow up with my family last night because of this drug withdrawal. Why do they allow this drug to be out there when nothing I seen about being on it or stopping it is beneficial to anyone. I know I am rambling and jumping around but this is how my brain is working right now.
Please if you are reading this to do research about taking this drug DO NOT take it. I wish I would have researched it. This is not the life I want to live. I wish I could take a vacation at work until I have come out of this. It is so freaking hard not to have any symptoms at work. Thank fully I have a semi private desk area and a bathroom close by that I can run to when I need to have a meltdown. But I have only told one person that I am close with at work my situation because I do not need the label that she is not right. So far so good at work. Thank God.
I would hate to have an “episode” at work and make them wonder who they are paying an awesome wage to. Right now I feel normal. When I started writing this I was a blithering crying idiot. At least the wonderful bright side of this withdrawal is that when I want a hug or cuddle time with my husband. I said some pretty horrible things to him last night during my blow up that I hate that I can not unsay. Which is what I have found to be the absolute worst withdrawal symptom of this drug. You say it because it pops into your head, you regret that it left your mouth and it is something that you would never ever want or say ever.
But one thing someone says triggers the anger and hate. I wish there was something I could take while coming off of this. But then I would have to come off of that too. And after this I never want to have to withdrawal again from anything. I will go to vapor cigarettes when I decide to quit but never again even in hell will I go cold turkey from anything. I want to sue the drug companies for saying this drug is great.
I hope a lawyer reads these posts and wants to file a class action against the drug companies for what they deem as a safe drug. Some how I think that if I would have not been so against pot and smoked it once in a while I would not be where I am right now. So hopefully I can find the light at the end of this hell and hold on and make it there.
I know how you feel, I really do. My doctors have put me on and switched me around so much, Started with xanax, then zoloft, then cymbalta, and then effexor. Getting all this out of my system has been a nightmare. I have depression, disc degeneration, arthritis. I am also on another addictive drug a doctor put me on, ativan 1 mg 3x a day. I stopped the effexor, after a little over a month.
I’m taking tramadol to relieve my pain and ativan. I also wish a lawyer would see the post. I have not been me for over 15 years. Right now I throw up all the damn crap, and I feel like my brain is messed up. I have had weird dreams, can’t sleep. I’ve had memory loss. Thing is can a lawyer help? I wish these doctors that switch you around and make you an experiment would try these drugs they are so happy to give you.
I can’t lift over 10 pounds at work. I get humiliated, treated like crap, I cry, I’m trying so hard to do this while people test me everyday. I am crying as I reply because no one out there will help or understand what is happening. I took a few days off from work and actually considered going into drug rehab and I’m not a drug addict. I’m poisoned by antidepressants doctors hand out and make you feel like an experiment.
If any lawyers can help us, yeah it would be great. I wish I could write the manufacturers of these drugs and tell them, how nice it is to forget peoples names you work with everyday, throw up, have brain zaps, I really don’t know what to do.
I just want to let you know, from personal experience, that Tramadol is very habit forming. I don’t mean that YOU get addicted to it, but your brain does. I was taking it for pain relief….it always worked. Then I spoke with the right individual who told me the literature on it outright lies. The body develops a physical dependence on it, and your brain will actually create pain to get its next dose. Getting off it was hard and very painful…..But please be aware. I am not anti-pharmaceutical in any way, as I’ve weighed in healthcare for 25 years. But Tramadol is pure evil!
I have been on Efexor 150 mg for 6 months or so and I have terrible symptoms the next day if I forget my dose one evening. Like dizziness, like my brain is moving independently in my skull, and when I turn my eyes from one direction to another I hear this whoozing sound- very strange. And I have terrible nausea. This medicine sucks. If I had known this, I would have never started it
Hello, I am just starting to wean this week. 150 for 1 year and thought that I could also do it cold turkey. NOT. Had no idea what kind of drug this was. Your comment struck me because I also have the problem of the brain turning and eye movement problem when I would forget a dose. You commented in August, I am just wondering how you are doing now? -Jules
Was on Effexor 225mg for 10 years – weaned off reducing down every two weeks – then 37.5mg every other day for a few days then stopped. Has been difficult first 2 week withdrawals was dizzy brain zaps foggy not sleeping well cold & hot flashes week 3 feeling so nauseous, very emotional and starting to rethink if I need to start taking again – just so tired of feeling awful! I am almost to week 5 of withdrawals – just don’t know what to do anymore.
Wow! I am honestly just reading these comments in total disbelief. I was starting to feel a complete alien and that no one at all understands and I’m going completely insane! I am going to be forever forever grateful for reading all your comments and experiences. Apart from vomiting and consuming grass I can honestly relate to every single one of you, I look back n think what I went and continue to go through is just life at it’s toughest and maybe it never was necessary for me to be on anti depressives all these years.
The ticking of your brain, the shocks down my legs the crying at the drop of a hat the anger oh the anger. But apart from all this stuff going on to ourselves it’s out poor family and surroundings that have to suffer also!! The fact that there is no real answer to help us through is upsetting but the other fact that I can now feel a sense of relief that I’m not alone, this is real stuff and I can look and feel a sense of hope from how you all a coping also.
Thank you so much, I really hope everyone is doing good and we fight this rubbish out of our bodies , not a cocky person but I know I am a nice person, fun, loving, caring not this angry heartless numb thing I am at the moment, so thank you for helping me more determined to soldier on :)
Sally –
YES!!! I too am so GRATFUL for reading yours and everyone’s comments! I feel every one of the same symptoms and can also relate to every single one of you!! I now know that I am not going crazy! I also wonder whether or not I really ever needed to be on any antidepressant. Life is not easy. I know I need to work on myself for the first time in my life…my spiritual, physical, health, emotional… I know I can do it.
I know I can get thru to the other side of this.
Thank you !
I was only on Effexor for about a month or so, after being on Lexapro for several months. Both Effexor and the Lexapro made me feel like nothing was real and I didn’t really exist… sort of defeating the point of taking an antidepressant. I’m also on Wellbutrin XL and my doc tapered me off of the Effexor, from 150mg down to 0 over the course of a few weeks. It’s been a week since I took my last Effexor and I can’t wait to get a reprieve from these withdrawal symptoms. I’m so worried I’m going to end up in the hospital again, because I haven’t felt so suicidal like this since before I went on meds.
It’s awful! Everything seems completely pointless. Not to mention the nausea, constant dizziness and confusion. I feel like I have no idea what’s going on half the time. Glad I’m not the only one going through this. (Not that anybody deserves to go through this hell.) The only thing keeping me going is knowing this is going to end at some point, and my brain will adjust back to “normal,” hopefully sooner than later.
Take your fish oil, B complex, eat foods that have amino acids. Look online for food to eat and minerals, while coming off your medication.
Hi there. I was just prescribed ventafaxile 37.5 once daily. I’m on day two. Do you know if I would I have withdrawl symptoms if I stop taking it after taking 2 days worth? I am also on bupropin 300mg which I have been on for many years. Doc wanted to slowly tapper me off bupropin. Pls help. Not liking ventafaxile at all. Thank you so much.
Stop the Effexor. I was on for a month. A pill for everything seems to be the prescription of doctors. Wellbutrin is a safe drug, as safe as they can be with minimal side effects. Would never have went on this drug if I realized side effects to get off. Week 2 of constant headaches @ times feels like back of my head being ripped off.
GO OFF IMMEDIATELY!!! I just put a call in to my doctor cuz I weaned off Effexor XR (75mg daily) after being at that dosage for about 3 years, and on a higher dose for probably the 4 years before dropping to the 75mg dosage. I weaned off with my doctor’s instructions/prescription and I can’t take it anymore! I’ve only been completely off the drug for 9 days and I’m asking to GO BACK ON IT cuz I can’t take the brain zaps, constant headache, evil mood, irritability (I threw a shoe at one of my cats this morning, I would NEVER do that normally), and nausea (even though I still have my appetite for sure). I really wouldn’t say I’ve gained weight while on it though.
My primary care doctor has been prescribing it to me at 75mg for the past maybe 3 years cuz she said it was the best thing to be on for menopause (I’ve had NO symptoms whatsoever, and I’ll be 59 in a couple of days). I’m hoping she’ll continue prescribing it to me at that dosage. I’m waiting VERY ANXIOUSLY to hear back from her office. . . I’d WAY RATHER pay my $10/month copay to NOT FEEL LIKE THIS ANYMORE!!! Good luck on this everyone, it’s an EVIL DRUG that they don’t tell you much about when they first prescribe it!!!
This sounds a bit alarming but I wish someone had said it to me 2 months ago- Effexor is not worth it! I’d highly recommend trying something else. There are tons of anti-depressants on the market that don’t have these side effects and withdrawal symptoms like Wellbutrin, Zoloft, anything else!! Not too late for you.
Thank u Brenda!!! I’ve been on Effexor 400 mg for 4 years… and others since I was 20. I am now 39. I have medicated myself for so long not with just these pills of course. But a plethora of drugs and alcohol as well. Although I haven’t drank since last Thanksgiving, I do enjoy a lil grass here and there. It when I started dabbling in grass is when I thought I was going to lose my mind. The mix was a HUGE no bueno. I was also on Lamictil. I weaned off Lamictil first… then weaned myself off of effexor. I’ve gone 3 days but the withdrawals are AWFUL. My brain zaps are up to 6 in a row. If I move my eyes, head, laying down , standing up whatever… I’m zapped. I had to take a 37.5 today. Nightmares, vomiting, crying sweating I cant sleep and debilitating aches and pains. Im a dog groomer… aint happenin. I will again, go until I can no longer stand it. I was happy to see that there would eventually be some normalcy. :)
Been on effexor for 13 years 75mg a day. It stopped working for me I think I felt numb,no emotions, flatlined. My family and friends started worrying about me. I wadnt myself anymore very depressed wanted to not be on this earth anymore. My friends came over took my pills spilt them in half to 37.5 I’m on my sixth day in lower dose. First three days were hell dizziness, nausea nightmares,brain zaps. Took Benadryl and Dramamine slight headache almost like when u get brain freeze. Today I have had no symptoms at all. Got drs appt tomm to see what meds I shoukd go on. I do have bipolar disorder ups and downs. But today I felt like I’m getting emotion back, things look clearer. Do any of you all know if this happens after going off this medication. I am feeling emotion again and hope. I’m still worried that I still have to go down from 37.5 hopefully doc can figure out what’s best meds fir me. I’m told Wellbutrin is. Anyone have any feedback for me
I was on Zoloft for about 10 years and then bridged to Effexor XR 150 mg for almost 10 years. After asking my doctor and psychologist about stopping the “FXR” XR and being told no, I finally demanded to be titrated off it based on the more than 10 side effects I was experiencing. It was turning me into a useless zombie! I have been totally off the med for about 3 days and it is downright miserable, “brain storms” if I move my head, digestive problems, now crying spells. But I’m determined to get through this, as bad as I feel right now, at least I feel alive and look forward to better days. I truly believe if I would have continued with the “EXR” XR, suicide would have been in my future. Good luck and it helps to know what other people are experiencing.
I was on paxil for twelve years. It stopped working. My old doctor put me on them for menopause. Tapered off those, was hell. Then my new doctor put me on Effexor XR, three weeks now. Taking three capfuls of 37.5 once a day. Can’t fall asleep and causing constipation. Fed up so now I am taking out 10 beads a day to slowly tapper off. I will do this for 2 weeks, see how I feel, then take out more. Eat lots of green veg, B vit, fish oil, and eat food with lots of amino acids. Even turkey meat is good gives you melatonin to help you sleep.
Hi all,
It’s so refreshing to read other peoples stories of the hideous effects this drug can have during the withdrawal period. I think I was only Venlafaxine/Effexor for a total of 7/8 months at a 150mg dosage. Earlier on during the course I felt better than I had in years – this may have been the effects of the drug or rather because I was working on something I loved at the time and that gave me a great impetus to ‘get-going’ each day – it’s always hard to know whether the drugs are working or not I find.
After a few months however I started realizing that I no longer felt as chirpy as I had (again, was this the drugs no longer working or more the fact that the piece of work I had enjoyed so much was now over). I decided to weigh up the pros and cons of the drug and decided that the fatigue and diminishing orgasm were no longer really worth it for a young man of 34.
I went and spoke to my health care team about it and my Doctor agreed that it would be foolish to continue with the Effexor and that we could try tapering of and starting on Mirtazapine as an alternative. I spent two weeks on a lower dose of 75mg of Effexor combined with a nightly dose of 15mg of Mirtazapine. I have since ended the 2 tapered weeks on EFX and am now on 30mg of Mirtazapine a night along with my usual daily 200mg of Lamictal as a mood stabilizer.
I have now been Venlafaxine/Effexor free for just over 2 weeks and, like many on here, it has been a living HELL. I am feeling no benefit whatsoever from the Mirtazapine and Lamictal and am unsure if this is purely because the withdrawal from EFX is so extreme or whether they simply just wont work for me!? I have so many of the symptoms listed and that others have spoken about. I no longer have A CLUE as to what ‘normal’ feels like??
Is this how I felt before? Is this how I’m meant to feel? Am I making up how I’m feeling? etc etc. I knew something wasn’t right when the ‘brain zaps’ were making me want to keel-over, and I had difficulty recalling the trip to the airport and subsequent holiday just a few days after returning. I feel like a zombie. I feel like i’m gonna be carted off any minute for being ‘mental’. I want to cry at the strangest of things.
I am so angry it’s scaring me (snapped really badly at strangers about 4/5 times the other night). I feel hopeless. Sad. Lost. Suicidal. Dangerous. Mad. Wild. I’m not quite sure what to do? I’m not sure if anyone else has experience of Mirtazapine after Effexor and whether or not the change worked for them? I feel like I need to stop taking anything, reassess how I am ‘REALLY’ feeling without any drugs in my body, and then start over..
Apologies for the long rant on here. I’m not even expecting an answer etc but I think it has helped to just get some of these feelings out their to like-minded people. I have wonderfully supportive friends and family around me but It feels so ‘cringey’ letting them see me like this I’d rather just hide away and hope it goes away soon.
Good luck to all those out there who are currently going through this too. It sounds SO dramatic and for those people out there who haven’t been on this stupid drug it must sound like a bunch of depressed people moaning away about how hard life is…but I think those of us on this journey know that these feelings just aren’t right. We shouldn’t be feeling like this, and even with the best will in the world, these withdrawals are pretty impossible to ‘cover-up’ or fight against.
xx
will~
I totally understand what your you’re going through! I almost feel like a failure if I can’t overcome this. I’m trying so hard to be positive and focus on the future of getting “me” back. I not only have to be strong for myself but for my kids. They deserve to have their mom back!
Tomorrow I will be EFX free for a week and still am having withdrawals…next week I’m going on vacation and am scared to death that I’ll still be suffering with these damn symptoms! I vowed to myself that no matter how crappy I feel I’m not going to let effexor get the best of me!
I actually emailed part of this article for my family members to read so they can get a sense of what I’m dealing with. I think it will help. As you know we walk on eggshells and the littlest things can set us off right now.
Wish you all the best…feel free to vent on here as often as you like. it helps to know that we aren’t alone in this craziness!
I went cold turkey off this poison and I felt like I was in what hell must be like! I’m sorry grateful I’m not alone. It’s been two weeks since I stopped and am starting to feel a little better. I was only on it for two months, thank god. Can’t wait to feel healthy again.
Will,
I too am going through withdrawal. I have been on one form or another of antidepressant over the past 14 yrs. the last 5 on this horrible drug! I pride myself on being educated, yet I allowed myself to be taken in by the experts in their field. Now, I am the one going through medication withdrawal. Today has been the fourth day of cold turkey ceasing of 225 mg. per day! I am sick to my stomach, cannot think clearly even to compose this reply!
My head is killing me, I’m extremely sensitive to light, sounds, noises? Cannot eat, but forced myself to have a piece of toast this morning and some coffee. I don’t think the coffee is helping, but it helped with the headache and brain fog feeling. I did not intend on coming off, but had a script issue and cannot afford to purchase the meds out-of-pocket. I’m confused, irritable, yet frightened to death!
My daughters are looking at me as though I forgot to take my meds, so go take them mom and you will feel “better”. After reading all the comments, knowing how I feel, that this IS real, and that with time I too can be rid of these horrible symptoms and back to feeling and doing my best. I’m determined to be FREE of this drug even if I throw up every day for a year!
Our bodies where NOT made to feel, react or ingest these chemicals EVER! I have sooo many people, work related obligations, and outcomes of legal issues going on right now that I did not need to go off the medication but after seeing what our healthcare system does to poverty stricken individuals it’s given me more determination than ever to be drug FREE for the remainder of my days!
I’m 52 yrs. young, have two wonderful daughters, a beautiful grandson, and a roof over my head. How I ever allowed a doctor to convince me to take and then increase the dosage of this medication is beyond me;-(. It saddens me further to think about all those people who never rid themselves off of prescription drugs, or street drugs. The symptoms and feelings of fear, tiredness, anger, insomnia, constant bowel movements, nausea, and electric shocks are overwhelming.
I’m sitting in the tub as I type this response up, as this is my only relief from the chills, sweats I keep having. Plus, I feel safer hearing and feeling the warm water:-)….a light at the end of the tunnel. I put a call into my therapist describing my withdrawal symptoms but have not heard back from her;-(. I realize that I am just “one” of many patients, but I wanted her to be aware of my plight. I went off on my contractor who is performing renovations at my daughters and parents homes and I don’t know if he can forgive me, as I am definitely not mySELF.
I feel and know what every person on this forum are going through as I am in bad shape. But I also know how strong willed I am. I will not allow a capsule to control me, as it has over the last 14 yrs.! We are all in the same boat. I realize this, but the doctors never tell or describe the overwhelmingly horrid side effects. Do they even know? Other than what the pharmaceutical companies list as serious or maybe some slight side effects, this drug should be banned from any person ever taking it.
I actually am feeling a wee bit more calm since writing out the emotions and ranting. I am just soooo tired, but cannot sleep! I feel sometimes as though I cannot distinguish between normal & abnormal anymore. Thank you for writing in:-). At your 34 yrs of age you hit on sooo many things I was feeling that I just had to share. Keep up the good work of being drug FREE. I know I have a long journey, but I also know I am not alone.:-(
motherof3: wow, from 225 to 0? I can only imagine how crazy you must feel. I myself am into the third week of cold-turkey withdrawal from 150 mg after about 15 years of uninterrupted use. I know my doctor would have talked me out of it, so I didn’t even consult him. (I’m not recommending doing this, this is just what made sense to me in my circumstances). I pretty much loved it at first.
I was energized, felt close to my emotions and was very hopeful for the future. Now, instead of stored up tears welling up, it is long-suppressed anger that wants out. Yes, I am more irritable and apt to snap at people. However, since I consider myself to be too much of a push over, I also enjoy that a bit. What bothers me now is insomnia. I feel absolutely drained between from 8pm on, go to sleep at about 9:30 and then am wide awake at 1.
This morning, I didn’t go back to sleep until 4:30 and have felt tired and anxious at the same time. The other worry is inability to focus and distractibility. I don’t regret the 15 years on the medicine, as it allowed me to get done what had to get done without constantly falling apart emotionally. However, now it is time for me to deal with all of my emotions and find out who it is I want to be. Good luck to you and all others going the same route.
I wanted to thank you for your response. I have been on effexor for the last 17 years. When I told my doctor a few years ago I wanted to wean off of it he actually laughed and called me crazy. Luckily we have a very close relationship and I wasn’t offended by that. We tapered down to 75mg and I was a hot mess. Beyond irritable, emotional, a crazy up and down roller-coaster where I didn’t realize who I was any longer.
I have had struggles and hardships, more than my fair share, but have always found the silver lining, the ‘it could be worse’ happy go lucky persona. I don’t feel its too much to hold those same traits without the medication, but I am scared. I was unable to get into the doctor and have been Effexor free for 3 days. The brain zaps haven’t started yet, but the hot mess would be the crying uncontrollably over nothing, followed by a self loathing for letting myself do this to myself.
How dare I? I have continued to put this stuff in my body day after day as a means to ‘cope’. Did it help in the short run? Most definitely. Has it hurt me in the long run? I have no doubt. I don’t know how long I’ll last going through this withdrawal. I get scared about feeling this way around my children. I don’t feel safe alone with them and then the self loathing becomes worse. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday but have no idea what to do going forward. I don’t want to continue on this horrible medication, but am so scared of the withdrawal.
My doctor took me off highest dosage you can take in two weeks. Took two at 150mg to 75mg. I’ve had the worse headache for over a week now. Not to mention, crying, confusion, etc. It’s horrible. God bless you all.
Go to your library and get the book Anatomy of an Epidemic. It is a good read and it may give you some insight as to what you are (or may in the future be) going through. I have lived with the (in my opinion) gradually increasing severity of side effects from this drug for some time now and after reading the above listed book I decided (after 10-15yrs of being medicated) to try a different path.
I have begun a process of weaning off effexor and will be arranging to see a psychologist to (hopefully) help with the transformation as, from what I have briefly read here, it is probably going to be very difficult. Depression is very difficult to explain to someone who has never suffered from it and therefore I think it is very important to find someone who at the very least can empathize with you and be there to talk too when necessary.
Thank you for recommending the book. I will get it.
I have completely lost my mind. Never wanted off xanax. Always worked for me. But Dea wont allow long term use any longer. So tapered off didnt like it anxiety crying heart raced. But I handled it. 6 months on Effexor I never felt it helped me at all. I don’t sleep I have ambien I go to sleep have nightmares and sleep walk. I don’t stay asleep now. I took a sanity test today I am 54 % sane. Haha. So I weened of that and onto cymbalta 4 weeks ago.
I ended up in emergency. I have spots on my frontal lobe might be MS not sure yet. I suffer from severe migraines since Jan 2014. Nerve blocks work temporarily. I have more scheduled in Nov. Cymbalta put me over the edge. I am taking oxy but pharmacy couldnt get them for a week. When I didn’t think it could get worse it did. I am having an allergic reaction to – I think the oxy. So here are my choices: complete pain with the effexor withdrawals, chest pain, and my heart blood pressure through the roof OR nausea and total body itching. So I go back and forth between my two hells. My brain is zapping me continuously for three days now.
I have not had any cymbalta or effexor for ten days. I weaned off for a week. I have thrown up the last time. I have lost faith in my drs. 2 nights ago after two nitros I thought the good lord was finally calling me home a merciful death. But no 2 hrs later I woke with Krakatoa going off in my head once again. I am not suicidal almost wish I could be. I take my pain medicine only when I absolutely have to. I am constantly on benadryl right now my body is inflamed with an allergic rash. I am dizzy – so dizzy I can hardly get around. I don’t know what to do.
Another trip to emergency drs will label me as an addict or some crazy person. Blurry vision is back. I had to vent. I am not through any of the withdrawal time so I will be back. I am not even close to the person I was 6 months ago. I don’t even recognize myself here. Why did the drs. put me on this? It’s torture I really didn’t need. Please dear lord help me. It’s unbelievable what I have been through this last month. Like I wasn’t suffering enough already. Whew.
Deb, thank you for sharing. I quit 225mg./day for 2 years. Went down to 37 for a week or two, then dropped off. I completely thought this was a no brainer. WOW! It finally all made sense as to how I have been feeling these past few weeks. Burst out in tears, intense nightmares, all of it! I had to BEG this dr. To take me off. Never again. I have a bad lower back and tried Cymbalta also. I have a ruptured disc and 2 more herniated, dragged myself to the emergency room in massive pain (sciatica) two nights ago and was balling my eyes out. They were looking at me like, OK, take it easy…lol. Now I realize why… I pray you have made it over the worst now and are doing and feeling much better. Really identified with you. It has been a few weeks but still hell. Hoping each day will get better.
Bless your heart. My heart just breaks for you. This drug should be banned. Anything that makes you feel like this does not need to be ingested in our bodies!
I cannot thank you enough. I could have written this myself. I’ve GOT to remember I’m not THIS crazy. Effexor is horrible.
I want to be that little shinning light out there for all of you (like me) that’s been on the Effexor journey. I was on Effexor 150mg for 3 three years. Unfortunately weight gain was one of my biggest side effects. I felt I was ready to be weaned off and basically had to beg my doctor to taper me. AFter about 5 months and more weight gain (50lbs in total!), he finally agreed. I was excited to be on my way of being mentally and physically rid of this drug! With the fear of crazy withdrawal symptoms, i began my taper with a positive attitude. I wanted to improve my overall well being. I make sure I have activities planned for each day. I work for a few hours in the morning. On some days I go to lunch with the husband or friends. In the afternoon, I keep myself busy with physical activities; biking, hiking. gardening, craft projects, cleaning and/or shopping. I notice that if I am busy, i have less withdrawal symptoms. Early evening my kids are home and we eat dinner together (they have been pretty supportive~ another important factor..having family members on board and aware of symptoms you might experience) .
My dr. tapered me from 150mg to 75mg. then to 37.5mg each at weekly intervals. Today is my 5th day effexor free. I have had symptoms (headaches, dizziness, sweats, chills, nausea, diarrhea and body aches-joint pain) throughout the past 3 weeks and still today but nothing that I can’t handle. I believe my positive attitude and eagerness to move on and to better myself has helped tremendously! I know these symptoms is my body’s way of ridding itself of this drug.
So if you are researching ways on how to overcome effexor, please have hope that there is solid ground at the end of this crazy dizzy journey.
Thank you Brenda..needed this encouragement. I, along with everyone else, am going through the withdrawals, and my body is not a happy camper! However, as a professional in the mental health field, I know that this too shall pass, eventually. Though in no way am I minimizing my struggles, as they are real and relatable to many, the encouragement from one who has made it through is appreciated. Thank you!
Hi and thank you. Hope is a great thing. I have been struggling to find a solution to 6 months of terrible symptoms only to discover by my own research that I had been going through Benzo-withdrawal (didn’t even know what that was until last Wed) and now have decided to taper off of the Effexor XR my psych put me on because I don’t want anything this powerful in my body. I can cope with all the symptoms but the dizziness is somewhat unbearable. I have been on 150 mg for 2-3 months and they have tapered me at 75 mg (3 days ago) and then in 3 wks she will put me on 37.5 mg …
I found a website called theroadback.org and the author of the site/book and dr of the supplements is someone my psych saw speak once. She said he is legit and his supplements look to be legitimate as well. I think I will buy some and see how they help. This dizziness trumps any other w/d symptom I have ever experienced. Good luck to all of you. It is very nice to know I am not alone in this struggle.
This is a heavy drug to experience. I’m doing okay after withdrawal. A little dizzy during the day! Good luck in the future!
Thank you! I have been on effexor for more then 10yrs. I did get down to 37mg and have been taking one every other day. I am on day 5 and not taking anything!!! This is not fun! But I do notice it gets better when I am busy! And exerciseing, even just a good walk! Someone just tell me this will get better!!!
I am on effexor XR for 20 yrs. The manufacture ran out this last week but I have found a pharm that will let me have 2 150mg until I can get to my doc to get 75 mg. I love the way it makes me feel but I am overweight and sluggish. I want to see what au natural feels like again. I tried tapering but even after 6 mos. I went into a rage.
I tried going on paxil for a long time and then to come off both the “easy” way. I maybe could have but ended up going back up on Effexor due to life circumstances. Going on another antidepressant is the least painful way I guess. Cold turkey is the quickest but most horrible way. I think I’ll try cold turkey then going as long as I can stand it, then taking one and keep going until I dun need it to maintain.
I started effexor xr in 1999. My doctor told me several years later I would be on it the rest of my life. This past month I became very ill and could not take any of my meds. I simply refused to go back to the effexor. The withdrawal has been incredible! I have had reactions that sent me to the hospital with extremely high blood pressure, extreme dizziness, joint pains, muscles so tender I felt like I have a bad case of the flu!
I refuse to go back on it, although I’ve only been off it for 3 weeks!!! I want my life back! I would like to know how long the symptoms will stay with me. I’m going to try to find an Internist after the first of the year. I don’t want to go back to the doctor who didn’t care enough to help me further than “you’ll need to stay on this the rest of your life” without giving me a reason why.
You sound exactly like me, Sharon! Finally I am feeling that I’m not crazy! How are you feeling now?
Hi Brenda. I love your comment. I have been on 150mg xr for about 5 years. After some major life successes-including detoxing off of klonipin 2 mg a day as of septemper 1st, 2014-I decided that the other day was the day to go cold turkey off of effexor. I know that going off venlafaxine cold turkey is terrible, but I fell that after surviving klonopin withdrawal, having 100% of my left meniscus removed, and being diagnosed with HPV–absolutely anything is possible.
So here I am day 4 of detoxing, and I am not feeling terrible :) I’d like to thank water, fish oil, b complex vitamin, coho salmon, swimming (a huuuuge factor), arts and crafts, music (a big one!), kale, shittake mushrooms, stretching, push-ups, pull-ups, electrolyes, feet warmers, heated vehicles, organic pears, organic kiwi and many many more I dont have the time to list for making this experience bearable. :) Hopefully in another week I will be feeling a lot better. For now I’m trying to be present in the moment, not get moody, and saving crying spells for when I’m alone in my bed.
Hi Mike. Your comment was finally the one I was looking for. I’ve been on Effexor XR for probably 15 years, toggling between 75 and 150 mg depending on the need. I’ve been toying with coming off the drug for a while as I am in a different phase of my life and many of the stressors that put me on the drug to begin with are no longer a big factor. A week ago I came down with the seasonal flu and a few days in I realized I had not taken the Effexor.
It wouldn’t have stayed with me anyway. I used this as an opportunity to keep on “not taking” it and come off cold turkey. Not my best move, but my doc had been skeptical of entertaining the idea of stopping at all. It’s been 6 days and I am experiencing extreme dizziness, sleeplessness, weird dreams, lack of appetite and general loss of attention span or direction. Having the flu has allowed me to be away from work and able to cope with the withdrawal away from co-workers prying eyes.
I haven’t experienced mood swings or irritability yet, and no overwhelming urges to take an unprovoked swing at my husband. Right now the worst is this feeling of being not quite firmly planted on the ground and dizzy, along with no clear direction on how to tackle my day. I’m worried this will be a real problem when I do return to the workplace in the next few days. Why am I doing this to myself when I could just pop an XR? I am desperately hoping for clarity and cleaner, drug-free living at the end of this tunnel.
Did you experience any changes in your vision up front in your detox? My focus is off and my optical RX, just recently updated, no longer seems on target. Also, are you beginning to feel any natural energy and zest come back in? Your comments most closely mirrored what I am currently experiencing so I am hoping you are continuing to see improvements. That bodes well for me. Blessings and continued success.
Carol B. Here I sit reading your Dec. 17 post, wondering if I might have written it myself. I too came down with the flu (right after Valentine’s Day) and was sick for what seemed to be forever. Came to realize I wasn’t taking my Effexor. (Had wanted to quit forever, so made decision that now was the time.) Here I am coming to the end of March and still dealing with diarrhea and overall yucky feelings. How much longer till I feel better? How are you doing now? Have you come to the end of your tunnel?
I too am coming off of Effexor and have the flu. I didn’t realize how much of my “flu” is withdrawal symptoms. I was prescribed this med as a migraine prophylactic but after 18 months I realized it wasn’t helping enough to keep taking it. Reading so many people’s descriptions of the side effects and withdrawals I wonder if it wasn’t making me worse! I had weaned down to 37.5 mg but after 3 days I took one.
I haven’t been able to sleep I am so achey. I am going to try to get in to see my Dr. About ways to deal with the withdrawals. I read somewhere that taking Prozac helps if you take it short term. I will be diligent in getting off this drug. I have to say that as bad as these side effects are, if they keep somebody alive it’s worth it. (I have recently heard of a suicide that I wonder would’ve been preventable had the person gotten help).
I have tried everything I have ever heard of to deal with my migraines, and each new treatment has taught me something. This treatment has reiterated my determination to not take anything daily that may have a side effect if I suddenly stopped.
I can’t remember how long I’ve been taking venlafaxine. But I was up to 300mg a day along with bupropion 150mg (those are generic for effexor and Wellbutrin). My doc stopped taking adult patients and my pharmacy wouldn’t give me meds without a doc. So I quit the venlafaxine cold turkey. I still have about a months worth of the bupropion and will continue that until it’s gone.
I think it might be helping a bit with the withdrawal. I’ve been having withdrawal symptoms for the last nine months even though I’ve been taking the meds daily. I have yet to hear anyone else have this issue and no one would believe me. So 5 days later, I feel about the same. I am more irritable and the diarrhea has started. I am trying to be as upbeat as possible. I’ve started working out again which I believe is helping.
I have also been writing down all the natural supplement suggestions and will start giving them a try. Effexor made me stay in an abusive marriage even though I knew I should leave. Effexor never stopped the depression and suicidal thoughts. There were days I couldn’t get out of bed while taking effexor and it cost me my job.
I feel better knowing I’m getting this nasty chemical out of my body that has done more harm than good. This blog has helped me know I’m not alone and maybe someone might benefit from reading my story. Good luck to everyone and stop taking this chemical forever!
Thank you for your positive words and attitude, Brenda – you make me feel a lot more confident and determined.
Came off effexor cold turkey after six years. Last dosage was 150 mg but had been on higher dose off and on. Gained 50 pounds and had no desire to do do much except work, minimum housecleaning, exercised but fell unto couch after work, ate loads of carbs until bedtime, Every day the same and even tho I had good intentions to get up and get organized, my willpower was taken over by the drug. Since quitting effexor I have slept about four hours a note and have been extremely crazy and can’t control my anger.
I flip at anything that would have not bothered me before. But the thing is, while taking effexor I lost my free will and allowed things to slide and it was too easy just to put up and shut up. I am taking evening “primrose oil” now and it is helping with the mood swings a bit and also with the anxiety. I have tons of energy now and have done more cleaning and organizing than I have done in years. I have been exercising and using my Fitbit to keep track of steps.
I am up to 15,000 walking steps a day and I feel I have my life back. Lots of aches and pains, but no brain zaps or headaches. Never will I ever go down the antidepressant road again. Also, I have not seen my doctor about my decision to quit cold turkey, but I know what I did is right for me. Good luck to all of you who take the bull by the horns and wrestle it to the ground for your own sanity.
Your post hit the nail right on the head for me. Your situation was my situation. My husband of 4 years, who is a physician assistant, put me on Effexor ER because I was “too mean” and because I had a couple bouts of crying. I thought, well he’s the professional, maybe he knows/sees something I don’t. Plus it was a new relationship that seemed to be going great. Four years later, and 75 lbs heavier, I’ve realized that he was only looking for complacency (which he certainly received!) and at least part of my weight gain was from eating too much as a means to stuff my personality away.
I’ve been a fat (which admittedly makes me feel “depressed” at times) Stepford wife for the last four years but am flushing that role down the toilet where it belongs. I’ve been tapering down & then just stopped completely about 4 days ago. I’m getting the brain blips/emotional flip flops but I will survive this and become better because of it. I may be an assertive person & speak my mind but there’s nothing wrong with that. Thats me – it’s who I am. I’m not going to hide from that anymore. If he didnt like me that way, he shouldn’t have married me. I’m taking my life back!
Thank you for the very positive post. I am on day four of not taking this horrible med. My husband finally read through this entire article and realized that this wasn’t any easy thing to get off of. He thought after a couple of days, I should be fine. Not so. I have had the zaps, the nausea, stomach cramps, crazy dreams, aching and extreme tiredness. I hate having something controlling ME other than ME. Thank you for the encouragement for just keeping on and basically trying to keep your mind occupied with other things.
I go grocery shopping once a month and will be doing that shopping in a couple of days. I have worried about the nausea the most. I don’t want to be in the middle of Walmart…and…well, you know… I have taken spearmint tea with honey every morning and it helps with the belly pains and nausea. I also have been taking Omega-3 and a B vitamin. I totally understand what everyone is saying here about the withdrawal symptoms. My prescription has been 150 mgs twice a day for almost a year.
My doctor said to me when I started taking Effexor, that, if it didn’t work at this dose, which he said was LOW, we could go much higher. Thank goodness I looked all of this up online. I don’t think the medical community really knows how bad this stuff is. My daughter has been on it for years and tried once to go off of it and couldn’t take the withdrawal. So, the bottom line for me here is the fact that you gave me hope. Thank you so much!
Thank you, I needed some encouragement that there is hope. I have been weaning off. I am now in day 2 of completely off. It has been difficult, but it’s encouraging to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I’ve been on Effexor for 10 years. Started off with 150 mg then after about 6 years of sleeping 13 hrs a day went down to 37.5. Over the last year I’ve tapered down slowly. First I broke the pill in half for about 10 months. Then I broke it in 4 pieces which I’ve been taking for a few months. I’m on my 4th day of no pills and I’m jumpy/tremors. Clumsy, had a nightmare. Joint pain & a bit irritable but not too bad. I tried years ago cold turkey from 150 mg and it was horrible. So this is much better but still not pleasant. Just wondering when the symptoms will stop completely.
How are you feeling now? I’m 20 days off and I’m still a wreck!
I am on day 3 of going from 150 on week 5 – 112.5, week 3 – 75, week 1 – 37.5 and just quit cold turkey, these brain zap feelings is just a reminder to myself – OK this is my body withdrawing from a really horrible medication. I don’t need RX to live my life, screw the docs, go the holistic way, KUDOS to whoever mentioned about 5HTP and taking omega 3 fish oil supps, I know one thing more than ever, everyone has to deal with pain and anxiety and depression, I have a broken neck, near quadro state and disabled for the rest of my life, just finishing college after 2.5 years. Effexor screwed me up, all BC my docs wanted me to try this instead of xanax only when needed, and I don’t even take that! Good luck everyone.
I was on effexor (37.5 mg) for 4 years for menopause related issues like night sweats and insomnia. I quit cold turkey in Mar. and within 2 days had all the horrible withdrawal symptoms. My doctor gave me a 30 day supply which I warned myself off of over the course of 2 months. I took my last pill on Apr. 30 and immediately felt my appetite decrease and anxiety increase. I also had insomnia the entire month of May. I am now able to sleep again but feel depressed and have no appetite. I’m hoping my body will heal itself soon because I absolutely do not want to take anymore psychiatric drugs. Any advice out there on how to best tough this out?
I was only on this nasty drug for 8 weeks and quit because of the horrible side effects. I was prescribed it by a walk in doctor to take 75mg to help with menopause. It was supposed to help with my fibromyalgia as well. Within 4 weeks I broke out in huge patches of eczema, on my body and eyes. I was also sweating more, not less!
Sleep is almost non existent. Pain seemed less for the first few weeks but came back with a vengeance. I was never told or even fully understood what I was taking. I researched cancer sites who recommended it for women who could not take hormones. (Wrote them a nasty email). Doctors do not consider it addicting. Really? How come I can’t quit taking it then. I had withdrawal symptoms the second day stopping and was back on within 5 days.
I am down to 37.5 every other day. Not going very well, can anyone tell me how they got off completely? I don’t have any more leave to use for work. And I want my brain back, I need it! Must be some lucrative pharmaceutical kickbacks associated with this drug.
Was on Effexor for 6 months. Now at day 7 off Effexor. Withdrawals are damned unpleasant, but better than the last 8 weeks I was taking Effexor, (horrible nightmares, profuse sweating, auditory hallucinations, screaming in my sleep – I was scared out of my mind.) I would rather deal with the withdrawal than ever, ever take another dose. I’m taking a fish oil supplement, as well as 5HTP (the 5HTP only since yesterday, you can’t take it in conjunction with any SSRI) and the supplements seem to be helping with the withdrawal – last night I had my first dreamless/sweatless night in months and I actually SLEPT. I have FM, and that flared up immediately after I quit the Effexor, and it has started to settled down. Staying really, really well hydrated is helping also. Still feeling kinda zombie-like, but I’m confident that will continue to improve over time.
I have only been on Effexor for about 3 months but have had horrible side effects: flulike symptoms, nausea, profuse sweating and nightmares, a constant jump from chills to burning up. I stopped taking it when I noticed I would break out in a rash, much like hives, about half an hour after taking my pills. The withdrawal symptoms have been gone from unpleasant after about 24 hours off to intolerable after 72 hours. I know about the brain shivers but has anyone else had problems with the sensation of needing to pop your ears followed by an electrical buzzing noise followed by a shock? I’m glad I found this group, it’s nice to know its not just me.
I’ve had brain freezes. I’ve had feeling that my face was sliding. I’ve had popping ears, clicks and zaps and the one that drives me batty are the twitches around my eyes. I have been reducing Effexor XR for about 8 months now. Started at 300 and now down to 150. The side effects and the withdrawal symptoms have made me an angry, teary mess. I was also on 40mg of amitriptyline daily and ran out of it last week. I cold turkey’d that one and now I have insomnia and restless legs on top of it all. The doctors seem to hand this stuff out like candy and I was in such a bad place I would have taken anything at the time. I’m rethinking that as the cure seems to be more unstable than the illness. -Vicky
Hi, I began taking Venlafaxine for depression nearly 3 months ago beginning with a dosage of 37.5 mg for the first week increasing dosage to 2 tablets for the next 2 weeks then to 3 tablets daily the third week. I have been plagued with RLS (restless legs syndrome) my entire adult life. Since taking the Venlaflaxine it became an every night occurrence lasting until 2 or 3 am.
I decided that the side effects from this drug were worse than dealing with the depression itself and decided to withdraw from the medication. I dropped down to the 2 tablets daily for 2 weeks then down to 1 tablet for one week. This is my 4th day drug free and am experiencing the plugged ears as described, headaches, lightheadedness and fatigue.
After reading the posts from this site it has been an eye opener. I wish everyone the best of luck in your quest for breaking free from this drug. That said, in the future I will be more pro-active in learning the different side effects that can occur before taking any medication.
I was put on Effexor XR for hot flashes after a hysterectomy. I went from 37.5 to 75. That did nothing for flashes so my PA upped the dosage to 150. I was having symptoms I hated while on it. Called the PA to find out about decreasing to go off it.
She never returned my calls so I ran out and therefore went off cold turkey. Now the hot flashes have increased 1000 fold. I have fuzzy brain, extreme anger, and burning sensations in my hands. I was on it for 4 months. Any idea how long this lasts??
I’ve been on 300mg for about 6 months after my the Prozac I’d been on for years stopped working. This stuff is terrible. Have never felt so out of control or crazy in my life. I decided enough was enough and quite cold turkey… I know it’s not recommended but if I go back to the doctor to arrange tapering off the stuff I can guarantee he will throw another terrible drug at me. I am at day four of no effexor and was wondering when the terrible migraines, nausea and chest pains start to ease up? Would love to know if anyone has had these problems when coming off it.
Who ever made this drug sucks. When it works you feel great, but when the side effects kick in they suck… Headache, sweating, etc. You’ve all had it if you’re on the stuff. I even had it inflame my stomach to where they had to scope and found nothing, thanks for the extra $300 A$$ holes. My advice is do your research before the doc puts you on something. Wish I would have. Hope this helps anyone, keep your head it will all pass. Just keep busy to try and keep your mind off of it.
Hello. I’ve been taking venlafaxine XR 37.5mg for 2yrs. It’s been a month and a half trying to taper off this medicine. I’ve been having anxiety, a pounding headache, pounding heart, and insomnia. Told my Dr and he was not too happy about it, but he prescribed me magnesium oxide 500mg (1 am & 1pm) also gave me 5 HTP 100mg also (1am & 1pm).
It’s only been a week so hopefully I will start seeing results in a couple of weeks. I’m still taking venlafaxine XR 37.5mg every other day and 1 hour later take my supplements. So I’m still feeling mild nausea, a mild headache and the worst is my anxiety.
I’ve been taking Effexor for ten years. I cannot remember who even prescribed it in the first place. I had contemplated going off before, but thought it better to stay on it. Recently, however, my husband and I lost our insurance and I had three months of Effexor left. It was then I decided that it was time to start the process of weaning off. From 225 I dropped to 112.5 for about 8 weeks struggled a bit on the 3rd to 5th day of drop down.
Emotions, fatigue, sleeplessness, sweating, and nausea were symptoms I dealt with. First week in DEC I dropped to 75 mgs. Not good. I scared myself and increased symptoms mentioned above. I stayed the course and the nausea was almost unbearable until I got the Sea Bands – huge difference and I do have to wear 24/7. Insomnia is worsening and my husband keeps reminding me its a side effect of withdrawal from effexor. I forgot to take medication on Christmas.
Took it the day after, then decided that I would go off completely, considering I felt crappy anyway. Four days later staying the course. I’m preparing for an episode of withdrawal symptoms to increase in severity. This has been the pattern since I started the process. I typically do not share anything like this, but finding this site helps me to keep this process in perspective. And if I can share an unpleasant journey with others on the same journey to help and gain wellness, it’s better for all of us. It’s important to know you are not alone.
Tapering off is so much better than skipping days. I learned that the hard way. Just take slightly less – I reduce the beads in the capsule by 5 for a couple of weeks, then taper again. I don’t skip days – makes withdrawal symptoms worse.
I have tapered off the Effexor XR but I am still taking bupropion. I believe it has helped with my systems. But, I still have foggy brain and boughs of forgetfulness. It has been much better then trying to go cold turkey (I have tried that it sucks). I hope my systems will fade in the NEAR FUTURE. I also have mood swings and will cry at a drop of a hat. Not liking that part at all. I would like to know if the systems will ease up sooner since I’m still on the bupropion and tapered off the Effexor XR, (I was on the Effexor for yrs, started off @ 150mg went to 75mg and down to 35mg and have tappered off the 35mg over a 3 month period) if anyone knows please share. Thanks, Teresa
I’ve been tapering off this crap for YEARS! Taking ONE every third day only when the brain zaps got to be too much. I decided to go off them entirely and not I’m zapped all day and night. They allow this on the market but argue over marijuana? It’s all for the money and to hell with the person.
Sylvia – I totally agree with you about the way drugs are controlled in America. If Big Pharma could market MMJ in pill form, pot would be legal tomorrow. I notice you said you were taking FXR every 3 days — not a good idea! Since it has a 24 hour half-life, you are getting a full dose on day one, and then spend two days in withdrawal! Read up on how to titrate/cut down and get off of FXR. Good luck!! I’m starting today. Cutting back from 225mg/day to 187.5mg/day for one month, and so on.
Hi Bob, how is the process going? I have gone down from 525ml two years ago to now 225ml. I seem to get the withdrawal symptoms pretty badly no matter how I do it. I can’t afford to be in withdrawal when I go back to work so have had to do it on the school holidays. It may take me another 12 months but I feel better (after the symptoms go away) the lower my dose goes. I hope it is going well for you. -Fi
Fi – December 1 I dropped down 37.5 from 225. That went pretty well, though I did almost have a serious car accident, and let others do the driving now. Jan 1, nearly a month ago, I dropped a further 37.5, so I am now at 150, after having been on FXR for two years at 225. January has been no fun. I’m in a fog until midafternoon, when it clears. Nausea, diarrhea, confusion, clumsiness, hard to sleep, night sweats, hands sweating, sharp GI pains….no fun. Little sign that symptoms are decreasing. I hope it starts to improve soon.
Hello Bob and Fi. May I join your conversation? How are you both doing? My doctor and pharmacy screwed up and I have had no Effexor 150 for two days and can’t get to the doc for another day so I’m just going to try to stop taking it. I’m already feeling manic, ready to snap like an over stressed rubber band and weepy. I have the feeling that when I turn my head the brain takes a second to catch-up. I’m not looking forward to the next few days – I teach at two different colleges and have to drive a lot. Hoping I can handle this – I’m going to head to my favorite health food store to see what they recommend. Right now I’m so angry at my doc of 20 years and the incompetence at the pharmacy I don’t want help from either of them! Let me know if you either of you found any secrets to getting through this – I plan to pray a lot as well! All the best!
Hi Fairlie, I was on 150mg for 2.5 yrs and have been slowly tapering off for last 5 months… I would highly recommend that you do not go off effexor cold turkey especially at that high of dose and your busy work schedule. I would go to the ER, a physiologist or a walk in clinic or talk to your pharmacist and get at least a week supply from him to cover you until you can see your doctor or find another one. Seriously man, do whatever you have to get your medication and then make a long term plan to go off of it. Just a friendly suggestion… Good luck!
Hi, Bob. How did tapering off by 1/16ths work for you, as respects withdrawals? I’m ready to get off of my 225mg and am willing take as much time as is needed to do it without the awful withdrawals.
Rob and Sylvia, I completely agree on the marijuana issue! It’s illegal, period here in the UK. I still take it tho as it helps me to relax. I’m coming of venlafaxine (UK name for Effexor) and am now on 37.5 a day instead of 75. It’s early days and I’m getting the headaches and nightmares and brain zaps but I do have a smoke and it takes me to a place of relaxation. To hell with the law! There’s much worse stuff out there that’s actually legal but apparently ok because it makes money for the pharm industry!!
Been tapering off for several months now but now I am COMPLETELY out of the medication. Withdrawals are horrible: irritability, super anger, crying spells. So bad that I went through a “drive thru” for food and I got home and realized they screwed up my order and I started crying!!! Seriously?! Not even a huge deal, but it was like the end of the world to me.
I can’t figure out how to reply directly to individual comments but I wanted to say thank you to Fairlie for the statement “I have the feeling that when I turn my head the brain takes a second to catch-up.” This is the closest I can come to explaining the feeling that is the scariest for me. My insurance ended and I am not getting responses from my doctor so I have stopped taking the 75mg dose that I had been taking for a year. To find some relief I have taken 50mg of Bupropion, but hate the idea of switching one for another. Also, thank you for the site and the information. -J
The brain delay is the worst for me. It causes lots of nausea and throws off my balance it seems. I think that is also a contributing factor to the headaches as well. In my opinion the brain delay is the cause of most of the other withdrawal symptoms. Effexor is the worst withdrawal I have ever had and used to have an opiate addiction.
Smoking marijuana helped a lot when I decreased from 300mg to 225 then 150 and I planned on continuing to decrease, but I am now on probation so I cannot smoke. Until I can smoke again I wouldn’t even dare to taper. It really made a world of a difference with the nausea, depression, and anxiety. It didn’t quite take away the brain delays but it made them more tolerable and took away some of the nausea associated with it.
I feel really bad for you guys in the USA. All our meds are covered by the national health service here in the UK so running out due to lack of money doesn’t happen. It even more disturbing for the good people of America that some people have to suffer because the insurance has ran out or because of low incomes. What disturbs even more on top of this is that people are allowed to have guns.
Put a gun in front of the wrong person in the wrong (thru no fault of their own, i.e. no money for meds) circumstances and there’s a potential bloodbath. Now I’m not saying we don’t have gun crime in the UK – we do but it’s made harder by the fact that we can’t legally own them as easily and we can at least access vital meds whether we have money or not.
Yes! “When I turn my head my brain takes a second to catch up.” Perfect description! And when I move my eyes, I have to look back where I WAS looking or it feels like I might lose time… or something… it’s hard to describe. I can’t talk half the time… can’t find words… can’t understand things people tell me!
This is all so uncomfortable. It’s my 7th day, but not getting better. Sleeping all day over and over, but awake in the night. You are a big help to me. I’m alone, taking care of my husband with a brain injury. I’ll never risk my sanity again by taking a med like this. I need to take care of myself in order to take care of him! This is really horrible. I hope it stops soon… don’t like that it can last up to a year! I’ll go nutty.
Hi Sheena, I was wondering how you are feeling now? I have been off the Effexor for a week now and my symptoms are similar to what you described in your post. The anger and irritability feel just terrible. I’m hoping they go away soon. Did yours go away after awhile?
The brain zaps are the worst! I was on 150 mg, tapered off over a month and now I have been off for four days. Anytime I move my eyeballs I get the brain zap that goes down to my fingers and the bottom of my feet. So ready for the withdrawal to go away! Wondering if anybody else has experienced brain zaps that go all the way through your body?
I am tapering off Effexor too. I’ve been taking 150 mgs at night and 75 mgs in the morning. A week ago I dropped to 37.5 in the morning. I felt mild side effects, not too bad but realized I have to go very slowly. I wanted to drop 37.5 every two weeks, but now I think it’s too fast. The next step is either 75mgs at night or no Effexor in the morning. I’m sensitive to the side effects. If I miss a dose, I start getting the electric shocks in my brain, and don’t “feel right,” that’s how I know I forgot to take meds.
I’m furious that I was put on this medication, with no warning of the difficulty getting off it. Does anyone know of any meds that help ease the side effects? I’d even consider mild pain medication, taken judiciously, just to get through the worst of it, when I am totally off the Effexor. I’m scared that I’m doomed to be on Effexor for the rest of my life. My thoughts are with all of you who are trying to wean yourselves off too.
This is a bad drug! I was prescribed Effexor by a nurse practitioner for symptoms of menopause about 10 years ago and had no idea what I was getting into! Tried to go cold turkey a few times but symptoms really bad so went back in. Stepped into low dose about a month ago and eliminated it altogether 2 weeks ago.
Withdrawal sucks – brain zaps, up/down mood swings, icicle joints, bloody noses, bizarre dreams – you name it, I’ve felt it. Finally think I am getting over the worst but if anyone is considering taking it, don’t!! I wish I could sue the idiot who originally prescribed it. A few extra pounds and night sweats from hormones out of whack are nothing compared to this sh*t!
I don’t think any pain meds would work and you don’t want to risk another addiction. Marijuana helped me a great deal with nausea and the depression and anxiety. Just a thought, as I know weed is not for everyone. Just wanted to let you know it helped me a great deal.
When I went to detox for opiates I mentioned getting off effexor too. The Dr was all for it and told me that she would taper me in 5 days while putting me on something that would be easier to come off of. I didn’t have faith BC it sounded like she wasn’t aware of the horrible side effects. By the time I left detox I was off effexor but on fluoxetine (I think).
Everything was fine for about a week until one night I had my first physical panic attack where I couldn’t catch my breath. My previous panic attacks were mental- I never felt like I was dying, but just going crazy. I immediately went to my Rx cabinet ant took an effexor. I prob should’ve waited it out but I was in a B.S. place at the time.
Of course, I’ll try it again but once I do more research on the w/d of the “new” antidepressant that will be the temporary replacement. But honestly, I’ve kinda feel like I’ll end up taking a bottle of effexor with me to my grave :[
I am also furious that I was put on this medication without any warning about how bad the side effects are when you come off it! I started just for hot flashes and had I known I never would have allowed the doctor to start me on it.
I have never experienced such an awful withdrawal with the brain and body zaps, nausea, and pounding headache. It is one of the worst things I have experienced, so much worse than any hot flash ever was.
I agree. Since quitting venlafaxine cold turkey about a wk ago, the only thing that helps my cope with the withdrawal symptoms is Marijuana. I still experience the zapping unfortunately. But my headaches, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia are all rescued with MJ. If you live in a legal state, you should try it to alleviate these symptoms.
I’m not recommending this by any means, because everybody is an individual, but I went cold turkey from 225mg the other week, after 3 years of using venlafaxine. Had tapered from 300mg and decided just to go for it. Before I stopped though, I started taking Vit B complex with Vit C, Vit D with calcium, Omega 3 6 9 (and some quiet life herbal tablets for good measure!).
I did get a few nightmares and a bit of giddiness but nothing I couldn’t cope with. But of the shakes, but my depression and anxiety levels were/are steady. Again, I’m not by any means advocating going cold turkey, but if you can’t get your meds, the above herbals seem to be working well for me.
I realise we’re all individuals, and I’m not saying I’ll never go back on venlafaxine because it was there when I really needed it badly, but look into the herbals if your choices are limited.
I’m so glad I finally found a site that I can relate to! Nobody wants to admit that they are angry that they weren’t warned about this terrible drug. I was told I’d have to stay on Effexor forever! (It’s been 16 years on 150’s.) I was never tested for anything or told to talk to a therapist, just told to take it because I was depressed.
I had been through a major move, a split up, my son was in jail, daughter a drug addict & I was menopausal. No wonder I was depressed! I’ve stopped taking it a few times because I didn’t have the money to buy it but after a day or 2 I was feeling the horrible brain zaps, flu-like, unbalanced & couldn’t concentrate. It has made me really question this drug. Do doctors get paid to hand out prescriptions?
I stopped taking it a week ago & I am not going back on it & will never take anything before fully researching it again. Once I can get up & out of the house I will try other ways to fight depression like hiking, swimming, enjoying the beautiful scenery, eating healthy & taking vitamins. I will also talk to a counsellor & maybe I will need to take a drug to help but I will know what it is & it won’t be Effexor!
I’m actually looking forward to being drug free & being able to feel again. I wonder how long it will take? I keep telling myself that it will get better & if my son can stop taking street drugs cold turkey, I can do this too. I’m so lucky to have a supportive & understanding man at my side cuz Ive been awful to live with. Lazy, raging, crying or just being a b*tch about the stupidest things. All the best to everyone fighting this & remember there is help out there :)
You are a inspiration. You made it so far, you will make it further! :)
To all those whom are going through the horrendous withdrawal, there is hope and light ahead. You will fully regain your life. It is a horrible experience. Every time waking up (when you are able to sleep) to these symptoms can be excruciating. It Won’t last. You WILL get better.
For me the worst of the side effects lasted for 6 months, and I seriously didn’t think it was possible to live through it. I talked to the doctor and he acted like it wasn’t a big deal, I felt like I was dying.
For all those whom have suffered through this, continue to be that hope and encouragement to others. This site is a great place for finding people whom can relate, and can encourage others to keep going, one minute at a time. To know that this too shall pass, and that you are not alone in your suffering.
I have been on Effexor XR 150mg’s 2x a day for years. Recently had to see an endocrinologist for an adenoma on my left adrenal gland. It is not an “active” adenoma, therefore no action is required to remove it. He did however say I was on too high a dose of Effexor and to come off of it immediately.
I have tapered down to 37.5 mg’s 2x a day, and the side effects have just started to take hold. The “brain zaps” mentioned, the brain being behind when turning my head are 2 of the strongest side effects I’m feeling. I’m trembling, nauseous and have headaches all day. It is so very nice to know I’m not the only one. Thank you for all the comments… it makes me know I’m not alone!
Thank you Ana. I need to hear that it will end!
Was taking venlafaxine XR 37.5mg for almost 3 yrs. Been trying to get off this medication. Finally did, it’s been 3 weeks that I’ve been off it completely. Still get anxious and chest pain that send me to emergency room and got admitted. Thank God all was normal.
I take xanax. 25 mg twice daily and seems to be working fine. Good luck to all of you. We can do this. It’s very scary but be patient. We will get over it soon. Don’t get me wrong. I already went through all the nasty symptoms you all are mentioning.
Trying to respond to this with “I COULD NOT AGREE MORE” and forget my name and email. I am currently reading all of these stories and it’s making me cry… because they’re sad and relatable, yes, but also because of these relentless brain zaps. The saddest part is the Effexor didn’t even help with my anxiety or depression but it is wreaking havoc on my brain to a terrifying degree now that I’ve quit. I can’t believe my doctor put me on this. What a nightmare.
I was prescribed this drug in 1999… since then I have attempted suicide 3 times. Each time the dose was increased to the point where I was taking 300mg. My depression never shifted but I believed that if I stopped talking it, I would feel worse. What could “worse” be? My last attempt to kill myself was very nearly fatal and I ended up in hospital on a drip.
That was 6 years ago. Since then I have self medicated myself with sleeping tablets and alcohol just to get some “time out” from feeling so desperate.
I just couldn’t see a way forward. A month ago I admitted myself to a psychiatric hospital and over 3 weeks I reduced the dose down to zero. The intention being to try another anti-depressant. I have since decided that I do not want to spend my whole life taking drugs that clearly don’t work.
I am experiencing all the symptoms described by others, in various degrees. I am just coping. And that is all I can do at the moment. I know I could take the drugs again and the horrible feelings would go but then I’d be right back where I was. So I’ll just keep going a day at a time. The morning headaches and terrible nightmares… the total inability to deal any tiny problem… the tearfulness… the whooshing in my head..the list goes on.
However, I will persevere because I just want to get my life back and see what my world is like… Quite frankly I don’t know who I am yet, but hopefully one day soon I will and I shall never take another “ant-depressant”. I feel I’ve lost 17 years of my life… I don’t want to lose any more.
So encouraging reading what others have endured to emerge free from Effexor. Now, after six years and under medical supervision, day 4 after tapering my doses of Effexor – from 150 mg at and for 2 week intervals on 150 mg / 75 mg / 37.5 mg to nothing. Brutal cannot begin to describe the experience of discontinuation. But after leaking tears all day yesterday, nausea and sweating profusely from the armpits awoke this morning to an inner sense of calm and well being. Early days but feel quietly confident – just want to share my willingness to trust that not everyone’s experience will be that of prolonged agony. Take heart.
Taper in amount, not time… a lesson I learned the hard way. Don’t skip days; just take a slightly less dosage for a week or two then taper down again. Hang in there – I know, it’s tough!!
Hi, I would really like to talk with you about how you feel now, since it’s 9 mo. later. Do you feel better? Please tell me how it progressed for you, thank you very much!
The bead method is the only way I have successfully gotten from 225mg as I have been on it for 20 years. When having the 75mg you take out 5 beads at a time. It is a pain in the butt but I highly recommend this way. You buy empty capsules and slowly take out beads. Doctors have no idea how horrible withdrawals are unless they experience it themselves. Most people follow Dr advice and suffer. You cannot just go from 225 to half of the dose. This method has saved me from horrible withdrawals.
What is the “bead” method?
If you are still wondering about the above mentioned ‘bead method’. If you are taking the XR it will be a capsule with beads in it. Taking yourself down slowly will be empty 1/4 (or even less) the beads into another container, the rest into your mouth, the next 3 -7 days do the same (or how ever long your body needs).
See how you are adjusting to the smaller portion. If you are able to tolerate it fairly well adjust it once again. Keep doing this process until you are able to take yourself off. At the end of the process you might be still taking like 5-10 beads out of the capsule, just this small amount will help your body to adjust.
At times I would feel intense side effects and keep the capsule with me and take like 5 beads out. Stopping this medication all at once sends your body into brain zaps, sickness, mood terrors…
Yes!!! I totally agree!!
Taking amitriptyline to sleep. Switching from venlafaxine to bupropion to help with concentration and focus. Mind is constantly roaming. About three weeks since gradually stopping Ven. Have been light headed, nauseated and having trouble with balance for about 2 weeks.
I have been on Effexor for 12 years and my doctor just kept increasing my dose until I was at 225mg about a month ago when my psychiatrist has now actually diagnosed me with Bipolar II. She then put my on two others drugs to take and we end me off Effexor.
We reduced my dose every 5 days until I am now off it completely. It’s only been a couple days and the nausea and anxiety is so bad I had to leave work this afternoon. I don’t know how to make it through the day since the mere thought of throwing up puts me in a panic attack?
Not a good way to start the New Year! I’ve been taking Effexor XR, 300 mgs a day for well over 10 years. There’s a refill waiting for me at my local pharmacy, however when I run out and I don’t have the money to purchase my prescriptions, I have to endure this horrible state of being until I can get the drug back in my system. Is it worth the suffering I lived with before I took the drug? I say yes.
I probably wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for this drug. I definitely would have killed myself by now because even while the drug, I was suicidal until I learned how to turn off my brain and my heart in order to not think or feel, thus, making it through the day, so I can go to work to pay the bills and be alive instead of making my loved ones suffer because of what I put them through. However today, lying here in bed unable to even type this message-thank God for voice to text!
I NEED to get this from the pharmacy as soon as possible, however I don’t even feel like I can get out of bed and get dressed, and driving seems out of the question due to the fact that I feel like I’m having mini seizures. It’s not unlike a serious case of vertigo that I had many years ago, where up is down is right is left…and then there’s the fact that I’m slipping back into the abyss that gets deeper each trip I take there…the last time of which I couldn’t fake or manage to pull myself out of and decided enough was enough and my soul had to be released from this prison, AKA life.
Obviously, waking up in the hospital was just absolutely the worst experience ever-family visit day was even worse than that. I guess what I’m saying is: I DO need this medicine to live, but as someone who works at a homeless shelter earning a very meager living, running out does happen, and about 2x a year or so it reaches a serious state where it’s borderline life or death-for me, anyway-and all I can do is try to pull myself together enough-at least to the point where I can safely make it to the pharmacy and take get this drug back into my bloodstream.
I’m not saying I wouldn’t physically survive the detox off of this drug, but as someone who lives alone, I DO stand to lose my employment and everything else that most people-even me-take for granted, and, most likely, seriously looking at suicide as a solution to fix this problem since it really is a question of quality of life at some point. All in all, it’s just because I don’t make enough $$$. I hope this makes sense because my brain is so foggy…what I’m really thinking is getting lost somewhere between my brain and my mouth and looking back at my post.
I don’t even recognize the person who’s words these are. I should also mention that it has taken me over two hours to compose this posting…that’s a long time for someone whose main communication mode is typing via text and email…and who never stumbles over words and types rather quick. I’m not unlike what I imagine a zombie version of me would be like or, a shell of the human being I was less than a week ago, when I took those last two big red capsules…
Hi jeny, just read your message and cant begin to understand your pain. I hope you get the help you need and deserve. I’ve been on effexor for over a year now for general anxiety disorder and am hoping to come off it as soon as possible this year. I feel like I’ve lost my emotional side and find it hard to feel anything anymore. Not looking forward to the withdrawals, but am hopeful I’ll get through it.
Man, but we are in the same sort of boat right now for sure! I too know there’s a refill sitting waiting at a pharmacy for me… but I didn’t have money to refill it until today, which meant that over Christmas I had to skip 2 days, and then once I was home from Christmas break, somehow went 3 days medication free. I don’t even know how to get to the pharmacy by now.
Fortunately my GST rebate should be in my bank and I have a friend with a car who knows that I’m in an emotional ruin because I don’t have my anti-depressant is aware of this and will help me get there tonight. I’m not sure what’s worse, the ringing and pounding in my ears, the inability to focus on anything, the fact that I’ve almost fallen down the stairs multiple times, the occasional swing into wanting to kill myself again just over something stupid like a doodle, maybe the utter and complete lack of sleep…
THIS SUCKS. Happy new year, I hope you got your meds refilled and that the year will bring you money and medication security. :D I’m going to apply for a government program in my province that apparently funds 100% of medications after you reach a certain point based on your income. My income is pretty small, so the deductible is what I’d pay per year for my Effexor prescription, only that it will then cover any other things I need, like antibiotics, asthma medication… yay!
Withdrawal from Effexor SUCKS though, for real. Hope you are feeling better.
Hi Ti, Go to Goodrx and you can buy it for up $20 (75mg). I’m taking this for 2 years because the hot flashes. Now I want to stop it and I’m not feeling well. Leni
Hi Jeny, I am glad you shared this with us. I really feel for you.
I have been on this drug for 10 years. A endocrinologist put me on 37.5 to get me off premarin (HRT) to help with hot flashes. I am so angry with myself because I did not research this drug before starting it.
I have been slowly weening for about 3 weeks now. I requested tablets instead of capsules so I could cut them. I have been taking 1/4 of a 37.5 for that past week. Today is my first day I decided to stop. The head whammies started this afternoon and dizziness.
I am not looking forward to the next week from what I hear from other blogs. My new GP says most people do not have a problem getting off this med. Little does she know if she has not taken it.
I am determined to get off this drug. I encourage everyone to do there best. I have discussed with my husband the possible side effects and he says he will be there for support.
Do you have a Sam’s Club near you? If you get a “plus” membership, the XR version is $20 or so for like 3 month’s worth. Saved my life when I lost my insurance last year. Was over $150 a month without any…
Also does anyone have any advice for dealing with the agitation. I’m almost 3 weeks off, or 2… I don’t know anymore. I can handle everything but the constant agitation. Everything annoys me to the extreme of a screaming fit. The stupidest things, like dropping something. Ativan doesn’t help either, almost wish it was panic attacks so it would help though, it’s just a constantly tight feeling, stuck on edge waiting to snap at the raindrops.
I understand totally. I too suffer from depression and anxiety. I take Effexor and have for about 16 years now. In my opinion I believe that you might do well if you try relaxation CDs with breathing exercises and more. Deep breathing and ways to breathe and relax. I can only tell you that it works for me even though I didn’t really want to do it at first.
Wow! I’ve been on effexor for just about 4 years now and man I had no choice but to come off of it. It was making me very very sick. I was feeling sedated about 75% of the time. OK so first two days I got the sickest physically I have really ever been. First night I had a splitting headache everything hurt everywhere all over my body.
Then about a few hours later I had outrageous muscle aches everywhere and horrible bone aches. Now that lasted all night. I have no idea how I even slept at all that night. Guess cause I was just so damn sedated. I slept that whole night and day only got up like twice. Then the next morning right when I woke up and walked into the living room I threw up a lot but that was food that never even digested from over 24 hours ago.
The second night stayed up till like 9 and then went back to sleep and and slept all day and only got up twice and slept like that whole day and night and woke up at 4am. Full of sweat then went back to sleep and woke up at about 9:30am. After that third day was fine. Had to take aspirin for my heart after every so many hours in between all that and tylenol. What a nightmare!
Don’t mean to scare anybody but listen if you take something you do not need or if you are overmedicated/over drugged by any medication/medications then it will make you very very sick. So now it’s been about 4 weeks and I feel a lot better and have more energy and I didn’t really many mood swings or over excitement loss of interest feeling or sad thoughts or anything like that.
I was Amy again… a laid back, content, sweet, and get up and go personality. Didn’t really have much of a personality on that medication. So I could not take it anymore. People are not themselves when they are taking something they don’t need. So just be careful about trusting doctors.
I also have had this issue. I am on 225 XR and have been for many years. The only thing that I have found was good for me while on it was my sex drive increased A LOT. I had no desire before starting it and it goes away every time I try to stop taking it. While on it the past 3 years I have gained 50 pounds, even when doing 2-3 hours at the gym 3 times a week. I am constantly confused and forgetful.
And if there is pasta anywhere in a 50 mile radius you can bet I will find it. Sleep is non-existent unless I take the prescription meds I have been given. I would want to do SO many things but just couldn’t find motivation. I stopped cooking and cleaning. Sometimes I was happy but mostly just indifferent. Been off of it for 4 days now, prescription ready but unable to pay for it. (Due to relationship break up).
I am lucky enough to not have confusion. I am actually a lot more clear headed. But the zaps are there. Anxiety is crazy. Depression is at an all time high. And Anger? WOW! I don’t even care what I say to people. Then comes the uncontrollable crying and hopelessness. I was never told I couldn’t ever go off of this medication but I am starting to think that.
I took myself off effexor about 5 days ago and your pasta comment was the first thing I’ve laughed at since. Thank you for that. Have you stayed off of it? How long did you experience symptoms for after?
Hi, Does anyone have any success stories to tell? I have been feeling like crap for the past couple of days have not been sleeping well and had all these weird dreams. Headaches, nausea and all the above side effects. I only now realized that I have been defaulting on my meds. How can I prevent this from happening. Please help.
I’m so glad my friend told me about all of you writing. I’ve been so alone and terrified. Leg cramps keeping me awake all night, or else nightmares that have me screaming in my sleep, terrified. Then the anger at the tiniest thing, like dropping something! When I was on this drug, after only a few days, I stopped being myself.
I spent two months lying down, never finishing anything. Couldn’t stand to open the mail, answer the phone, or look at emails. I had no feelings except depression and sadness. And no personality. That’s bizarre since I’ve always had an abundance of personality! Now, after stopping cold turkey, I fall asleep typing. But keep typing, like dictation off the television.
Or rows of different emojis… so I was asleep with my eyes open, functioning in a sense. And yes… writing a simple message could take hours. Between dropping off or just staring. I’ve been off this for seven days today, and it’s getting worse. The leg pain, the TERRIBLE vertigo today is scaring me to death.
I can barely lift my face, or look up, or lie on my back. All that causes dizziness. I have to look down, or lie on my side, up on my elbow looking down, to get rid of the dizzy feeling. Crashing sounds in my head. Loud electrical buzzing. This is just HORRIBLE. But I had nightmares while taking it, too, and lots of unpleasantness.
So the doc said just stop! I’ll never take another antidepressant. I took ONE PROZAC about thirty years ago, and wanted to kill myself I felt such a deep chasm of despair and hopelessness. I’m not really depressed. It’s situation-based. Aside from the sorrow of knowing we all die and don’t know much, right?
I acknowledge and live with that. But this really sucks. I can only hope it will subside. I’m on a high dose of pain meds, trying to start withdrawing from THAT soon, so I can get spine surgery. I don’t think I’ll be able to do that now. Not until these symptoms go away! Thanks for writing, and I hope my description helps put someone else’s mind at ease.
I felt like I was dying all day today, til I read these posts and realized I’m probably having common withdrawal symptoms from this ghastly, unnatural drug. I would never recommend taking this horrendous medication that takes away all your feelings… good AND bad. This withdrawal isn’t worth it, and I liked my feelings. I had lots of them, and was taking this for pain and hot flashes… neither of which it really helped.
Oh my. I have been reading everyone’s comments on Effexor XR and I take 225 mg. I have been on it for about 12 years for anxiety. Of course early on I was at a lower dose, then the Doctor increased it over the years & I won’t to stop taking it… tried cold turkey… oh hell no!!!
I am going to call my doctor and taper off of it and get me on something else that is easier to get off of. I got on Effexor XR website because it was so expensive and they sent me a card to use at the pharmacy. I only pay $4.00 for my prescription a month… so people get a card… they email me a new one every year!!!
I’m not encouraging anyone to stay on it, but if you need to, get the $4 prescription card! ?
Read your comment Sue. I have been on Effexor for seven years. Doctor started me at 75 mg then increased to 150, then to 225 mg. Since I just retired, I decided it was time to come off and see how I feel. The last time I tried was when on 150 mg. I cut it to 75 mg then nothing. Wasn’t nice. I had brain zaps, and many of the other side effects mentioned in the previous comments.
Including depression, anxiety, headaches and dizziness. It was the wrong time to try it as I was still working in a stressful job. Now that I’m retired; my doctor is weaning me off gradually. Very gradual is the key. My dosage was reduced every month. From 225 mg to 187.5 for thirty days. Then 150 mg for thirty days and then 112.5 mg for thirty days. (That’s where I am now).
My next dosage in three weeks will be 75mg for thirty days then to 37.5 for thirty days, then hopefully stop. I also take Omega 3 fish oil soft gels three times a day and one Complex B with Vitamin C (once a day soft gel). So far I haven’t had the brain zaps but do feel off balance at times and have headaches often in my forehead. Forgetful and feeling down some days.
Overall, I would say the symptoms aren’t as severe as I go along. I just tell myself “it will pass” and I stay on my routine. One of the reasons I came off is because of a low sex drive and ability to complete. Also can cause constipation. Hope my comments help someone out there. Hang in unless it gets out of control, then make sure you see your doctor.
Hi Robert. Know my response is a year later… your post has been very helpful…coming off 225, 75, 37.5. Will stay at 75 for awhile. Symptoms are something else. Had been on Effexor for many years. Thanks for your encouragement.
I feel for you. I have been on and off meds for years. I’m currently trying to overcome nausea and dizziness from coming off 375 of effexor I was on 5 tabs a day. I felt like this if I missed a day or two. But coming on to day 6 of no tabs am feeling like crap I was angry mass outbursts, then crying. I’m supposed to be going on different drugs as these were not working I went from feeling low as to just getting by. I’m hoping I can handle this. I’m lying in bed because of nausea. I just keep hoping the next day will get a bit better.
Hi, I’ve never heard of anyone being on 375mg. Do you feel that it made a difference from let’s say 225?
Hi, I have a suggestion that might be able to get you through those days when you’re unable to pick up your medicine. Have you ever tried opening the capsules and removing some beads to set aside to take later? Maybe you could do that the last week of the month so it could help stretch them just a little bit more so you don’t have to go days COMPLETELY without.
That’s hard. Idk if I could go more than 3 days Right now I’m trying to self ween so I’m taking out beads. I’ve been on effexor for about 12 years and have gained so much weight. I’m the biggest one out of both sides of my family. Even tho it saved my life back then, now it does nothing for me. I only take them when I start feeling the physical w/d symptoms. I feel the physical first then shortly after the mental crap starts.
I can go 2 days. I’m hoping this will help me ween in the long run. I’m not sure how old this thread is, so if you read this I pray you are you’re ok and you’re safe.
Hi, I’ve been on 375mg venlafaxine for a while. Started on a lower dose, 150mg I think, about a year snd a half ago, and had it upped and upped until my depression was held at bay. I’ve gone back down to 300mg a couple of times, but the sadness comes back. So in answer to your question, I do feel a difference between the doses.
I didn’t realize that it was unusual to be on the maximum dose?!? Anyway, the real reason I was reading these posts was because I’ve been really lightheaded and feeling ill, hard to stand up and so nauseous. Started vomiting last night. I realized today that I hadn’t been taking my meds, (because I’d been ill and tired anyway) and hadn’t taken them for maybe 5 days.
I was trying to research and find out if that’s what was making me feel so ill. Apparently so. Had shocking nightmares last night too, and sweats so bad I kept waking up freezing cold with my duvet soaked through. It’s kind of a relief to to know it’s the withdrawal. I started taking them again today but can’t find any information on how long it will take before these withdrawal symptoms disappear. Does anybody know?
I started Effexor XR 37. 5 then up to 75 when I was pregnant, so just over two years ago. My baby’s father pulled a 180 after being so happy that we had conceived and started treating me like total garbage. After having our child he would scoff at me and tell me he never wanted her anyway. Well, needless to say, in the interim I was being upped to 150mg.
I feel like the increase in medication ACTUALLY made it so I stayed with this POS person for WAY longer than I should have. Anyway, fast forward, new PCP sees me happy and content with my new life and my beautiful toddler so she starts to taper me off the meds. Why not, right? The entire reason for starting the med is gone.
I’m a month out from the first dose decrease and on day 2 of zero meds and I feel like absolute hell!!! Through the whole tapering process I have had diarrhea and dizziness and now I’m throwing up, having severe vertigo, and brain zaps whenever I move my eyes or my head. I had an easier time quitting oxycodone after two solid months on it! With all of these nasty side effects I’m having quite the pity party and it’s making me want to cry!
Any advice for lessening these symptoms? And at what point do they become less intense? I don’t want to have suffered this long for no reason but I don’t know how much more of this I can take! And one more thing! Why in the f*cking HELL was I not warned about this??
Why isn’t it on the label? Why the F**CK does my doctor not think the withdrawal symptoms aren’t as bad as I’m describing? Why are the big pharma companies hiding this? I sure as hell wouldn’t have started this medication if I KNEW!
Were you on Effexor whilst pregnant? If so did your baby have any birth defects?
I have been on it for a year 35.7 twice a day not XR. I began tapering after I addressed concerns of possible effects to unborn. Symptoms of withdrawal are debilitating. I have not taken the pill for 3 days now. I used all natural kava root tea to mask the withdrawal symptoms. Today I don’t have zaps. I’m dizzy still but no longer dependent on the pill to relive withdraw symptoms. Try kalm with kava pouni ono.
Kalli, I totally agree with your questions. I tapered off from 75mg to 37.5mg, and I am now off the medicine. I have been off for… well, I can’t even remember, honestly. Maybe a month, and although my withdrawals were not as severe as those who have taken this med for many years. I nonetheless, had them, and I am still having them. The anger and irritability over the smallest of things, and the dizziness seems worse at night for some reason.
I want to sleep all the time. Of course, I am also taking bupropion, generic Wellbutrin, which may have alleviated some withdrawals. Then I began reading about these meds, and they are not even supposed to be taken together. I wanted off the venlafaxine because I was getting too many side effects. Everything physically wrong with me now, I attribute to these meds, and they are uncommon things listed for the drug side effects.
Depression is a b—h, been dealing with it for over 38 years. I am now 52. It has been up and down my whole life. Sometimes on meds, sometimes off meds. Most of the meds, I would go off cold turkey, but when I tried that with venlafaxine, forget it. If withdrawals are this bad and I was weaned off, I can imagine what they are like stopping cold.
I’ve been “on” 75mg/day for about 10 years and “accidentally” stopped a few days ago. The only symptoms seem to be a bit of dizziness so, what the heck, I reckon that I’ll push on and see what happens. Maybe I will be one of the lucky ones who can kick this drug with minimal effect.