Having bad withdrawal symptoms

Hi I'm new to site and joined because I'm struggling with change over from my meds. My psychiatrist has done a straight switch from venlafaxine 225 mg to prozac 20mg and I'm day 3 with massive withdrawal symptoms to the point I just had a melt down. I know it's the right change for as venlafaxine was not helping. Has anyone done straight switch, I feel a little better after meltdown but worried how long before withdrawal will go. I'm sitting outside and the breeze feels good, is there any other ways to feel better from the zapping feelings, nausea, headaches etc. Right now I hate my life and feel such a burden on my husband. I cant hide these feelings.

Thanks in advance for just letting me vent! 🤯😥

[Dolphin14]

Did they cut you down too fast? I'm on veneflexine and I've read on this sight it's very hard to come off of for most people. We are all different of course.

I would say one thing you should do is drink plenty of water during this time period.

Does the md know you are struggling?

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

I see my doctor next week, she referred me to psych he is 4 hour road trip away, he explained there would be a cross over period and if symptoms to bad to take half of 75mg venlafaxine. I wanted to just have strength to deal with it but my husband has just suggested to take a small dose to help, which I just had. I have read and he had also said venlafaxine is one of the most difficult for withdrawals. Here's hoping the small dose will help.

I'm keeping up with water as it's the only thing that I can handle at the moment.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

Good, you've figured out some plan.

Four hour drive that's awful. But will be worth it.

Do you have the ability to email you psychiatrist so you don't have to drive as far with issues? That will make it easier for you for the long haul.

Yes there is an overlap period. I've taken so many meds and come off so many. I've had side effects even when my dr told me I wouldn't. So some of us are just more sensitive than others.

Do you know you can take some of the beads out of the capsule to take a smaller dose of the drug. My pcp told me that she instructs her patients to do this.

I've read it on here also.

I hope this doesn't last much longer for you. I'm sure you feel physically drained

Wishing you well.

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

I took 3 beads, I didn't even know they were beads. This is my first experience as I've only taken the same med, wow yes such an emotional and draining experience!

Thank you for sharing you knowledge helps knowing someone understands what your going through.

[Coral43]

I was also on veneflexine and I had to be taken off of it because I was having major side effects from taking it. What my doctor had me do, was start the new medication while still taking the veneflexine, she had me do this for 5 days and once I stopped taking veneflexine and started taking the new medication I was lucky enough to not have withdraws. So I think taking a smaller dose is not such a bad thing. I would love to be taking veneflexine again because that seems to be the only medication that has actually helped me, but the side effects I have from it are to risky for me to keep taking it.

[1947treble]

I had to come off of lithium a couple years ago (it caused tardive dyskinesia) and for two weeks I hardly knew who I was. It was pretty hellish physically and mentally, so I definitely feel your pain and hope it gets better soon.

[Xpression519]

Hey, hope you are feeling as good as possible. I had the same experience about 4 years ago. I know we are here to support each other, but heres the truth. I did not last more than a week without crash burning into the ground. That type of switching is very aggresive. I have been on venlafaxine for 7 years now and the only way im being able to quit the drug is by ordering custom dose pills.

Nothing else has worked, i live in Mexico, we have a brazilian lab called O'Hervanario, they send custom dosages so you can wean off slowly and safe. Maybe you can try to find something similar?

Hope this works for you.

Best wishes!