Weaning off Venlafaxine and withdrawal symptoms.. what’s helped you get through it ?

[Jinxed20]

Hi all I am new here and really could use some support . I am on 150 mg of Venlafaxine and find that even when I don’t take this medication at the exact same time daily I get the feeling of withdrawal . I plan is to wean off this medication and this dose and am wondering if there was anything doctors recommended over the counter or other wise / supplements ectera you found very helpful yourself ? Fear is keeping me on this drug and I feel I just needs to face the side effects but I feel it will be really bad . Any tips ? Brian zaps and visions issues is what I seem to get within about 2 to 3 hours of not taking it as scheduled . I’ve been on it 12 years . I fear going down even from 150 to 75 is going to be extremely difficult . Any tips would be greatly appreciated or suggestions . I realize this is not relaxing medical advice but anything you found helpful would be greatly appreciated .

[Hidden]

Your absolute best assist for coming off your meds MUST be done by your doctor or a withdrawal/medication discontinuation specialist.

A very slow and gradual taper plan, as this isn’t a process you can speed up thinking you’ll feel better being off your med(s) than on them. People process meds differently from the side effects you get when first going on meds to coming off them when they want to discontinue.

I’ve been through pain med withdrawal and antidepressant withdrawal, by far antidepressant withdrawal was the hardest and experiencing PAWS is something you want to avoid, this is persistent acute withdrawal symptoms, extremely uncomfortable and can be long lasting.

Over the counter stuff you may to take to ease withdrawals may make things worse, even OTC you may take to help you sleep, headache meds, etc. Best advise is don’t try this on your own.

[Jinxed20 in reply to Hidden]

I was planning for a slow taper but I feel that doctors don’t understand how bad withdrawal is ? How do you get them to understand this and what your needs are ? I feel like I’m talking to a wall and am extremely frustrated . I do have a plan but some people say they feel they are better supported with omega 3 fatty oil or higher doses of certain vitamins or less caffeine ectera . I really am just looking for ways and ideas that make the process easier . I don’t plan on doing it cold turkey . I plan on doing it over a 3 month period. It maybe longer on how I’m feeling . I had one panic attack when I had my baby 12 years ago and they gave me this stuff and I haven’t been brave enough to come off it . I feel it’s time. I need my my life back .

[Hidden in reply to Jinxed20]

My doctor did not believe my med could cause withdrawal, but it did. His words, my med was very ‘benign’. Silly doctor and their lack of knowledge or wanting to take any responsibility after your hooked on the meds they prescribe. I’m not sure,

For you, 3 months in my opinion after 12 years is way to short of a taper. I’m talking a very very slow and gradual taper.

I’ve got a very long story of withdrawal history off my antidepressant, be careful with supplements, but vitamins and micro nutrients to help supplement your diet is feel are fine. Amino acids are very tricky. I wish you the best and smoothest transition possible.

[Jinxed20 in reply to Hidden]

See if I was following what my doctor wanted me to do I be off of it in 2-3 weeks . Crazy stuff . I was scared when I heard that . Just no concept .. so I feel I am in this on my own and that is why I have turned to a support group and those that have been through this . I work in a high stress job and right now with Covid although I am at work things are much slower then usual and if I was off my game some I probably could manage through . I just don’t know about it going on for 9-12 months though . I honestly can say I’m scared of the withdrawal and sure don’t want to be having Brian zaps for that length of time . I don’t think I could work through that and maintain my duties if I was having a zap every time I turned my head . I just don’t want to fail at this either but I honestly am willing to even take the times release pills apart to be able to taper slower and make the process easier . I don’t think my physician has a hot clue and if I go at it with his idea in mind I will be in bad shape .

[Hidden in reply to Jinxed20]

I can only give advise based on my experiences, perhaps others will jump on here and give you ideas of amino acids, supplements, herbs, etc. None of that eased my transition (and these too have side effects or can make you feel worse, like anything else things you try will be based on experimenting). brain zaps, helped severe insomnia, dizziness, off balanced I suffered for way to long.

I’m in no way trying to scare, but slow, very slow, even though I know you think you’ll feel better and your brains chemistry and central nervous system can get back into balance in that time frame is the way to go...

[Jinxed20 in reply to Hidden]

I feel that I might be in that situation .. how long did it take for you to come off it .. or you Weren't able to ? I think it’s going to be rough but I need some quality of life to so for me if I weaned down over 9-13 months I could probably do that but I’m not sure it would make the symptoms of withdrawal any better it just might prolong them. I think supporting your body /mind best with supplements and anything to assist in the process would be really helpful . I have heard of a couple supplements made by True Hope that a lot of people have told me about that I made start ahead of this process . Really not sure . I am scared but I don’t want it to rule my life either . I feel I’m strong enough to do this and if I have to do it on my own and take pills Apart and count grains to have a slower taper I might not have any option . Big drops downs for me I think will not be possible . I appreciate your feed back. This medication has not been my friend at all .

[Hidden in reply to Jinxed20]

First, I’m med free now. It took me nearly a year and half to feel back to normal, my sleep is still terrible. I have some other things effects my sleep like middle aging, but I’m managing.

You’ll have to experiment with amino acids, herbs, vitamins etc. There isn’t going to be a best or perfect supplement that will ease your personal body’s chemistry. Your will to be med free might just be all you need to tough this out. I don’t know, it will be like heading into unchartered waters. Best of luck.