Effexor withdrawl

[Foggy-forest]

Early june, my doctor and I decided it was time for me to switch from the current antidepressant I was on (Venalafaxine) to a new one (Burpropion). She down doseed me from the current antidepressant however never mentioned how bad the withdrawl symptoms could be. 24 hours after the last pill, I got incredibly nauseous and dizzy. I was diagnosed with severe vertigo and it’s made me anxiety sky rocket more than I’ve ever felt in my entire life. I feel so scared, confused and alone as I try to fight through this feeling. I’m currently on day 5 of these symptoms and it’s affected my every day life. I haven’t been able to work, drive or really leave the house. I just feel so hopeless.

[BlueAgave]

Welcome Foggy-forest. Sorry you're having bad withdrawal symptoms. I also take Venlafaxine and was going to come off, but decided to increase instead. I researched the withdrawal symptoms and it really frightened me. Just make sure your doctor is going down on the dose very very slowly. It's not impossible to get off the medication but will take some time. Just know what your feeling is the withdrawal symptoms and not just your anxiety. It will get better. You may need a short acting anxiety medication to help you through. Something to ask your doctor about. We are here for you!

[LOTR2017]

I would reach out to my doctor and explain how bad it is. I usually message my doctor and if I don't get a reply from her within 24 hours call up at the doctor's office.

[SayNOtoPanic]

😩praying for you. I hope it passes soon. You’re so brave for switching off Effexor. I know a few folks on it that are terrified to cause it’s a stickler in withdrawl. You got this Foggy!!

[Astro_potato]

My heart hurts for you, I am so sorry - I also had to switch meds off Effexor 75mg earlier this year, after 24 years of success. The withdrawals were the absolute worst agony I've ever been in my whole life. I'm thankful for the 24 years of normalcy it gave me, but don't regret purging that poison from my body for a second. That was just my experience, I've heard others had no side effects or withdrawal whatsoever. I was just not that lucky and I wanted to let you know you're not alone in your experience. Try to surround yourself with people that care and know that you will eventually get through this and it WILL get better. You are always stronger than you realize

I also wanted to add that my doctor wrote me a small script for clonazepam. It was the only thing that brought me even the least amount of relief. You may want to ask your doctor about it. Some doctors are weird about it because benzos can be so addictive, but my doc said this is exactly the type of situation they are appropriate for.

Best wishes and peace to you.

[SayNOtoPanic in reply to Astro_potato]

So sorry u dealt with that too Astro. So strong 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Ryanlion]

Well done so far, venlafaxine is a beast of a drug. The good news is you have taken your last pill. Hold fast, keep going all that you are feeling is the side effects and will get easier over time. definately tell your Dr what is going on they are so ignorant of the terrible withdrawal effects of this drug and you have been on it a long time. You could take a small amount of benzo to get you through it, anxiety is a major withdrawal symptom. I hate this drug but i am not in a position to come off it yet. Maybe dr will start the new drug now along side a benzo for a very short period.

[Weatherwoman]

I am withdrawing from Effexor, too, & am scared. Have been taking this drug for over 20 years so slowing decreasing the med. Was on 150 for OCD & anxiety, and some depression & it helped for a no. of years. Went to 75 mg. for a long time, and now on 37 mg. for the last three Months. So far, no symptoms of withdrawal, but after reading some of these posts, I am getting real worried (that's MY problem so not blaming anyone here)! Anyway, really afraid to lower the drug any further, but will discuss with my dr. Have been taking Ativan for years & it's really the only drug that helps. My Dr. says it's addictive, but so be it! I am on a Very low dose of Ativan. Hope All of us will be okay. Pray!

[Foggy-forest in reply to Weatherwoman]

From doing some of my own research, it seems like the longer you down dose, the less likely you are to have symptoms but obviously I can’t speak for everyone. I was only down dosed for 2 weeks which obviously was not long enough considering how long I’ve been on it.

[Weatherwoman in reply to Foggy-forest]

Yes, it would seem that down dosing for only two weeks is Definitely not enough! But, like you stated, can't speak for everyone. Everybody is different, true!

[Teaching]

Withdrawing from antidepressants is a nightmare for many. Some people don't have any side effect.