Coming off meds

[Sabrina80]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone is going through this or has.

I started reducing my venlafaxine medication two weeks ago. I was on 75mg. Today is my second day without any medication at all and I am finding the withdrawal tough. Mostly the headache and dizziness.

Yesterday without any was pretty good os I'm really hoping that tomorrow will be too (which will be day three) but I'm struggling to hold out.

Has anyone got any advice? Thank you.

[kenster1]

hi coming off cold turkey is really hard but some do push through and ride it out others reduce the dose over a period of time usually means less side effects.

[Sabrina80 in reply to kenster1]

Thanks for reply. I started reducing number of beads in capsule two weeks ago and then two days ago I didn't take any of the beads. First day was OK but second was tough.

[designguy]

If you are struggling with it you should get back on the meds and do a very slow taper off it. some people take months to slowly taper off their meds in order to give their body and mind time to adequately adjust. You can get a pill cutter at your pharmacy if you need one.

[Sabrina80 in reply to designguy]

I was doing that for two weeks using the wet finger method. It was going OK so decided not to take any meds at all two days ago.

[Sophia__Colley]

I used to take some other med. But never had any withdrawal symptoms. But venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms can be dizziness, nausea, headache, etc...

[Sabrina80 in reply to Sophia__Colley]

Yes those withdrawal symptoms are horrible. Today has been a week since I've had any venlafaxine at all and I'm feeling good. The nausea, dizziness and brain zaps have all stopped so I'm hoping it stays like that.Thank you for your reply.

[Sophia__Colley in reply to Sabrina80]

I hope you feel even better and never feel the way you used to again!

[newfbull]

Yes, in 2020 I came off 150 mg of Venlafaxine, using a “Prozac Bridge”-unfortunately Prozac was not for me as it made me extremely anxious and restless. I have to be honest it took me about six months to come off the venlafaxine and it was very difficult. I am currently on 10 mg of Lexapro, HRT, and .25 mg klonopin at night. Taking the Klonopin freaks me out a bit, but it does help me sleep. Lexapro can deliver some frightening dreams! That’s why I always thought I woke up with more anxiety in the morning. Good luck to you weaning off of the venlafaxine. You’ll get there. Hope you’re feeling better!

[Sabrina80 in reply to newfbull]

Thank you. It's a week today (9/2) since I've had any venlafaxine and I've been doing better each day. The brain zaps have stopped as has the náusea. I'm hoping I continue like this.I've had a crazy week with my daughter starting school and my boys going back. I think being so busy has helped keep my mind off it. On Monday I will have my first PTA meeting. I finally pushed myself to join but that was back in May. This is something that will make me feel anxious but it's something I want to be able to work through.

Thank you for your comment. I hope you are doing well.

[newfbull]

Yes indeed, keeping pushing yourself to continue in things you are interested in. Have a great labor day weekend and continued success to you!