I've noticed a lack of stories for people that have only been on venlafaxine for a short period of time, but that are going through withdrawal. So Hi, here's a discussion forum!
My story.. I was on fluoxetine for a couple years a few years after my Dad died, as my family were concerned that I hadn't cried and was suffering from ptsd. I was a teenager and to say I took the medication consistently would be a stretch.. I don't fully remember that period of my life but I do remember taking them as and when I remembered, normally with alcohol, and as such never had any benefits.
Fast forward 6 years to Dec this year. I went through an experience that Ivan only describe as worse than past experiences of losing my father, being abused, being attacked, and being isolated put together. I chose to go back on Prozac as I couldn't cope. It helped slightly, but not noticeably, and 6 months down the line I had but on 2 stone and felt/feel awful. So my doctor recommended venlafaxine.
IT WAS AMAZING! For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt like me again. No side effects or headaches like I had found on the Prozac. Only if I missed a dose, or had alcohol. Then... I checked the scales. A steady 2lbs per week despite a healthy diet and exercise. I couldn't carry on like that, so after 5 weeks, I asked to come off and decided I'd manage my depression and situation differently now that I felt stronger.
COMING OFF IS NOT FUN.
When I came off Prozac, I had headaches, felt jittery, emotional and had awful RLS for 3 days, but that was the worst of it. Not so with venlafaxine. I'd warn you, don't go on this for just short term use. It's not worth these withdrawal symptoms. I am now on day 3 and can kinda see the light, possibly.
I followed my doctors instructions and took two weeks of 37.5mg, all fine. I took my last pill, next day all fine.
Day 2, I thought I was going to die. I have severe endometriosis, and can deal with chronic daily pain and exhaustion, but this was like being seasick x a million, dizzy, nausea, I couldnt get off the sofa. A headache of all headaches, felt so sick but at the same time ravenous and a funny crackling going on in my brain every so often.
Day 3 has been much the same, but with a slight improvement. I've been reading stories of people online, and they say it goes on for weeks, maybe even a year... Im praying that's not the case for taking it for such a short period of time.
I have been trying to flush the pill out my body and drinking ginger tea, water and having Epsom salt baths.
Is there anyone else out there going through the same? Do you have any suggestions?!