I am a 21 year old female, and I have been on effexor 75 mg for a year, and before that I was on celexa 35 mg. Anyways, my doctor and I both decided that the side effects from effexor and all antidepressants were outweighing the benefits as I had been having difficulty committing to school and work while on antidepressants and I feel that they are no longer necessary (fingers crossed). I was cut back to 35mg for a month before the date I would stop taking effexor (4 days ago) and I am having some crazy withdrawal symptoms including flu like symptoms, a foggy mind (limiting my ability to drive and focus on anything, really), as well as hot flashes and multiple other symptoms making me feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off. These symptoms have gotten a tad bit better but I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? Also how long will these symptoms persist? I would like to get back to my normal life asap. The good news is I have been feeling awesome emotionally and am already noticing a difference compared to the somewhat numb feeling created by effexor. I guess I am really just wondering how long I will feel this way and also if anyone has any suggestions on how to cope with withdrawal symptoms that would be fantastic.
Hi Hilary
I have cut back to one 37.5mg a day in the morning . I am still so tired it's in true. My doctor thinks I am taking 75mg a day but I can't do it. I feel crap on one tablet. I am constipated now. The headaches have gone but all I want to do is sleep...
I have been walking 5k a day to try to help with the weight I am putting one. I don't feel great. I'd say miserable because of the weight gain. Tired and trying to puss myself into exercise . It's just one vicous circle and I don't know if I would be better of these or upping the dos
To what I am meant to take. I hate it all
Hi Hilary 199
The important thing to understand here is that you are far being alone! This is a difficult drug to get off but it's doable with patience. I have high regard for the doctor who advised you to stop taking it but it appears many of them don't understand how hard it is.
If I may offer a bit of advice, refer back to that doctor if you are having trouble - don't try to fly solo!
I started a discussion myself on the subject here:
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/warning-venlafaxine-is-highly-addictive-62678
The methods I describe are working for me. I am still on abut 15mg per day but I've had a nasty bug, so I haven't tried reducing any more for a couple of weeks, didn't want to try juggling too many balls at once!
Be patient and you will get there. Good luck!
Wendy,
Have you talked to your doctor about other options? It really sounds like venlafaxine isn't right for you. I felt okay while on it and only experienced a mild weight gain. I know that I have been on about 4 different kinds of anti-depressants and venlafaxine presented the least symptoms in my case. But it took a lot of trying new medications to find one that was right for me! I would definitely speak to your doctor if I were you, or even a psychiatrist, as I did at one point.