I have been takin Venlafaxine 37.5 twice daily for about 10 years. Two months ao I had a bad episode and was put up to 75.5 twice daiy. This wasn't helpin so my doctor decided to try me with Fluanxol 0.5 . She told me to stop the venlafaxine that niht and start the Fluanxol the followin mornin. That was 5 days ao. I had awful withdrawl and new side-effects so decided to stop the new ones after 2 days. I have been on nothin for 3 days and my head still feels awful brain zaps wooshin vivid dreams/nihmeares. I don't want to o back on anythin but would like to know how lon is this likly to last as I am due back at work on the 6/6/14. Also would you advise anythin to help with symptons
Hi cathy
I am coming off venalfaxine at the moment, what you need to do is to taper of slowly and not stop ubruptly. I stop ubruptly last year and was so unwell I had to hi back on it so this time I am doing the right way. If you go on the net and tap in how to come if venalfaxine it will advise to do a slow taper. I have been doing just that for 4 weeks now and it's not to bad, been feeling more depressed but that's just part if the withdrawal as the brain has to adjust to the change so it doesn't mean the condition is getting worse as most people would think, it will pass with time. I take A2X which helps with the withdraw you can buy from the net and it's safe and non addictive
Hi Cathy. It's not a good idea to cold turkey the meds. I came off my meds too quick and am suffering withdrawal.
I know you don't want to be on the meds (I don't blame you, I hate SSRIs and SNRIs)..your best bet would be to go on a very low dose of the venlafaxine very slowly. Brain zaps are typical of withdrawal..I have them too. It's a shock to the brain when the drug is taken away very suddenly. It needs a very gradual decrease to get used to the absence of the drug.
Omega 3 fish oil is good for brain zaps. It's helping with mine.
good luck.
Sorry..I meant go on a low dose until you are stable on that dose and then come off very slowly.