LIN22: 11 Years on Venlor (Venlafaxine), Tappered of 3 months, 6 weeks off Venlor

[LIN22]

Hi, I am new to talking about my story with Venlor.  I was prescribed Venlor by a GP for anxiety and panic attacks 11 years ago.    Venlor made me feel tired, brain fog, dizzy, memory problems, anxiety,,, so I decided to wean myself of.  I am now 6 weeks off Venlor.  Had crying spells, anxiety, night sweats while weaning of it.  Started  to excersize and eating healthier.  Still feel very emotional and getting anxiety attacks.  Still struggling with brain fog and sometimes feel I am off balance. Is there anybody that is going through the same things?

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, LIN22.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  Please include how fast you tapered and the date of your last dose on Venlafaxine (known in the U.S. as Effexor).    Please go to this link to create your signature.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

The symptoms you are experiencing are withdrawal symptoms from tapering too fast.  We recommend tapering no more than 10% of current dose every four weeks.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

To help you understand the symptoms you are experiencing, here is some information on withdrawal.  

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

Youtube video, 4 minutes: Healing from antidepressants

 

At this time, reinstatement of a very small dose of the original drug is the only known way to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms..  The only other alternative is to try and wait out the symptoms and manage as best you can until your central nervous system returns to homeostasis.  Unfortunately no one can give you an exact timeline as to when you will start feeling better and while some do recover relatively easily, for others it can take many months or longer.  

 

Reinstatement isn't a guarantee of diminished symptoms for everyone but it's the best tactic available.  You're still in the time period where reinstatement predictably works, up to 3 months after last dose.  It is best to reinstate as soon as possible after withdrawal symptoms occur. We usually suggest a much smaller reinstatement dose than your last dose.  These drugs are strong, and when reinstating it is better to start with a small amount and increase if symptoms remain unbearable. Your system has become sensitized and If you take too much it may be too much for your brain and can cause you become unstable.   Then, once you've stabilized on that dosage, you can begin a 10% per month taper down to zero.   

 

If you are interested in reinstatement, we can suggest a reinstatement dose after you've completed your signature.  Please do not reinstate without receiving our suggestion.  Please read:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms. -- at least the first page of the topic

 

This link explains how to obtain the small doses of Venlafaxine you will need for a reinstatement:

 

Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

This is your introduction topic, where you can ask questions and post updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Cnick91]

Hello,

 

Yes just about everyone here on SA is or has experienced those issues. You went off the Venlafaxine way to fast. I also tapered to quickly and experienced the vertigo, brain fog, anxiety, crying spells, confusion, rumination, etc. Your centeral nervous system is very sensitive right now. Unfortunately, there isn’t a time frame anyone can give you as to when you will feel better. You are in the right place though, lots of support here at SA. The moderators of this website are very informative. If you have any questions or concerns I can fill you in on my experience with venlafaxine. Hang in there, things will get better.

[LIN22]

Thank you, I appreciate the response. I The worst for me is the brain fog and not being able to find words when in a conversation.Its so frustrating.I am trying meditation and reading to help improve my brain.

[Alanmane]

1 hour ago, LIN22 said:

Gracias, agradezco la respuesta. Lo peor para mí es la niebla del cerebro y no poder encontrar palabras cuando estoy en una conversación. Es tan frustrante. Estoy tratando de meditar y leer para mejorar mi cerebro.

Hi friend, I have been reducing effexor for 150 months, now I am 37.5mg and even going slowly I am suffering from discomfort, it is difficult to think clearly, reason complexly ... I trust that it will improve with time, I am sure that the stress the situation adds fuel to the fire so you have to look to be as calm as possible. About what you said about not finding the words, the same happens to me since I am in retreat, simply the mind does not flow easily, there are some barriers that cloud cognition. It will improve, you have to believe in it. Much encouragement

[Altostrata]

Welcome, LIN.

 

You have post-withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms may take many months to go away.

 

Reinstating a very small amount of the drug can reduce withdrawal symptoms. Do you have any Venlor left? Is it a capsule with tiny beads inside or a few small tablets?

[LIN22]

Thank you Alanmane, for your encouragement.Altostrata, no I don't have any Venlor left.  It was capsules with tiny beads inside.  

[Altostrata]

If you can get more Venlor with the tiny beads inside, you might reinstate a very small amount, such as 6 beads. This may stop the withdrawal symptoms. You'd stabilize on that for some months, then taper off very slowly later. See

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

Otherwise, you'll have to cope with symptoms for however long they may last.

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

"Is it always going to be like this?"

 

The importance of recognizing you're feeling good

 

Withdrawal dialogues & encouragement

 

Please let us know how you're doing.