CathleenRSA: desperate to get off venlafaxine

[CathleenRSA]

Hi, 

I found this site by looking for ways to wean off venlafaxine. I have been on it since 2017, and my dose has increased over time to 300mg/ day. I was successful in going cold turkey off both Seroquel and Dopaquel at the end of December last year, but it did require me to take 3 weeks of work to do so. 

I originally landed up on all these meds, as I looked for help to get my off alcohol, and between my Therapist and the Dr, my drinking was primarily to shut out my anxiety. I am 2 years sober this coming December, and have managed to get on top of my anxiety - I just want to get off the Venlafaxine.

I am not sure if I am ready to change my night time meds, which is the Trazadone and Tripiline combined, which has made a huge difference to my sleep for 10 years, and has lowered the amount of migraines I get.

I have just come back from an appointment with my Psychiatrist this morning, where I raised that I wanted to get off the Venlafaxine, as I hate that it controls my entire life, and you cannot miss even a few hours taking your next does, because I get popping electric like flashes, my head feels dizzy or shudders, and my mood just tanks.  My Doc said my only option was to start on another med, Wellbutron, get that working, then start to taper off the Venlafaxine slowly over 5 months, but then she would need to introduce another SSIR. I want to get off the meds - not start some more.

Looking forward to a meaningful journey.

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, CathleenRSA.

 

Thanks for completing your drug signature.  Could you add whether the Venlafaxine is immediate release or extended release? Also, is "tripiline" a version of Amitriptyline?

 

Use this link and press "save."  

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

We don't recommend starting another antidepressant to get off an old antidepressant, and five months to taper off 300mg Venlafaxine is far faster than we recommend.  We recommend tapering no faster than 10% of your current dose every four weeks. Some have to taper more slowly.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

This link is specifically about tapering Venlafaxine, including instructions on how to taper to get the nonstandard doses you'll need for your taper.

 

Tips for tapering off venlafaxine (Effexor)

 

So you know, there are major drug interactions between Trazodone, Venlafaxine and Amitriptyline.  Getting off the Venlafaxine (very slowly) will be a good step toward reducing these interactions.  

 

Drug Interactions Checker 

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.