Effexor and my emotional roller coaster

[Julzz]

I was on Effexor for about 7-10 years until this May when I chose to start tapering off in order to have the opportunity to do a guided mushroom experience.  I was doing really well up until this point.  I wanted to do the psychadelic experience to enhance my life and find more opportuniteis for joy and peace in my daily life.  I tapered slowly and the first couple weeks went pretty good.  So, I cut the dose again and immediately started having nausea, vomiting and vertigo.  I didn't make the connection at first that it was related.  Once I did I went back up to the original tapering.  That is when I found out how hard it is to get off Effexor.  And I was even more determined to get off of it, plus I was angry that I took this medication to HELP me and now it was making my life hell.  So, I completed my tapering with the advice of my doctor, and I feel shittier than I have in years.  My  cognitive functioning is terrible, I feel like my brain is full of molasses and I am an emotional wreck.  I've called my doctor twice to ask for his help and he is on vacation or something so he's not getting back to me.  I don't want to go back on this medication but I am seriously miserable and so uncomfortable with my daily existence.  No one around me understands what I'm trying to tell them about this syndrome.  I feel so alone and confused about how best to support myself.  I started taking a ton of supplements last week in an attempt to support my cognitive functioning and mood.  The first day I felt so much better.  Now a week later still taking the same supplements I'm back to where I was.  I feel awful.  I need to get on with my life but the more I read about this syndrome the more scared and upset I get.  

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  It may be that you feel miserable because you tapered your Effexor too quickly.  We that a lot here. I'm sorry your doctor is unavailable. You have come to the right place, and we can help you. 

 

Can you please give us specific information in your signature about your drug history for all drugs and supplements you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  Please read the link below for instructions.  

 

How to List Your Drug History in Your Signature

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly and carefully, and be very cautious about changing our doses: 

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

When we see more information about your drugs, your tapering schedule, and the dates of all this, we can give you some specific suggestions.  It's quite possible that a small reinstatement could help you a lot.  You would stabilize, then slowly taper off this later.  In the meantime, please hang in there.  

Edited July 11, 2023 by getofflex