jerseygirl2014: Coming off effexor

[jerseygirl2014]

I have been on Effexor tab for two years-- very low dose of 75mg daily. My doc agreed to let me start tapering off. Since I have 25 mg tabs I started by decreasing to 50mg for two weeks then 25 mg for two weeks and then discontinued. I feel really our of it, forgetful, easily angered and weepy. I am starting to think I may have tapered too abruptly? Could really use some advice thanks!

 

Jerseygirl2014

[chachkimooch]

Yep. That's what I think too... I had no idea how addictive effexor was 'till I started trying to wean myself off of it last month. I started experiencing all your symptoms, and horrible nightmares too.  Now I've started getting this weird hollow feeling in my chest, and so far, the 'internet' says maybe it's anxiety and or heart problems. Sigh. If I were you, I'd go really slowly off of it, like maybe cut your 25mg tabs into quarters and just wean yourself in increments of 1/4 of the 25mg tab at a time. Getting off of this drug is a b****! 

[Petunia]

Welcome to the forum jerseygirl, I'm sorry to hear you have been struggling so much.

 

It sounds like you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. For a brief introduction to withdrawal please see: Intro to antidepressant withdrawal syndrome

You have been tapering too fast.  We suggest reducing by no more than 10% of the current dose every 4 weeks, this reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms arising.  Please read through this post which will explain why:

 

http://survivinganti...0-of-my-dosage/

 

Reinstatement of a small amount of the drug can often work well to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.  According to medical knowledge, reinstatement is the only way to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.  Reinstatement is best done immediately upon appearance of withdrawal symptoms. The more time that passes, the less likely it is to work.  Here is some information about reinstatement to help you decide if its something you would like to try:

 

http://survivinganti...rawal-symptoms/

 

When did you take your final dose of effexor?  When did the withdrawal symptoms start?

 

Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature.  Putting a short version of your drug history in your signature helps people understand your context, it appears below each of your posts.  Here are instructions for how to do it:

 

http://survivinganti...your-signature/

 

Once you get back to us with more details about your drug history and situation, we will be in a better position to offer support and suggestions.  Please stay in touch and let us know what you decide.

 

Petu.