Richard1: Venlafaxine withdrawals. Not sure whats going on. Scared. Please help!

[Richard1]

So I was taking 75mg from Nov 2020, then suddenly stopped in March 11th. In those months I had some very odd, frightening situations which were around the time I missed a few days doses. Then after March 11, on March 13 it kicked in again. However, its not yet gone totally. Its quite frightening.

 

My head is/was spinning, I felt very lightheaded and like im constantly half way to losing consciousness, cant keep a thought in my head before it vanishes to be replaced by another, memory problems, shaking/tremors, intense fear/panic that comes seemingly from nowhere, problems with disassociation, nasty intrusive thoughts. Basically it feels like my head is just 'off'. Something is not right! And I hate it. It feels like the control and thought center of the brain is just stumbling around drunk. Im trying to lay down and concentrate and it just cant be done reliably. My mind is running around all over the place. 

 

Its been 3 weeks now, and the bodily symptoms have almost entirely gone. I did have some very bad and consistent lightheaded feelings for about 19 days once the symptoms first started. That seems to be going now finally, but I want my mind to be clearer! I want to feel like myself again and not this confused, disorientated way cause its obv stopping me from being able to experience myself and actually get on with life.

Edited April 3, 2021 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Richard1.

 

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.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

The symptoms you experienced were due to withdrawal from the drug.  It's very encouraging that your physical symptoms are almost gone and the your other symptoms are improving.  The symptoms you continue to experience are also due to withdrawal and will disappear with time.  They aren't permanent.  Unfortunately, there's no way to predict how long it will take for you to return to normal.  The fact that your other symptoms have faded or are improving is a good sign.  So that you have a better idea of what you experienced and are experiencing, here is some information on withdrawal and the healing process.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

When we take psychiatric 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.  

 

These explain the healing process really well.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

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. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

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

 

 

Edited April 3, 2021 by Gridley

[Richard1]

46 minutes ago, Gridley said:

Welcome to SA, Richard1.

 

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.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

The symptoms you experienced were due to withdrawal from the drug.  It's very encouraging that your physical symptoms are almost gone and the your other symptoms are improving.  The symptoms you continue to experience are also due to withdrawal and will disappear with time.  They aren't permanent.  Unfortunately, there's no way to predict how long it will take for you to return to normal.  The fact that your other symptoms have faded or are improving is a good sign.  So that you have a better idea of what you experienced and are experiencing, here is some information on withdrawal and the healing process.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

When we take psychiatric 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.  

 

These explain the healing process really well.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

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. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

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

 

 

Thanks! I hope to make this place my new home while going through this. Every day on average is better than the last bit i just want this all to be over. I think I'm past the worst of it though. These last 3 weeks have felt like a fever dream which i have been trapped in. I wish i would have tapered. Too late now though, I'm over the 'hump' and the end of these symptoms can't be more than a few more weeks away. Doing my best to keep calm. 

[arbor]

Hi @Richard1--Here is a site that may be useful for the crazy electrical feelings that can happen especially early in w/d.  What is withdrawal syndrome?

There are many existing topics on SA.  To find them you can use an internet search engine and add site:survivingantidepressants.org to the search term.

 

Here is another topic you might want to refer to.  

 

about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-reduce-withdrawal-symptoms

 

In the Forum section under Self care there are lots of tips for chilling.  I hope they are useful to you.

 

Thinking of you,

Arbor