Christinas: Effexor / venlafaxine withdrawal for 1 year

[Christinas]

Hi 

I have been suffering from venlaflaxine withdrawal for the last year and wondering if there is anything that can help? 

[Christinas]

Efexor withdrawal

 

Hi 

Been suffering from venlaflaxine withdrawal from the last year and wondering what I can do to help with it? I'm having lots of problems with the stomach and anxiety and depression and don't know what to do anymore, any help out there? 

 

Edited November 12, 2022 by ChessieCat

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs. I'm very sorry to hear about your predicament.  You have come to the right place.  

 

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?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise vertical list (no symptoms), only specific dates, include the day (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day), drug names, and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.

 

Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

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

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

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

 

 

I just want to reassure you that there is hope for you.  It sounds like these drugs have had a major impact on your life.  When we know more about your drug history, and current drug regimen, we can advise you, and help you to recover, and get your life back.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.  

 

Edited November 18, 2022 by getofflex