I cant get off my meds (Venlafaxine) am I addicted?

Question

I increased my dose as advised by the doc. I now want to come off the increased amount (and possibly come off them completly if all goes well) problem is the increase in symptoms and the sickness it made me feel was so intense that I went back on them for my own safety (suicidal thoughts after months of not thinking like that)

I am scared that I have to be on them for life. How do I get off them? What side effects did you experience/know of when coming off these pills. I want to have a baby I want to be medication free - it was only meant to be a temporary period I was on these, yet now I can seem to get off them!!!!

Help - any advice??? Do they really change the structure of the brain and if so how will my brain cope without them?? I wish I never took them :(

Answer 1

Caaaalm down. Take a deep breath. You need to talk this over with your doctor. Call him up, leave him a message if he's not there.

For Effexor/Venlafaxine, you cannot just stop taking the drug immediately, more so than any anti-depressant. The feelings royally suck. For specifics, I'll refer you to www.crazymeds.us - they have a page on Effexor and discontinuing it I largely agree with. You decrease the dose slowly, as little as possible at a time. Get your doctor to prescribe you a big bottle of the smallest pill (25mg I think) and reduce your dose perhaps once a week by one of these pills. Another strategy is to switch you slowly onto another SSRI, like prozac and then take you off that one slowly. Yes, Effexor sucks to get off, but it's a very potent antidepressant.

No, they do not change the structure of your brain, and no you're not addicted. If you were addicted, you would be acting out, taking more of the substance and damaging your life with your actions. You have a physiological dependence - there's a very important difference that gets overlooked by people screaming 'addiction' at the top of their lungs.

Also, keep in mind that you should put off having a child until you're mentally stable. A mentally ill mother, especially one who's depressed, does not make for a very good parent. It's wouldn't be good for your child's well being, and it wouldn't be good for you.

Answer 2

Talk to your DR. about your concerns.  As with any anti-depressants you are addicted and will need to be weened off of them.  You can do it but it does take time.  Don't quit cold turkey it is too risky.

Answer 3

I just got off them and it is very hard. The side effects make your brain hurt like little shocks. It also caused me too lose my job I could not sleep and felt like killing myself. I recommend you do not quit cold turkey and be prepared to take 2 weeks off and no sleep. sweat all night and then twitch and shake like your a crack addict. But in the end the side effect go away and you can sleep again:) Im so happy I quit those f**$ drugs. they suck they keep you hooked and well life is better when you can enjoy it. good luck, and good luck with the family-