Relief from Effexor XR withdrawls?

Question

I've been on 75 mgs of Effexor XR for 3 years. Due to circumstances beyond my control, have to go several days without the antidepressant (cold turkey). I am miserable: hot flashes, tunnel vision, shakes, nausea, vertigo. I've been sleeping (on average) 16 hours per day the past few days, and have a few more days to go until I can get back on the meds.

I warned my friends and family and was able to get out of work. And luckily, I'm not crashing emotionally. As for the physical aspects, I'm a mess. Does anyone have any advice on how to subdue the withdrawl symptoms? I'm miserable. Thanks.

Answer 1

I am not sure that your symptoms are from withdrawal of Effexor XR. The starting and stopping dose is between 37.5 mg and 75 mg. Most of the time patients who are tapering off of it will get to 75 mg  and take that dose for a week and then are off. When starting rxlist.com for professionals states "For most patients, the recommended starting dose for Effexor XR is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose. " (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlaf... It says the same thing for stopping it.

I would take a look at the symptoms again. Could it be that you have a virus of some sort? Or maybe depressed? I am not sure what it is. But I would go to the doctor to get checked out.

You can treat each symptom, get some otc tylenol, pepcid, aspirin, Dramamine, stuff like that. Try some ginger ale, vitamins, make sure you are eating something, getting fluid in you. You can try relaxation techniques to help with the shakes.

I still would go to the doctor because it seems that something else it happening as well.

Answer 2

It can be very dangerous to stop antipsycotic meds cold turkey. Is it possible for you to call your Dr and ask for a new RX, or perhaps some samples. With some samples you could reduce the mg more slowly and avoid the danger and feeling like c**p. If that is not an option, there isn;t much you can do. If you get to having emotional problems or the physical symptoms get worse you need to go to the DR.  

Answer 3

You describe a typical list of withdrawal symptoms, as you say, at the moment falling into the medical rather than psych. category. Consider keeping a weather eye out for mood swings, emotional lability, crying spells, agitation, anxiety and irritability... some withdrawal symptoms can be delayed in onset. Had any headaches? The onset of 'flu'?

As the doses are lowered, it is quite common to experience increased withdrawal symptoms. It can, for example, take several months for some people to reduce from 37.5mg to 0mg.

What can you try to help? What helps some people, doesn't help others. Ginger or peppermint teas (or candy) might help ease the nausea; a bed/sofa in a darkened room can cut down on the external stimuli which should help a little; stay away from bright lights, loud music, ask those about you to cut down on perfumes / aftershaves / household chemicals (hypersentivity to smell, light, sound can occur); the same principle might apply to diet, consider keeping it simple, plain, and lower the additive level going into the system.

Perhaps a doctor/hospital could issue an emergency Effexor prescription?