Effexor Withdrawls, how to cope? - Depression Message Board

heidi47 · 10-03-2006, 11:35 PM

I've been on 112.5mg of Effexor for over 2yrs now. The Dr. and I decided that because I have been doing really well, I should try to go off the medication. Over the past 2 months I have been tapering off it. While that has gone well non-depression wise, the side effects have not been so great.

My main complaint is the 'electric shock/dizzy pusles' I get, which after quite a bit of net research I have found is rather common.I am now in my last week of going off and these shock things have only been getting worse. So much so that for the past two days they have been making me feel insane. I talked to the Dr. about it but it's kinda one of those 'wait it out' things apparently.

My question is, does anyone know of anything that can help this 'electric shock' reaction go away or lessen? While there seems to be alot of info on the fact that this can take place, I can't find much about how to make it go away.

Thanks alot. Have a good day.

ps. The only think I have heard is taking Omega 3 could help. Does anyone have experience with that?

Steve1 · 10-04-2006, 06:13 AM

Heide
In time these "elctric shocks" will go away! For me, the only thing that would help was a nap! But in turn it made it worse when i would lay down, But once asleep and when i awoke, I was fine!
Just do it slowly... and ask you Dr about anything that might help...

Good luck

Derangea · 10-04-2006, 08:00 PM

Hi Heidi,

There was a time when I went through EXTREME Effexor withdrawal. It was terrible. I had to be admitted to the ER twice. I kept throwing up, had paranoia, dry heaves, contant shaking, nightmares, shaking, EXTREME irritability, and suicidal thoughts. It was terrible. Things only got worse. The only thing I could do was go back on Effexor until I could come up with a long term plan about meds that would work for me. I wasn't until I attempted suicide and attmited into the hospital that I got things on track. I don't want things to get the bad for you. Because it is possible to get through this. My recommendation is to go back on Effexor and talk to your doctor about other solutions that will lessen withdrawal. They told me withdrawal would like 2-4 weeks. Before I knew it 2 months went by and there was no improvement. However, it is different for everyone. Please keep in touch. I really want to know how you are doing and I want to help you get through this. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Take Care,
-D

SOE · 10-04-2006, 09:16 PM

First of all, if you are experiencing so much discomfort, you are most likely tapering too fast. I would slow down if I were you. Everyone is different -- it took me 10 months to taper off Effexor.

The other thing you can try is Benedryl. It helped me a lot through the withdrawal -- don't know why... but it does help a lot of people.

Take care.

SOE