Withdrawals from Effexor XR?

Question

Hi, I am on my last 5 days of 37.5mg. I was taking 150mg, then 75mg and now 37.5mg. After these 5 days I will be off all meds. Should I expect the brain shivers and dizziness when I finish this dosage? I (tried) to quit cold turkey and ended up at the Doctors office. He, after scolding me for doing that, started tapering me off, over a 2 wk period. I really dread the thought of going through the withdrawal again. I was soooo sick. Is it going to happen again? If so, what can I take to help get through it?

Answer 1

I too, was weaned off Effexor when my doctor and I decided that it was time to go off. Instead of going down to 37.5 for the last week, she had me continue for an additional week by taking the 37.5 every second day. This prevented any side effects from happening. I also made many changes in my life to ensure that I would not have a relapse. Certain life situations can make us depressed or suffer from anxiety. Is your life all you want it to be or do you need to make some serious changes. If you dont change the root cause, then chances are, the depression will come back. I too, believe in prayer and it will give you the strength to move on. Effexor does have its place but it is only a small part of the puzzle and it won't solve your problems.

Answer 2

Any MEDS YOU DECIDE TO GO OFF, YOU SHOULD WEAN YOURSELF OFF. just BECAUSE YOU DECREASED THE DOSE, DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE REACTION TO THE WITHDRAWAL. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IS GRADUALLY DECREASE THE DAYS. I MEAN, YOU SHOULD START OF BY DECREASING THE AMOUNT OF TIMES A DAY. IF IT'S 3 TIMES A DAY, THE START TAKING 2 A DAY. DO THIS FOR 1 WK. THEN DECREASE IT TO 1 A DAY FOR 1 WK. NO. YOU DON'T STOP THERE. NEXT, GO TO EVERY OTHER DAY. THEN EVERY 3DAYS AND SO ON. IT TAKES TIME FOR A MEDICATION TO LEAVE YOUR SYSTEM DEPENDING HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN ON IT. THE DOSE DOESN'T MATTER, THE EFFECTS WILL BE THE SAME. YOU WILL GRADUALLY STOP THE MEDS BECAUSE BY GRADUALLY DECREASING YOUR DOSE, THE BRAIN GETS THE MESSAGE. THIS IS THE SAFEST WAY TO GET OFF A MED. BY ALL MEANS SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR. MOST DOCTORS WILL AGREE THAT SLOW WITHDRAWAL FROM A MED IS THE BEST METHOD. GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

I was on Effexor XR also and have not taken it for over a year now. I thought it was helping while I was on it, but once I stopped taking it, I felt like a brand new person. I too went through withdrawels...I threw up, got the shakes, weak in the knees, didn't have much motivation to do anything. BUT, I constantly prayed hard for God to help me overcome my depression and asked everyone I knew to pray for me also. It was tough at first, but the power of prayer and changing your own mentality (telling yourself you're not sick) into mind over matter, it surely worked. I know it can work for you too! Holistic Medicine really works. Just tell your body/mind/soul that you aren't going to be sick anymore all day, everyday until you feel better. I too will keep you in my prayers and good luck!

Answer 4

Why are you going off of it? I am currently at the 300mg level of it. If I skip or don't take for a while, I do get sick. It best to ask a doctor for sure to get off of it and see if it is best to get off it. Since you have slowly decreased the amount you take you shouldn't have any troubles. If you just stop taking it, you can have problems. The body can't handle an also of a sudden stop in taking medicine.

Answer 5

well i wld suggest tlking to ur dr...why are u gng off of it? i am on the 150 and i keep hearing about these withdrawls....is there another med he can put u on to help if u do w/d get back with me [e-mail]

Answer 6

You don't take anything. You check yourself into rehab. Sounds like youv'e been popping to many pills.

Answer 7

37.5 is the lowest dose -you'll be fine.