coming off venlafaxine and am feeling wrung-out

[JunesTune]

I've been reducing for some weeks and since Monday I've not taken any. I am feeling pretty awful.

Brain zaps have been better today, but I feel exhausted and have constant nausea. I am also very short-tempered and even though DS (3) is very good, he's still very demanding. That's what bothers me the most, that I am more shouty and snappy.

Its confusing because I'm not sure if I'm like that because I'm exhausted or if it's because of withdrawal, or if that' s what I'm like when I'm not taking AD's. And will it pass? I really hope so - and soon.

Can anyone share their experiences?

I am on it. Lot of people say its really hard to come off which is not what you want to hear. Very slowly reduce seems always to be the answer.

I think as long as you realise it is withdrawal - I stopped something and sleeping pills suddenly and I thought was going a bit crazy..well way more than a bit. I didn't realise it was withdrawal once you get that bit and know it will pass then it is more manageable.

thanks anymum - I hope it is withdrawal!

I was on venlafaxine for 6 years, and had my last dose 18 months ago. I was on 375mg, and I came off it over the course of a year. Going from 375-300 was easy, and I noticed no difference. Going from 300-225 ditto, although I did it over a longer period. I took my time with 225-150, but still no physical effects, then I started halfing tablets and went to one and a half tablets, then one, then a half. The very last half a tablet was the hardest bit.

I would take half, then leave it as long as I could before the brain spins/fluey feeling started, (about 24 - 36 hoursthen take another half, then gradually down to a quarter etc, until one day, I realised I had been going for longer and longer periods - I decided to wait and see - I waiting for the withdrawals I had experienced to kick in - and they didn't - I held my breath - and am fine now!

If I forgot a dose, or cut down a bit too quickly, I used to get diarrhoea, my skin felt funny, i felt sick, achy and slightly fluey - and also the brain spins. Oh! and I was much more emotionally labile and tearful sometimes.

I tried to titrate it so I didn't get these. It took me longer, but it worked for me.

Are you getting help or advice from a HCP to withdraw? xx

It is withdrawal and you have properly come off too fast, the withdrawals can make you feel really ill. I will link here to another thread where I posted lots of links about this subject and how to taper off really slow:

link to thread

I'm withdrawing at the moment too - was on 325mg, then went onto 150mg everyday for a week, then 150mg every other day (I'm at this stage now) then next week go onto every 3 days then stop completely after the week and start my new anti-depressants.

I think it's being done too fast. Am feeling so sick, I'm jittery, exhausted, headache, sensitive eyes, sore tummy, and brain spins. I'm thinking of going back to the Dr on Monday but don't know what to do, I don't want to go back on them but can't go through nearly 2 weeks of this.

Sorry, nothing helpful there but you aren't on your own. Maybe see your GP? Good luck

Thanks all for sharing your advice and experiences and it does help to know I'm not alone.

I am pretty much doing this on my own. My GP is aware I'm coming off but can't do it for me obviously, and no other support really.

Feeling bit better today though. I'm still more snappy and short-tempered than I'd hope to be, but don't feel as exhausted/sick. Hard to separate exhaustion due to withdrawal, from exhaustion from being lone parent, and general emotional fatigue.

Do you think this snappy feeling (thats putting it mildly actually) will pass? Anyone else experienced it or might give me some techniques for dealing with it. Don't want to bite DS's little head off.

hi - I came off venlaflaxine twice. First time I felt awful for months afterwards and in the end went back on it, at a lower dose. Then I withdrew again, over much slower time - I had capsules, so reduced it by small amount under advice of dr and that seemed to work.

I found breathing exercises helped with anxiety, plus some prn anti anxiety meds short term, plus fresh air and exercise.

Hope you had even better day today.