Refers back to another thread that ended approximately 1.5 years ago so started with a new - drug-specific - Antidepressant titled Thread (Venlefaxine Withdrawal)
NOTE: Many people who document their experiences during withdrawal from Venlefaxine, state that their dosages are fixed at 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg, 300mg with no other weight "denominations" available. Hence they have been ill-advised to use the next weight of tablet down from their original dose, to allow a reducing dose level to gradually trail off their dependence levels. The final steps are described as, taking doses every-other day, once every 3 days and similar such approaches.
If you are going to come off this drug, then please heed my warning... Taking Veneflaxine every-other-day is Highly NOT RECOMMENDED! Seriously, do not agree to do it if you are asked or instructed by a doctor. My partner began her phased-reduction after a first failed attempt.
Programme 1: Locum GP recommended her to drop from 300mg to 150mg for 2-weeks, then dead stop. It transpired that "dead-stop" is well named, not because it was any good for stopping, but because I thought she might end up dead!
Seriously! To anyone reading this, take note this is not a drug to play games with. From observing my partners experiences, I've learned that doctors carry much unearned respect as drug protocol advisers, when in actual fact, they read the drug-company literature, which sings the praises of their products. Otherwise they read the "Advisory documentation" from the NHS guidelines on prescribing of drugs. Neither source of information is reliable. The online forums with real case studies are far more useful and informative.
Programme 2: This began well enough, until the every-other day bit arrived. I learned very quickly that the very low half-life of this drug meant that she was going from feeling dizzy, displaced, etc. for each day of taking a dose, followed by a day of harsh withdrawal due to depletion of the drug in her system. If you take this medication less than once a day, you are simply causing yourself unnecessary and repeated periods of withdrawal, every other day... USER BEWARE!
Closing, cautionary notes:
- Some people reported severe withdrawal after just 4 weeks of use Hence, my partners use of this drug, [non-stop for 18 years at 300 mg/day] is a definite example of "worst-case scenario".
- Fewer people, although still significant numbers, have reported that withdrawal is almost dose-independent. I will report back when she stops after the final week of 37.5 mg/day. Then I will confirm whether the withdrawal was independent of dose, or not.
Please be careful with your body and mind. These drugs are not for the light-of-heart. They are designed to mess with parts of your brain and nervous system, and hence can have very serious influences upon both mood and behaviour. GOOD LUCK!