Effexor Withdrawal Tips

Hi Everyone, Just an update. Today is day 10 without the Effexor. I am doing a LOT better. I have some insommnia (sp) - the brain shivers are still there, but are tolerable (thank you Lord) Yesterday I had a bad headache, but with advil it went away. Good News: I have ENERGY again. I WANT to do things I use to, like home projects that have been on the back burner for 5 years :-) The night sweats are easing up. Please, Please anyone on this drug get off of it. Yes, withdrawal is HELL....but in the long run you will feel better.........MUCH BETTER!!!! Liz

Hello Folks, As you can tell from my username I have some experience with this medicine(?) both personally and professionally. If you have made the decision to withfraw yourself from Effexor here are the results of my reading many posts. Read carefully, do nothing abruptly and let people know what you are doing, so if your behavior changes or you get the "Effexor Flu Syndrome", they will be able to understand what you are going through. 1) NEVER, EVER stop cold turkey! This can be fatal. As a result from withdrawl syndrome or refractory depression you could become extremely suicidal and/or homicidal and kill yourself or somone else. This has tragically happened and has been widely reported in the media. So learn from the experience of others. 2) Tell your provider you are going to gradually withdraw yourself from this medicine. If they aren't suppotive or respectful of your choice find another provider. 3) Use one of the following Effexor Withdrawl Protocols- A. “Wet Finger Method”- Start with 3 days taking three wet fingers off the top of the capsule. If no side effects continue to next step. - Next step is 5 days taking five wet fingers off the top of the capsule. If no side effects continue to next step. - Last step is 5 days taking seven wet fingers off the top. If no side effects continue to next step. - Get off of Effexor completely. Hopefully with minimal side effects. B. “Bead Counting Method”- Use capsules. Count them once to determine how many are in each respective dose. Most of theposts I have read say they contain approximately 180 beads each. Remove 5 or six beads every 3- 4 days or so. Some people can handle 10 beads. You will not feel very much at all- as long as you pay attention to detail and do it properly. 4) Remember we are all different, so the results you have will probalby be different for you. The key thing seems to be to go REALLY slow in withdrawing yourself from effexor. 5) Never combine alcohol or other recreational drugs with any psychiatric medications. This is just common sense and safety. 6) Lotsa fresh air, even more water, good healthy food (organic if possible, at least no junk food), walk daily and remember to really breathe! As a mental health professional, PTSD patient in the past and as someone who loves another who is withdrawing from this drug, I wish all who read this a safe and healthy journey, and health and happiness in all your futures, Daniel the Psych Nurse

I too have been trying to get off effexor and unfortunately went cold turkey thinking that 37.5 mg would be a piece of cake. I had all the same symptoms as everyone else; dizziness, nightmares, leg and foot cramping. But my biggest complaint is the huge weight gain. In the last 6 weeks I have gained at least 15 pounds. I am amazed at how quickly it keeps coming on. I put on my 'fat' jeans today and could not button them. I have never been this big. Does anyone know if this goes away or is this a permanent new thing that we have to try that much harder to get rid of? It is so depressing I am tempted to go back on the effexor and just die a happy old lady on drugs. Any help out there?

This topic is closed due to the having too many posts. You can continue conversations related to the EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL TIPS by using the following link: https://www.steadyhealth.com/topics/effexor-withdrawal-tips--1

I am on effexor withdrawal and have found that gravel helps with "shivers". If you keep it in your system for 8 hours or so once they start, it helps to keep them under control!!!