Is it possible to get off effexor

Mixing drugs and alcohol with Effexor can increase your risk of side effects and complicate your withdrawal period. It is therefore recommended that you avoid the use of alcohol while on Effexor, and while you come off the drug. Not only does taking Effexor with alcohol increase the risk of overdose, but it can also lead to side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, impaired judgement and trouble concentrating. Some other-the-counter and prescription medications may interact with Effexor poorly as well.

Consult a doctor before taking any of the following:. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Studies show that patients can begin feeling withdrawal symptoms just hours after missing a dose. Although not typically medically serious, these symptoms can be quite uncomfortable. Over time, patients experience increasingly more symptoms, which can persist for weeks.

Moreover, many patients report a return of their depression, sometimes within 24 hours of stopping their Effexor medication. Need support? Coming off Effexor can have profound effects on the body and mind. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier. Firstly, work directly with your doctor. Make an appointment to discuss the potential benefits of discontinuing Effexor and the potential short-term consequences.

Your healthcare provider is who can advise you on the right way to taper for minimum side effects. Secondly, go slow. Most doctors recommend a gradual reduction of dosage over 7 to 10 days. Although you may still experience side effects, you can mitigate the most uncomfortable. Since I had recently retired from teaching, thought this would be an ideal time to give it a go. The first 3 days I felt like I was going to die! Also had skin sensations and peeling, and noticed a strange smell on my skin.

Each day got a little better and by the 3rd week started to function a bit more normally. I was very emotional, however, which caused my family great concern. Well, to make a long story short, the depression crept back in full and I am still trying to get my life back. I did everything I could to stay stable, including herbal supplements and took a vacation where I hiked 6 miles daily for 9 days on hilly, rocky terrain.

All in all, in my opinion, the chronic depression is worse than the withdrawal symptoms that do eventually end. If you are a person with situational depression, you may be successful weaning off Effexor gradually. Here are the things that helped me with the physical withdrawal symptoms: 1. Eat a very well-balanced diet this is not the time to worry about your weight. Drink plenty of water, including coconut water. Have a glass of wine in the evening if advisable.

Get outside and walk or other excersize the warm sunshine will feel good! Hot yoga times per week. Soak in a hot tub with bath salts if available.

Get several professional massages. Take Tylenol for muscle pain, if OK on your stomach. A heating pad is also helpful at bedtime or during naps. NEVER give up! So glad my insight helped! I hope you are doing better! I wish you well! Let me know if you have any questions. That advice is no good.

The withdrawal is from the last little bit of the Efexor being metabolised really quickly. So, tapering will not help. Instead, overlap your last three Efexor tablets No more withdrawal symptoms at al.

The Prozac inhibits the metabolism of the Effexor, you see. I am literally going through this process as we speak I been on this for quite a number of years of my life now however just over the last six months I actually began to feel for want of a clearer description a walking Zombie.

Being not a young person I decided that this was not the way I wanted to continue my life. P wanted to up my dose i for once spoke up and said no. This is a big decision for I have lived with acute clinical depression all my adult life And as recently as I was admitted in To Physciatric Hospital. Symptoms include:. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options.

Do not stop taking venlafaxine, even when you feel better. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine.

Depression is also a part of bipolar illness. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for "switching" from depression into mania. Symptoms of mania include "high" or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad consequences for example, excessive buying sprees.

Medical attention should be sought if serotonin syndrome is suspected. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with MDD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions.

Untreated MDD has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers. For women who take antidepressant medications during weeks 13 through the end of their pregnancy second and third trimesters , there is a risk that the baby can be born before it is fully developed before 37 weeks. Venlafaxine immediate release tablets are usually taken two or three times per day with or without food.

The extended release tablets and capsules are taken one time per day with or without food. Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks. The dose usually ranges from Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you.

Extended release capsules: swallow whole or sprinkle onto food, such as applesauce or pudding and eat immediately. Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication. If you miss a dose of venlafaxine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose.

Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking antidepressant medications. They may decrease the benefits e. If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at Increased heart rate, low blood pressure, increased salivation, irregular menstrual cycle, increased frequency of urination, changes in taste, low sodium symptoms of low sodium levels may include headache, weakness, difficulty concentrating and remembering , teeth grinding, difficulty urinating, angle closure glaucoma symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye.

Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death. SNRI antidepressants including venlafaxine may increase the risk of bleeding events. Combined use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e. This may include gums that bleed more easily, nose bleed, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Some cases have been life threatening.