What will help Effexor withdrawal?

Answer 1

The worst thing one can do when coming off of any anti depressant is to do so "cold turkey." The best way to minimize symptoms is to SLOWLY decrease your dosage. I know of people who had enlarged pupils, complaimned of severe dizziness, nausea, mood changes, anger, sleep disturbances, 'brain shivers, and an inabilty to think and verbalise normally. You should begin your dicontinuation (obviously as supervised by your doctor) but additionally start when you know you do not have to drive, work and can get rest. Ideally take a smaller dose for example on a firday night, so you can begin to anticipate how and to what degree the withdrawl symptoms will be; prior to having to perform. I know some people have been actually sent home from work as it can be very apparent to others, that something is 'not right'.

Typical symptoms to expect are usually the same ones as when you initially began to take the medication. Use caution when getting up from a seated position, do not move, or turn your head rapidly (as this is known to cause brain shivers) and most of all remember if your symptoms are concerning, slow down the process and consult a specialist. Too many doctors are perscribing serious medications at walk in clinics and do not consider that the patient needs to be informed of the effects. I was very angry when i found out for example that seroquel - perscribed to help me sleep, is known to cause restless leg syndrome...so yes, read the pamphlets, ask your doctor questions, but also do your own research. Not all people respond the same way. If you are on other medications they may play a role in some symptoms that cannot be accounted for in a general pamphlet. Amy McNally.