DOSE:

150 mg

oral

Pharms - Venlafaxine

(daily)

BODY WEIGHT:

235 lb

Quitting Effexor

The worst thing about Effexor is when I don't take it... I was taking 150 milligrams a day for several years. I did reduce my depression, also any happiness or other strong emotion that I might have. In my opinion, it made me an epically passive individual.

When I lost my job a few months ago, I had to quit taking the expensive medication. Immediately, the brain-zaps started and the odd nightmares began. I tried weaning myself with what was left, but it doesn't matter how much I had, weaning didn't seem to do much. After much trial and error, I found out the following:

1. Aspirin helps. I've heard that other pain relievers might, but I can attest only to aspirin.

2. Antacid helps. For the sour stomachs. That, coupled with the dreams, spiralled me down; because I definitely was depressed.

3. Accepting being depressed and in pain for quite a while. Besides the physical pain, there is a ghost pain that doesn't correspond to anything...like quitting tobacco.

4. Accepting that I would be angry or cry. And I mean cry for no reason. This took a while to pass. As for anger, I had a little run in with the law over my abuse of a subway turnstile just a few days ago. Not characteristic of me, especially with a transit cop standing behind me.

5. Resolving to do it. This is some tough stuff to get off of. I've been addicted to cigarettes and opiates and they are laughable compared to this substance.

6. Getting as Much Sleep as I Could.

It's been a few weeks and the brain-zaps are almost gone. There is a LOT of physical pain. The aspirin and other substances help (THC). I cry at Walmart commercials every once in a while. But, I am feeling better...

Exp Year: 2009	ExpID: 83214
Gender: Male
Age at time of experience: 48
Published: Sep 16, 2018	Views: 1,034
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Pharms - Venlafaxine (191) : Difficult Experiences (5), Addiction & Habituation (10), Hangover / Days After (46), Medical Use (47), Not Applicable (38)