What Are The Symptoms Of Stopping Effexor Cold Turkey?
And how do you deal with someone who is wigging out because of stopping it cold turkey?
Is it best to just leave them alone? Please help!
5 Responses to “What Are The Symptoms Of Stopping Effexor Cold Turkey?”
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June 24th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
EFFEXOR is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs). Serotonin influences the cardiovascular, renal, immune and gastrointestinal systems, while Norepinephrine is essential to the heart rate, blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system. Therefore, stopping EFFEXOR incorrectly can adversely affect many areas of the body. Gradual dose reduction (also known as tapering), combined with specific nutritional support is recommended to help the body and brain during withdrawal.
78% of EFFEXOR users will experience withdrawal symptoms.
EFFEXOR, like many drugs, depletes Glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant) that is critical for the detoxification process and a healthy immune system. This may explain why so many people suffer from compromised health while taking EFFEXOR. Dr. Jimmy Gutman describes Glutathione as “Food for the Immune System.” Replenishing the body of critical Glutathione levels not only helps to improve immune function, but also allows the body to detoxify naturally.
The POINT OF RETURN Withdrawal Program was specifically developed to address the extensive depletion issues caused by EFFEXOR, while also providing support to the body and brain during the withdrawal process.
POINT OF RETURN workbook provides safe physician written tapering guidelines that minimize the withdrawal symptoms. The book also provides potential Interaction Items to remove from your diet for EFFEXOR. Bananas, Turkey, Barley, Chamomile and many other everyday items can interact with EFFEXOR and make the withdrawal process more difficult.
It is best to consult a physician before discontinuing Venlafaxine (Effexor, Efexor). Stopping taking Venlafaxine (Effexor, Efexor) may cause discontinuation effects, including
agitation
anorexia
anxiety
confusion
coordination impairment
diarrhoea
dizziness
dry mouth
dysphoric mood
fasciculation (muscular twitching)
fatigue
headaches
hypomania
insomnia
nausea
nervousness
nightmares
sensory disturbances (including shock-like electrical sensations)
somnolence (drowsiness)
sweating
tremor
vertigo
vomiting
In addition, one very rare side effect, which Effexor’s manufacturer calls “withdrawal syndrome”, is that the patient, once acclimatized to Effexor, is unable to discontinue taking the drug. With this discontinuation effect apparently permanent, the patient is “hooked for life”!
June 24th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
you can not stop any medication like that he could have seizures, heart attack, stroke, and even death, the ones I listed are worst side effects he could also have nausea, sweating, dizziness, diarhea. That medication you have to gradually reduce you can not stop taking it his body is immune to it and think it needs it. Please tell him to go to the doctor and have the doctor cut his dose down this will take a little bit but he will not have any problems. hes not wigging out these are withdrawal symptoms how people have with drugs its very serious and can be fatal. Please have him get help!
cutting down is the safest way to go. Plus he wont have any with drawal symptoms as he is now.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
as a matter of fact I am in my 3rd day of kicking this medication and it sucks. Constantly getting the dizziness, shocks, and loss of concentration with a bit of agitation. I am not tapering off as it doesn’t help. I have tried going from 150 mg per day to 75 mg per day and I get the same reactions. Why prolong the withdrawl if I just stop all together in one shot. I am not an advocate of these types of medicines but I began taking it because I was desparate to avoid anxiety bursts. I would rather be dealing with anxiety than these feelings.
I have been told that a B complex and Antioxidants work well.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Few things have worse withdrawal symptoms then effexor. Symptoms range from getting sick to brain zaps to mood swings and irritability. It’s absolute hell.
Really, the only way to deal with it is either to just ride it out or preferably, come off of it slowly.
June 25th, 2009 at 3:59 am
You shouldnt stop cold turkey, you should have your friend gradually step down! Is he having brain zaps? Get back on it and come off slow!