Coming off venlafaxine: my story so far.
- The Laurima Project
- Mar 7, 2020
- 4 min read
I have been on this medication, at a high dose of 300 mg, for over six years and it has undoubtedly helped my mental health during this time. However, venlafaxine (also known as Effexor) comes with a multitude of side effects, which for me included weight gain, increased heart rate (my resting heart rate was 116 bpm on this medication), nightmares, night sweats, nausea, dizziness and extreme fatigue. Also, due to the short half-life of this medication, if I ever forgot to take a dose I would very quickly suffer from head zaps- weird electric shock sensations- especially when moving my eyes!
Making the decision
I have read extensively online that venlafaxine is a notoriously difficult drug to come off, because of brutal withdrawal effects caused by its short half-life (for further information on medication half-life see the link below). For this reason, and my ever-changing mental health, I assumed that I would be on venlafaxine for life. However, ongoing shortages of my preferred brand of venlafaxine, gave me a push into first reducing my dose; then, spurred on by my success, coming off the medication completely. Many health professionals I have met argue that there is no difference between different brands of medication, but when I have tried different brands of venlafaxine in the past, I have experienced detrimental effects, similar to withdrawal symptoms. This fear, coupled with a desire for a break from the side effects, led to my decision to make the break from venlafaxine.
The tapering process
The first half of the tapering process was a lot easier than I ever imagined, possibly because I am on a second antidepressant, mirtazapine, which has a longer half-life. I tried to withdraw from venlafaxine as gradually as my limited supply would allow, reducing by no more than 37.5mg a week, sometimes less, depending on how I was able to divide up the tablets. The first few weeks were really positive: my mood seemed to improve; I lost the nausea and the feeling that my body was being ever-so-slightly poisoned that I had learned to live with over the last few years. I didn't lose any weight, but I definitely felt a lot less puffy, particularly in my face. Everything was going well.
The last dose at which I felt okay was 75 mg. Once I reduced below this point, I started to struggle with feelings of intense rage, which would come on suddenly, usually in the evenings. I also noticed unusual withdrawal effects, which seemed to be different each week. One week it would be joint pain, another week it would be extreme fatigue or stomach cramps. Once I got to the very final stage of tapering, I found that the rage got worse shortly after taking the medication each day, so I decided to end a few days ahead of schedule. I had already reduced more gradually than my psychiatrist had recommended, so it seemed to make sense. In total, the tapering process took about six weeks for me, but I am aware that many online venlafaxine support groups recommend a much more gradual withdrawal plan than this. Please seek medical advice before deciding on a tapering plan that is right for you.
The withdrawal Symptoms
My first day without venlafaxine was okay, but I suppose there was still some medication left in my system. That night, however, head zaps were so bad that they woke me up several times. Then followed four of the longest weeks of my life! I will never know how much of my suffering was due to medication withdrawal and how much was due to other factors, as I had a couple of traumatic medical procedures during this time which also took a toll on me, both physically and emotionally. I do know that the head zaps were bad for the first week or two, but then didn't really bother me again. I still get them from time to time, but I would class them as mild. What really floored me though was the stomach cramps and worsening of my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms. I have spent many days in bed and eaten little as a result of these debilitating symptoms.
I am just about back on my feet again now, but it is an ongoing process, allowing my body to readjust to the lack of a powerful medication which it has been used to for so many years. I have to remind myself each day that I am doing well, adjusting to such a massive change. There have been both positives and negatives so far: I have lost a little weight, but as I am still on the mirtazapine, this has been minimal. My heart rate has reduced significantly to a more healthy rate, which is a relief. I am still finding that my emotions are all over the place and I am definitely a lot more tearful since tapering off. I seem to cry at the smallest things, both happy and sad. But that is okay.
I am now four weeks completely free from venlafaxine and I haven't really had the chance, until now, to feel proud of myself for getting to this point. It is still early days and it has certainly not been easy, but I have achieved what I never thought possible: finally being free of the drug that has both helped me and held me hostage, for the last few years. I think my first therapist, who encouraged me to give medication a try, would say: 'The venlafaxine has done its' job, but perhaps you no longer need it'.
The future
I am keeping an open mind about medication in the future, as I do believe there are many benefits to taking it. I am still on mirtazapine at a low dose, but hope to taper off this when the time is right. Much as medication has helped me, my body is crying out for a break from the brutal side effects. I am hopeful that I can eventually manage without medication, now that I have better coping skills in place, which I have learnt in therapy. If not, then I am happy to try a different medication next time around.
Do you have a medication story to share? How did you find coming off or changing medication? Did you experience any withdrawal effects?
DISCLAIMER: If you are considering reducing or coming off medication, please seek proper medical advice first.
Further information can be found at:
Comments