Drug

General
1

hi anyone out there taking Venlafaxine? Been taking for while for fibro, but thinking side effects are to much, except you don't know if its side effects or symptoms of Fibro guess only way to know is to go off, but thats no fun either, tried once, get really dizzy Becky

2

Hi buddy,

Nice to see you on the boards! I have never taken this, but here is some info that may help you.

http://www.drugs.com/venlafaxine.html

3

Egads, Becky, I would recommend that you not just randomly get off the drug. You'll need to wean yourself off of it for one thing. Plus I've read that the withdrawal symptoms are monstrous. (Here is the link of people discussing their withdrawal stories: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Depression-Mental-Health/Effexor-XR-withdrawal-symptoms/show/267377.) Dizziness is one of those symptoms. In fact, how odd it is that almost everything experienced by those folks withdrawing from Venlafaxin is the same as our fibro symptoms! Even the weird ones, like feeling that ants are crawling on us. So I have to wonder, did drug companies invent fibro through prescription anti-depressants? Did we acquire it once we withdrew from an anti-depressant?

Please talk to your doctor about getting off it before you do anything. This is not a drug that you'll be able to just walk away from easily, apparently. I truly wish you good luck on this one. (And oh yeah, I'm on it too. Gonna be fun getting off of it when the time comes.)

4

Dear Buddy

I have never heard of Venlafaxine, but I see SK has done some research on it and has supplied a link for you. SK, a moderator is very good at doing research for other members.

And I see that Petunia has also done some research for you. She is another member/moderator who is good at doing research for other members.

I hope you are able to learn more about the drug, but be sure you are under a doctor's care when you gradually get off this drug.

Gentle hugs

Rachel

5

Hi Buddy,

Petunia just posted this, and I wanted you to take a look at it! Please get in touch with your Dr right away if you have any problems with this med!

http://forum.livingwithfibro.org/forum/topics/warning-about-effexor-venlafaxine

Wishing you well,

SK

6

thanks for info, still feeling really bad, not taking any now hopefully feel better soon

7

Ha, you beat me to it, SK. Venlafaxine is addictive and can be very difficult to get off. I didn't know it when I started on it but I'm hoping to educate others about this fact so they can decide for themselves if they think it's worth the effort.

Buddy, SK's right, you should contact your doctor if you have problems with the meds or withdrawal.

Best of luck in getting off it, if you go that route. It can be tough.

Warm hugs,

Petunia

8

That's very typical from what I've read, Buddy. I hope you feel better soon too. I'm rooting for you!

Petunia

9


It's known for being one of the absolute worst meds to withdraw from. Even at the lowest dose, it can take several months before you can tolerate stopping it, and continue to have the side effects for a few months more.

The dizziness you feel is often referred to as 'brain zaps'. I was on and off this for years... I think I forgot how bad the side effects were, and stupidly would try it again, with each time stopping it getting harder. The way I felt the dizziness was that if I moved my head a little to the side, or even just my eyes, it was like it took a second for my brain to catch up. Horrible, evil stuff!

Hang in there Becky, it really does go away, but it takes time.
Hugs- Renie♥

10

Thanks!!!!