I got laid off from work and lost insurance coverage so had to make a tough decision and cut out effexor "cold turkey" style. I have been on effexor XR for 7 yrs. up to 225mg/daily. This is the second day of no meds and I have diarrhea, nausea, "brain zapping", racing heartbeat, shakes....basically the works. I just want to know how long this is going to take to go away! I have no other options at the moment and would like some help.
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Q: I am also wondering how long Effexor withdrawals last.
Answers (3)
10/19/09 11:20pm
I am sorry that you've had to quit taking Effexor - cold turkey is not the best way to go. Maybe you could talk to your doctor about this and get some help with it, maybe start a different medication. I am giving you a link to an article by Merely Me that talks about how to get help when you have no insurance. This article is about Effexor withdrawal issues.
I have heard of people going through withdrawal for a long period of time, especially when you go cold turkey. It's much better to slowly, slowly cut the dosage to minimize this. Well, it's probably too late now for that, but hope you will at least talk to your doctor or a pharmacist about this and see what options you might have. Hope you are soon feeling better.
10/20/09 10:32pm
Hi Jim,
I have had effexor withdrawels.. Especially dizziness. I have found that if you go to a clinic and explain that you are withdrawing off of effexor but cannot afford insurance, they usually have samples they can give you for free to help your body go off of it gradually. Even an E.R in a hospital will help.
There is no shame in getting help. Effexor withdrawel is horrifying.It was not meant to go off cold turkey. In fact, I got worse!! It was frightening.
Doctors know this and will help.
Good luck....Jen
10/20/09 10:33pm
Hi Jim,
I have had effexor withdrawels.. Especially dizziness. I have found that if you go to a clinic and explain that you are withdrawing off of effexor but cannot afford insurance, they usually have samples they can give you for free to help your body go off of it gradually. Even an E.R in a hospital will help.
There is no shame in getting help. Effexor withdrawel is horrifying.It was not meant to go off cold turkey. In fact, I got worse!! It was frightening.
Doctors know this and will help.
Good luck....Jen
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By jlm823— Last Modified: 12/19/10, First Published: 10/19/09
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