I have been taking venlafaxine 225mg ER for years now, and ran out recently. My psychiatrist’s office won’t let me refill it because of an unpaid balance they think I owe (which I don’t, they just keep labeling me as self pay.) Insurance issues aside, I think I’m experiencing bad withdrawal symptoms. I’ve been experiencing nausea, vomiting, really painful muscle, joint and really overall body aches, sweating, exhaustion, it feels like the flu but much worse. Can venlafaxine actually cause withdrawal symptoms? Is there anything that can help make them more manageable?
Also, I was able to get an emergency dose yesterday, but an hour later I threw up. It’s been close to a month now since I have had my venlafaxine, and I’m wondering if I can’t handle my normal dose anymore? I have no idea what going on, but I need this all to pass.
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Answers
LO
LouAnnP
11 Oct 2021
Hi—From what I understand this can definitely be a withdrawal effect of Effexor. Effexor has some of the strongest withdrawal of antidepressants. I’m not sure the treatment. You should really see a doc and get treatment and they may want you to get back on Effexor and taper down gradually this time. Could you see your primary doc. They should be able to treat it. Or thru your Ins see a tele health video doc. You can usually get quick appointments with them. Hope this helps.
