Effexor Withdrawal

[4lynnie]

I was on Effexor ER for approx. 10 years, and with my doctor's help have been weaning myself off since November, 2008.   I followed the dr.'s advice for slow reduction and finally stopped taking Effexor ER the end of August.   I had a few withdrawal symptoms, but this week I can no longer sleep.   I am extremely restless and just walk and pace until totally exhausted, when I'm able to sleep for about one hour and then start the process again.   Is there anything I can do, or is taking Effexor the only option?   My doctor said to ride this out, but I can't work with only 2 -3 hours of sleep, much less act as a normal adult with so little sleep.   Any help you can provide would be very helpful.  Thank you.

[Sandra Y, RPh]

For the insomnia, you can try taking 50mg of Benadryl before bed. This is assuming that you are not on any other medications that may interact with Benadryl. If this is ineffective, your physician may be able to write you a prescription for a prescription sleep aid.

[Superqueen]

I am currently coming off 150 mg dose and feel like sh*t. I am snapping at the least little thing and feel dizzy alot of the time. My thinking feels muffled and I am half afraid to go into work. I seem to get irrationally angry and this is not helping relations with my children. I am currently on 75 mg from 150mg. Dreading going off them altogether.. If you are thinking of starting a course of these, research the withdrawals first because I'm not sure its worth it.