I tapered from 150mg venlafaxine down to 37.5 mg and stayed here for 4 weeks. I then stopped. I am on day 10 now with no signs of this leaving my body. Bad brain thumps, nausea, anxiety outbursts. How many days does a body take to rid this medication?
How long do withdrawal symptoms last?
Question posted by mmthomas11 on 3 May 2021
Last updated on 12 May 2021
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Answers
WildcatVet
3 May 2021
Hi, mm!
Venlafaxine has a very short half life of about 3~7 hours which means that after 3~7 hours only 50% of your last dose remains in your system, after another 3~7 hours only 25% remains, etc. In other words it's out of your system within a day or two.
The problem is that your brain has to "reboot" itself and adjust to not having the drug. How long it takes depends on many factors... length of time you were taking the medication, the dosage you were taking, your personal metabolism, and so on.
I'm sorry we can't usually post links but you can Google "venlafaxine withdrawal" and find numerous sites which will help provide you with a timeline of discontinuation.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
mmthomas11
3 May 2021
Thank you very much, I will hang in there.
mmthomas11
12 May 2021
Ok so something else is wrong as it has been 15 days with no venlafaxine and the withdrawals have not let up any, brain zaps, the electricity I hear in my head & nausea feeling is disabling me. Does this sound like permanent damage. Should I see psychiatrist instead of primary Dr? Thank you very much.
WildcatVet
12 May 2021
No, it's not brain damage. Withdrawals can last for as long as three weeks to even longer depending on many factors (i.e. how long you took the medication, at what dosages, your individual metabolism, etc.)
Preferably talk with your psychiatrist or GP whichever is helping you with your reducing dose schedule.
Don't panic! Although the symptoms can range from mildly annoying to disabling they are not dangerous to your mental or physical health.
At any rate talk to a professional for advice and a more precise timeline. Your pharmacist may also be helpful for recommendations of OTC's that may help some of the symptoms.
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time but there is an end in sight!
TyreseTl
3 May 2021
It takes a day for venlafaxine to get fully out of your system. But, how long have you been on venlafaxine for?
Related topics
depression, anxiety, nausea/vomiting, hot flashes, venlafaxine, withdrawal, anxiety and stress, brain, symptom
Further information
- Venlafaxine uses and safety info
- Venlafaxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Venlafaxine (detailed)
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