Harsh Withdrawals on Day 3 without Effexor

After a 2.5 year addiction to Effexor (venlafaxine) I finally got myself clean!

This is my 3rd day without the substance, but it takes weeks for levels in the bloodstream to drop near zero. Until then, I'm documenting and sharing my experience in the hopes it might help others.

(click thumbnail to view 7 minute video)

Some of today's experiences:

sweating
headache
nausea
swimmy sensation
zapping feeling in head/neck
stiff and sore jaw
increase in muscle fasciculations (twitching)
neuropathic pain in thighs
inappropriate uncontrolled laughter (luckily brief)

Have you ever starved yourself and felt like your brain was out of nutrients to continue thinking? Or been so sleep deprived you can't concentrate or focus, so tired your vision swims and hearing distorts? I feel that way nonstop right now, despite being well fed and rested. Quite uncomfortable!

Please also see: Day 1 and Day 2.

Just a reminder that withdrawal from Effexor is potentially deadly and never to be taken lightly. Consult professionals you trust and do plenty of research before making medical changes.

Here is my article 6 months ago which started things off. It contains lots of information and links about antidepressant side effects, risks, addiction, and withdrawal.

Thanks for your attention. Please note, it's also available on YouTube here. Hopefully this helps someone.
DRutter

▶️ DTube
▶️ IPFS