Last dose of Venlafaxine: Thursday 26th January 2012
So I've decided to write this to help reflect on this journey and to maybe help others who like me just needed another perspective.
Due to error and lack of professional care from my GP Surgery, I have been left to go cold turkey from a very powerful antidepresant drug called venlafaxine. I was put on this drug after battling with anxiety and depression all my life and being shoved from one drug to another. I am now on day 5 and just about feel able to share my story.
I just want to add that one reason I am doing this blog is because of the lack of advice and support given to me as a person who has decided to continue to pursue a cold turkey withdrawal. This is not the recommended approach and I in no way advocate it, I just had my choice taken away.
So the journey began.... this blog will take the form of symptom diaries, things that help, research and literature and probably a lot of outpourings.
Day 1: Friday 27th January 2012
Felt OK today as I was on the extended release version of Venlafaxine and so it is making its way out of my body. Today has been spent in a spiral of panic and anger as I battled with my GP to be taken seriously and get an emergency prescription. Even my local pharmacist got on the phone to fight my corner!!!! but to no avail-I am told nothing and have no idea when I can get an appointment-if I am lucky I may get a phone call next Thursday. I resign myself to my fate and read some articles and blogs on going cold turkey from this drug; BIG MISTAKE the list of symptoms is endless and seem so much more worrying than when I have discontinued other SSRI medication:
brain zaps/ seizures/ headaches / dizziness/ electric shocks/ ringing in ears/ agitation/ insomnia/ depression/ tiredness/ lethargy/ sickness/ stomach cramps/ heart palpitation/ diarrhoea/ irritability/ anxiety/ hypomania/ psychotic symptoms.
SOMEONE EVEN SAID QUITING VENLAFAXINE WAS LIKE QUITING HEROIN!
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