Question: I was on Effexor ER (Venlafaxine) 300 mg taking 150 mg twice daily for 14 years prescribed from a rehab stint for depression/suicide attempt. My age at the time was 51 and I was in the midst of menopause/work stress/bad marriage combo. Went through counseling, divorced and changed work style stress. When seeking removal from drug in the past 5 years I was told by 2 primary physicians that the drug was not harmful and I could remain on it for the rest of my life. I am now retired (age 65) and seeking alternative methods for aging. Taking this drug is no longer an option or is it needed. I consulted a therapist to test the waters for "crazy" (was found to be quite rational and clear of depression without suicidal tendencies) and found a primary doctor willing to work with me on the Venlafaxine withdrawal process. Began in early September 2015 by gradual reduction of the dosage from 300 a day to 75 every 3 days ending 12/5/15. Beginning Friday 12/9/15 I have begun experiencing what I can only describe as "weird brain" which consists of what I would call delayed brain catch up to thought, what feels like continued electrical impulses in my brain, whooshing brain movements, difficulty falling asleep and once asleep am experiencing wild dreaming/nightmares and have been told I am talking in my sleep. Bottom line I am not depressed but am agitated, feeling like I am out of control of my thoughts, sleep deprived and feeling paranoid about everything. Also experiencing headache & nausea. Is this normal? How long will this last? Is there something that will assist with getting through this period? I currently practice Yoga a couple of times a week but have been polarized with the symptoms experienced this past week and unable to attend. I have been using Aleve PM some evenings to ensure sleep but all symptoms return the next day.
I have recently been diagnosed with low thyroid (treatment started) and have started bio-hormone replacement therapy during this same period. Blood work to evaluate my "micronutrients" have shown deficiencies in B2, Serine, Chromiun, Zinc, Asparagine and Vitamin A. Borderline deficiencies include Insulin, Immunidex, Selenium, Vitamin E and Spectrox. Supplements are now being used for the Chromium, Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin E. My weight is 160, height 5'5" and DOB 08/05/50. I have been on a gluten free diet for the past 2 years.