Minimising withdrawl, any tips?

[Once A Fallen Angel]

Sorry to post for help .

I'm having a bit of a shift around in my meds at the advice of my psych, and as of last night starting reducing my Olanzapine and Venlafaxine, in preperation for going onto new drugs (still can't remember new names ).

The Olanzapine should be fairly easy and will only take a week to come off, but the Venlafaxine is going to take a month to come off , it's day 1 and I my head is already spinning slightly and I'm glued to the sofa.

Other than drinking plenty of water, does anyone have any tips for coping?

[inblack]

For me personally if I can sleep, I find lots of it is good.

Can't think of anything else atm sorry

[xbeckyx]

No advice really other than to try ride it out. Not sure anything can really be done for withdrawal. Though if it's too bad then could you call your psych and get her to decrease them slower? Know it's a pain but will be worth it if it stops you feeling so physically rubbish.

[Once A Fallen Angel]

Sleep is good thank you :) although it has been a bit fitfull. And I'll ring my CPN tomorrow. Thanks guys *hugs*

[roiben]

I advise coming of meds such as Venlafaxine as slowly as you can to reduce the severity of withdrawal. Sleep and eat chocolate (don't know why, but it helps me with withdrawal based nausea and giddiness).

It is a good idea to discuss with your prescriber though as everyone reacts differently. I am incredibly suceptible to withdrawal symptoms so have to tell them that so that they know to reduce my meds slowly and in a controlled way.

Beyond that - it is a case of riding it out and being aware that you may not be at your best for a while. Let someone around you and work know.

Roiben x