Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

He everyone! I’ve been on 300 mg of Venlafaxine for about 8+ years and because I’m tired of the side effects (brain zaps, distressing dreams, sweating, etc.) my medical doctor and I decided to try to wean me off this drug. I can’t say I condemn this med, it’s just got some troublesome issues for some of us. My weaning program is reduction by 37.5 mg for about 2 weeks to a month and then a further reduction of 37.5 for the next 2 weeks to a month and so on.

Did anybody experience nausea and committing after the first4 days of reducing dosage?

He everyone! I’ve been on 300 mg of Venlafaxine for about 8+ years and because I’m tired of the side effects (brain zaps, distressing dreams, sweating, etc.) my medical doctor and I decided to try to wean me off this drug. I can’t say I condemn this med, it’s just got some troublesome issues for some of us. My weaning program is reduction by 37.5 mg for about 2 weeks to a month and then a further reduction of 37.5 for the next 2 weeks to a month and so on.

Did anybody experience nausea and committing after the first4 days of reducing dosage?

based on my experience, it's just patient tapering, slowly reducing the amount you consume, once you make a reduction, keep with that reduction until you feel normal (well), only then continue with the reduction process until you realize you aren't consuming it anymore, consult with your psychiatrist

Venlafaxine is a drug, and, as a drug, it can create not only addiction, but also and definitely physical dependence, you can't just stop venlafaxine and hope that you will be magically ok, you have to do tapering, and consult with a psychiatrist, I have just stopped consuming venlafaxing after a slow tapering, I was taking 1/4 of 75 mg of venlafaxine (1 pill), which is already have to cut, one week in and I'm still taking paracetamol (pill for the headsche) (here in uruguay), but, ince I did tapering,since I gradually reduced my consumption of the pill, my withdrawal effects hasn't prevented me from sleeping or working as I always should, I just have a headache if not taking paracetamol, the headache is becoming less painful as each day passes, so that's a very good sign

yes, don't know if I will call it evil drug, but I do have to take headache pills, today, I'm taking two, Paracetamol here in uruguay, but what's most important is the headache is becoming less severe, and I can still work and sleep, well done on getting out of it if you didn't need it anymore

You experience severe headaches and yet don't consider that Effexor is an "evil drug"? I've read so many posts here on this site and in other places, written by men and women from various countries who have been through hell while on the medication, and torment while fighting to get out of its clutches. I have no hesitation in calling it an Evil Drug. I concur with those who agree that the drug made life hell. Considering that it was prescribed to me to address depression, my depressive episodes were in no way ameliorated by having it in my system. The nightly assaults of nigh terrors, realistic and horrifying nightmares, sensation of being controlled by an invisible yet ever present being --- yes that was evil. If the makers of the drug were to take it and have to live through what so many people have endured, I have no doubt that it would indeed be removed from the market.
I am glad for you that you are on the road to recovery.🌺
Hold faith and stay strong.

oh ok, in your case, I definitely agree, let's all stay safe and strong 🥰🥰

Yes, the nausea still and hot flashes . Just over a month off the Effexor XR and I still have some side effects . I visited with my Primary Dr. today and she said the Withdrawl effects could last a few months . Oh my!!!! I will never go back on this medication . We can get through this . Amen 🙏