Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

This has been my case as well. Finally discovered that I cannot reduce my amt until my withdrawal symptoms are gone which sometimes take two or more months! Finally on 37.5 mg for almost a month and still having trembling, anxiety and fatigue. Will gradually get off it by using a compounded liquid. You must go very slowly and BE PATIENT . It’s so hard but have faith you can do it. BE STRONG🙏🏼

TOTALLY concur that Effexor is not a drug one should just stop taking, must be tapered over a period of time under supervision of a doctor. Can have devastating effects, including cardiac issues which can result in death. Even after last round of medication (using the tapering method) you will still have residual effects. Do NOT be tempted to go back to the medication. It took me MANY MONTHS, WITH HELP OF A TRUSTED NEUROLOGIST, who created a "schedule" for me, and regular follow up visits. It was hell, but so worth it to be finally out of the jaws of that evil drug.

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 🥰🥰

Granted, each person has to define and go with what is best for him/her.

Thank you for the hug 🙂

Thank you for the hugs. 🙂

I have been tapering very slowly according to Horowitz regime
I stay up to three weeks on smaller does and am
Not at 7.5 mg oral solution twice daily
I feel generally OK a not depressed and not flushes after each reduction
I am
Amazed that with such small doses being reduced there is some effect

Will take the last doses slowly as that is recommended in Maudsley Book

Addendum: To be clear, there are countless accounts of people who have had hellish experiences with Effexor, and quite a few are within the pages here on mayoconnect. Also within articles in medical publications, written by people who struggled to shed the drug but were plagued by symptoms that made them RE-START the medication as a means to end the torturous pain. The journey is indeed harder the longer one has been on that dreaded drug. So definitely not just in my case. I had been on Effexor XR for about 12 to 15 YEARS. Indeed my body fought to not have it shed, and my road was torturous, all while teaching secondary and graduate school, caring for an elderly mother, and raising three children. One of its lingering effects: My brain would suddenly short circuit, such as when driving on the highway and suddenly forgetting where I was going, having to pull off the highway, CALM DOWN AND TRY TO THINK, and when remembering my destination, TOTALLY NO CLUE HOW TO GET THERE. Or having my brain go blank during a teaching assignment...not knowing where I'd put handouts for my students. Wanting to just "shut down" and do nothing (not an option). My prayers for everyone who struggles to stop taking drugs that have affected their lives...pray, stay focused, get guidance from a trusted doctor, and do not give up! There is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, and the Golden Key of freedom from the drug is so worth it!👍🏼👏🏼