Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

If you dropped from 75mg to 37.5mg, then that was a 50% drop, while the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines recommends no more than a 10% drop over however much time it takes you to feel normal again before the next decrease of 10% of the balance. You may be one of those (like me) who suffers from a prolonged/protracted withdrawal syndrome: I had decreased the drug on my own to nothing, then suffered an onslaught of tremendously debilitating withdrawal symptoms about two months after feeling fine. Through online research, I learned what I did wrong and I will be doing it right the next time.
My best tool against anxiety is exercise, exercise, exercise. Good luck.

I tried to taper off in June. Days after I started one every other day, my husband died. The shock of that coupled with the withdrawal was horrible. I didn't realize it was partly from Effexor. My doctor didn't realize what a process the tapering off could be.
I have just given up and decided to continue taking it. My former physician prescribed in 2000 and I'm almost 81, so what's the point?

Wish I'd insisted sooner to get off this poison.

Trazadone works for me

How are those of us who are weaning off Eff dealing with the insomnia?

I am struggling so much with these withdrawals. I would rate this #3 on the worst things I’ve felt #1 being csf leak to put that in perspective.
I am nauseous and my stomach is killing me and then I’m not nauseous and I’m throwing up non stop. Not to mention the zaps that feel like they’re everywhere in my body. Dizziness, shaking, light sensitivity. Every-time I look around after unfocusing my eyes I have the sensation that I’m falling and it feels like every part of my body is being zapped. Also what’s up with the random crying. It’s day 7 now and it feels like it comes in strong waves. Urgent care couldn’t help, I called the er and they gave me anti nausea medication. I am a nanny and can’t work so I’ve spent the week in bed and I know I’m probably going to get fired but I mean I think it’s a tad bit valid that holding an infant isn’t the best idea I was also told not to drive due to my dizziness and random throwing up spells.
Today was my first day going out and I was dripping in sweat trying to not throw up or pass out.
My mom thinks I just have to keep going and wait it out but I feel like I’m loosing my mind. No doctor I’ve spoke to even knows what I’m talking about and no one knows anything to help the withdrawals it’s so frustrating feeling so sick but knowing there’s no cure and not knowing how long you’ll be sick for. Any advice on literally any of this would be appreciated.

I am struggling so much with these withdrawals. I would rate this #3 on the worst things I’ve felt #1 being csf leak to put that in perspective.
I am nauseous and my stomach is killing me and then I’m not nauseous and I’m throwing up non stop. Not to mention the zaps that feel like they’re everywhere in my body. Dizziness, shaking, light sensitivity. Every-time I look around after unfocusing my eyes I have the sensation that I’m falling and it feels like every part of my body is being zapped. Also what’s up with the random crying. It’s day 7 now and it feels like it comes in strong waves. Urgent care couldn’t help, I called the er and they gave me anti nausea medication. I am a nanny and can’t work so I’ve spent the week in bed and I know I’m probably going to get fired but I mean I think it’s a tad bit valid that holding an infant isn’t the best idea I was also told not to drive due to my dizziness and random throwing up spells.
Today was my first day going out and I was dripping in sweat trying to not throw up or pass out.
My mom thinks I just have to keep going and wait it out but I feel like I’m loosing my mind. No doctor I’ve spoke to even knows what I’m talking about and no one knows anything to help the withdrawals it’s so frustrating feeling so sick but knowing there’s no cure and not knowing how long you’ll be sick for. Any advice on literally any of this would be appreciated.

I am struggling so much with these withdrawals. I would rate this #3 on the worst things I’ve felt #1 being csf leak to put that in perspective.
I am nauseous and my stomach is killing me and then I’m not nauseous and I’m throwing up non stop. Not to mention the zaps that feel like they’re everywhere in my body. Dizziness, shaking, light sensitivity. Every-time I look around after unfocusing my eyes I have the sensation that I’m falling and it feels like every part of my body is being zapped. Also what’s up with the random crying. It’s day 7 now and it feels like it comes in strong waves. Urgent care couldn’t help, I called the er and they gave me anti nausea medication. I am a nanny and can’t work so I’ve spent the week in bed and I know I’m probably going to get fired but I mean I think it’s a tad bit valid that holding an infant isn’t the best idea I was also told not to drive due to my dizziness and random throwing up spells.
Today was my first day going out and I was dripping in sweat trying to not throw up or pass out.
My mom thinks I just have to keep going and wait it out but I feel like I’m loosing my mind. No doctor I’ve spoke to even knows what I’m talking about and no one knows anything to help the withdrawals it’s so frustrating feeling so sick but knowing there’s no cure and not knowing how long you’ll be sick for. Any advice on literally any of this would be appreciated.