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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (6299)Comment receiving replies
I’m so thankful I started reading this. I’ve been taking 75 mg of Effexor for 13 years. My doctor put me on it when my husband was battling cancer. I’ve tried several times to get off it with no luck. Last year I talked to my dr and I began tapering it down. I finally went to 37.5 and stayed there for 9 months. I have now gotten it to 37.5 mg every three days. Today is my fourth day without. Ive struggles a lot today. At what point is the point where you don’t take it? I’m going to call my dr Monday but wanted to see if anyone worked through the same issue. Thanks for any feedback
Replies to "I’m so thankful I started reading this. I’ve been taking 75 mg of Effexor for 13..."
Welcome to Mayo Connect, @arkiegirl. We are happy that you found this discussion.
I would encourage you to talk with your doctor again about the tapering-off process. Have you considering cutting the 37.5 tabs in half or getting a script for 25 mg.? This might be a more gentle way to withdraw if you feel it is necessary to withdraw completely from the Effexor.
I would encourage you to be gentle with yourself and take your time with this process. It does not have to be accomplished on anyone's timetable but your own. Work with the process as you are comfortable doing so and keep in touch with your doctor.
Teresa
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@arkiegirl - I took Effexor for a short time, long enough to know it didn't work for me, and I tapered off it at the same time I tapered on to Wellbutrin. A lot was going on in my life at that time, and it's hard to know what caused what. You're wise to be taking it slowly. I've heard that others have had a lot of trouble getting off it. I think you'll see a fair amount of discussion here around your question.
Has the doctor said what to expect when you stop?
Jim