Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Thanks Jim, that would probably be a good idea but he's been on different meds for so long he wants to try without and see where he's at.

@wendyw - I'm kind of at the same place. I'm going to talk to the neurologist on Tuesday about tapering off morphine and revisiting some of the neuropathy meds I've tried in the past, and see if any of them would help with the pain. The spinal cord stimulator has helped a lot, but it doesn't do the whole job, especially if I'm on my feet for very long. Someone said that they had such a hard time getting off Effexor that they tapered on to another med temporarily while going off Effexor. Then they tapered off the other med, which didn't have such severe withdrawal. I thought that sounded like a good solution.

Jim

Best wishes Jim. ATM my son is in the frame that he just wants to stop everything in case it's causing his side effects

Been trying to get off Effexor XL for a few weeks now. I was up to over 300 mgs. The brain zaps are terrible. The reason I want off so bad is the sweating. I’m constantly wiping my face all the time, and take showers to cool off. I weaned down to 75mgs, and then every other day. I just can’t do it. My ears ring, zaps all the time in my brain Daily, almost constant. I just took a 150mg to help me calm down. This is nuts!

I'm sorry you are having a frustrating experience. I still have not started weaning just yet. My doctor doesn't like to start it in the winter so I'm waiting till January to start it slowly. Please keep us updated as all these different experiences helps us all at least be aware of possible side effects.

I just finished getting off Effexor. My last 37.5 mg dose was four days ago. I posted a few weeks ago about a number of supplements and vitamins I was taking that helped me get off the drug after taking 375mg for 12 years. I’ve seen similar posts from others that say taking omega-3 oil has been extremely helpful for them. I’ve also heard that others have found success taking a low dose SSRI like Prozac for a month until the Effexor is out of their system. Is your doctor aware that you have been tapering your dose? Most doctors are well aware of the difficulties people have coming off SNRIs and have treatment plans available that detail how to reduce the medication gradually. You also may need to be ramping up on a different medication if you are having issues with the Effexor.

Hi All - I've been on Prozac and then Effexor for close to 20 years now and began to wonder exactly why I was taking them anymore. At first, it was because of extreme stress and anxiety and was periodic low dosages. Within a few years, it became seasonal and I needed them through the winter as well. Then it was continual. My doctor at the time, who regularly sent me to a psychiatrist for evaluations, explained that it was like a "brain vitamin" due to chemical imbalances, so that I did not feel the stigma associated with it. Several years ago, stressors in my life between job and relationships brought my dosage up to 375mg per day. But those stressors are now gone, so I began to seriously question why I would still need to take this medication. I began to slowly decrease my dosage about every three months, of course, with my doctor's awareness. I have finally gotten down to 37.5 mg and it is absolutely terrifying. The brain zaps, dizziness, vertigo, unfocussed thinking, heightened awareness of sounds and movements, sleep disruptions.... I'm afraid to get rid of the last dose. Thankfully my doctor is patiently working with me. Going every other day on the dose was too much, so I'm back on for 3 days at a time. On my off day, I'm to take a Clonazepam twice, 12 hours apart. Do this for two weeks, then reduce it to every 2 days, then 1 off with the Clonazepam. I am only to take the Clonazepam on my "off" days. I've reduced my caffeine intake, scheduled my sleeping, and a friend is now my activity coach, as everyone knows that physical activity will help you produce natural serotonin. I'm going to stay on this path and keep moving at all costs. My life is finally GREAT so why should I have to be on this medication? I'm not going to let the withdrawals control my life.....
I wish everyone luck in their journey to remove themselves, but please ask to remember to be PATIENT with yourselves. Try different types of dosage removals.... once you get to the lowest dose, maybe try extended the dosage time from 24 hours to 30 hours for a couple of weeks, then 36 hours and so on. My brain zaps occurred immediately at the 25 hour mark, so that is why I'm going every 3 days and then 1 off. We'll see. I have high hopes and determination.
Again, thanks everyone for sharing their stories and good luck to you all.

Hello @yorkiemama and welcome to Mayo Connect

I appreciate your post about reducing the dosage of your meds. I'm glad to see that you are doing this with your doctor's assistance and support. That is so important.

Keep in touch as you feel comfortable doing so,

Teresa

My son had half strength 37.5 mg made up at a compounding chemist and is taking daily for 2 weeks, then will get some 1/4 strength and do the same. It has been much better than weaning if the 37.5 mg

Hello, Today is the 5th day after dose of Venlafaxine was cut in half. OMG I don't think I should be driving and not sure about working! Each day has seemed to get worse however I am hopeful this is the bad before it gets better. The sweating at night is unbelieveable! I appreciate all the advice and helpful tips people have posted. Hopefully this doesn't happen with each time the dose is decreased. #stayingstrong