Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

I have been tapering off Effexor for the last 4 months. I'm down to 37.5 mg. I have severe dry mouth as well. I don't have a solution either and will be following this thread in hopes that someone does have an answer. I'm reluctant to get off of the remaining 37.5 also because of panic attacks that I have been experiencing during this tapering off period. Maybe they will diminish in time and then I'll get off of it entirely. In the meantime, I would love to get rid of this dry mouth. Good luck to us.

It's not impossible, just difficult. I've been decreasing from 150mg over the last 4 months. I've been removing the beads inside the capsule by 5-10 per day (very gradual). Even with this gradual decrease, I've had some not so good days. The dry mouth is especially bad and has not decreased. I'm down to 37.5 mg. I've been stuck here because I'm dealing with panic attacks and wonder if they will let up on their own before I attempt to decrease further. Take it slow. P.S. I've lost 10 pounds during these last 4 months and I do think it has a lot to do with the drug.

I too have gained weight! For some odd reason, my appetite has increased and I am craving sweets. I've been off of Effexor for 10 days now. It has been a difficult road weaning down from 150 mg. The hardest stage for me is this one. I'm still so sick and dizzy.

Thanks to all for the quick feedback.So far, nothing too bad. I did have an angry episode one night but self medicated with Xanax and wine. I would like to get off those as well.  Does anyone have insight into how medical marijuana might facilitate the process Effexor withdrawal? I used to work somewhere that drug tested, so that was not an option, but I’m retired now.

Please, please, please try with this method. 7 days taking Effexor in addition to Prozac... Then stop the Effexor. I have stop numerous times with this pro cess and have yet to experience withdrawal . My problem....went back to feeling lousy and went back to effexer because no other drug would help....Good luck!

How long were you on Effexor before weaning off this way and what was your dose?

@sarnm -- Really glad to hear you've experienced nothing too bad with the taper off of venlafaxine (Effexor) this week.

You mentioned medical marijuana and a question of how it might facilitate the taper off of venlafaxine (Effexor).

Here is a Mayo Clinic video on the general topic of medical marijuana, if you're interested.
- https://bit.ly/2GaY94q

When is your next taper down?

I’ve been on Effexor for 16 years at 225 mg. I’m starting to get headaches and feeling a little Grumpy. I’ll try to stick out this doseage till I see my psychiatrist in July. Best to others on this path.

My husband has been on Effexor for 16 years on 150mg. He’s gone from 150 to 37.5 mg in 2 months. He’s had some side effects and doesn’t feel good but he keeps going and getting better. He’s using Tylenol pm for sleep issues and electric feeling in his legs. It sucks but his nausea and dizziness has pretty much stopped. Just keep going. You can do this.

I have been on Effexor ( 150 ER)for about 15 years, stopping 4 or five times for a day up 2 weeks. With the Prozac and combination for 7 days, then stopping effexer with NO WITHDRAWAL....Give it a Try.