Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Good Morning All
I've asked this question a couple of times but I have not gotten any answers.
I have been on Effexor for many years.
I see that so many of you either came off or trying to come off.
I don't know why so many no longer want to be on it.
Is there something I should know???????
What are your plans when you come off or what are you doing now that you are off?
My main reason for starting Effexor has been for anxiety attacks.
If that is why you use(d) Effexor, what will you do now when you get an attack?
Thanks all...
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

I was prescribed Effexor by a neurologist because of migraines in my optic nerves and I was told it could also have the benefit of helping my anxiety. It has been 5 years and now I’m on two extra medications because it didn’t relieve my migraines and helped my anxiety too much causing depression but by the time my primary care realized the issue I had been on all three medications for three years. I have gone from 225mg Effexor down to 75mg a day and other than the “brain zaps” and extreme nausea am feeling better and have less daily migraines so I know that I will probably be fine without any Effexor but can’t get through the withdrawal to stop it completely. @contentandwell

I am taking two additional medications to level the depression caused by the Effexor! It can also cause blurry vision and my optometrist believes that is why I can not achieve 20/20 vision even with glasses.

I was prescribed Effexor by a neurologist because of migraines in my optic nerves and I was told it could also have the benefit of helping my anxiety. It has been 5 years and now I’m on two extra medications because it didn’t relieve my migraines and helped my anxiety too much causing depression but by the time my primary care realized the issue I had been on all three medications for three years. It can cause blurry vision and my optometrist feels that it could be why I can not get anywhere close to 20/20 vision even wearing glasses. It causes constipation, and sorry if this is TMI, I have to take stool softener to combat this but at least once a week end up with diarrhea. It also causes strange dreams for some people or a “zombie” feeling during the day which I didn’t think I had. I have gone from 225mg Effexor down to 75mg a day and other than the “brain zaps” and extreme nausea am feeling so much better. I have more energy and have less daily migraines so I know that I will probably be fine without any Effexor and will then be able to stop the antidepressant as well (which I have also tapered) but I just can’t get through the withdrawal to stop it completely. Also, my feelings are that any medication that can cause such horrible withdrawal has got to be doing more harm than good.

First of all, I am down to 1/2 of a 37.5 mg pill from taking 150 mg prior to April 1st, GRANDMAr. Before participating here, I have had a pharmacist and several friends tell me there is nothing worse than Effexor or its generic to get off of. I believe it is poison to my system and I was transitioned to this drug about 5 years ago for anxiety. Glad it has worked for you,Ronnie, but for a lot of us, it hasn't. Some of you have had horrendous stories of withdrawal and I've had my share of vertigo, nausea, anxiety and eye issues during this weaning process. Effexor has messed with my brain big time and I so want to be free of it! There is light at the end of the tunnel. If I had not read from a number of you that withdrawal issues are normal - even though they are SO HARD - I'd be back on the upward spiral instead of looking at freedom! I applaud all of you who are working at removing this garbage from your system. I am feeling better today but two days ago was murder. A friend told me yesterday that I would feel so good when I am finally free! May all of you struggling keep that thought in mind! XOXO

Hey how do you get down to half of a 37.5 my doc said do every other day. Better today last two been nauseous. Had no withdrawals until the last few days. Was on 150 then 75 then 37.5

@gwenaloveseveryone2
I have had e everything you mentioned and more.how a out messing with your libido!
I'm SO with you on this. I thi k spreading the word is so very important too and how can you not once you are aware!!
I am down to mostly 37.5 mg. Some days require an xtra quarter tab. I try to never take near bedtime. So happy for you and stories like yours needy to be heard to encourage other folks who are struggling....as well as sound the alarm. Thank you!!!

@cdileonardo4 if your body is reacting this way...poo on that. I say slow down. Cut back. Skipping a dosage is not wise. Your body says its not ready. Remember..we are all here for you....each struggle each body is different. Be proud of what you can do...do not try to rush it! Congratulations!

Hi everyone! 10 days now with no Effexor XR! I still have occasional dizzy feeling, but brain zaps are pretty much gone and the ringing in my ears has quieted down a lot! It took me over a year, taking out beads from the capsules. (Shows me I can do pretty much anything I put my mind to.)
The reason I wanted to get off was because I was so afraid that something would happen that would prevent me from getting the medicine. My memory was shot and I feared that I would forget to pack the meds when I was travelling. Sometimes I would forget to take a dose and I would be so dizzy and sick. It was terrible. Now my memory and concentration are getting better.
Every doctor I spoke with just couldn't understand why I wanted to get off. Well, it wasn't really helping my anxiety. I would get worked up over the least things and overreact. My family says I am more like my old, lovable self! Hallelujah! Thanks You, Jesus, for helping me get through this withdrawal!

Exactly More harm than good yet Bog pharma keeps' pushing' these meds and do not warn of the side effects