Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Physicians pledge ' First DO NO HARM " ??

Wanted to share an encouraging update....last Wednesday was my first skip day for my every other day regimen and I had made it through the entire day. Thursday was normal because it was my day to take it. Friday was supposed to be my skip day, but I gave in and took a 1/4 tab because I needed to be able to function at work. Saturday and Monday were both successful skip days. Yesterday morning I woke up feeling horrible, figured it was just because I had just had my skip day, so my body was just telling me it needed another 1/4 tab. Took it, but didn't feel better like I normally do, actually felt a little worse and started to get the nausea feeling, so decided to take the day off work and rest. I was surprised I had to do this because it was not my skip day. Whenever I take the medication I feel fine, it's just the skip days that make me feel awful. Anyways, I started to feel better later in the day after pretty much laying on the couch all day. Today is my skip day and has been the first day ever since trying to get off this stuff that I have felt virtually no withdrawal symptoms. I still get a little vertigo if I move my head too quickly....but I can deal with that. I am just really excited because now I have the feeling that I can do this. Earlier in the week I didn't think I was going to be able to skip 2 days in a row, but now I'm thinking it might be possible. We'll see how I feel tomorrow, but feeling really optimistic right now, and wanted to share!

Iam so happy for you!

@dianrib I find it amazing that doctors don't tell you these are addicting! When I had a doctor give me ativan that was one of the first things she told me, to take it very judiciously because it is addicting. I think if a doctor does not inform a patient about it being addicting that's a type of negligence.
JK

@dianrib Sometimes I wonder if many physicians today pay any attention to those words. It's like a meaningless phrase for many of them.
JK

@ GRANDMAr8. I saw a psychiatrist...nut..but anyway. Was told the tabs were only good for 8-19 hours then your body goes into withdrawal..that I wasn't having panic attacks! Said to increase my dosage. Crazy man. I've had panic attacks since my teens. I take Zanax when I feel the panic coming on. I took Effexor for depression. So much misinformation out there!!!
Remember everybody is here for you. Each situation is different!

I agree. I also think that a lot of Doctors really dont have a lot of knowledge about drugs.

@tennessegirl
I am on a very high dose of Effexor. I do have terrible brain fog and memory issues. Beyond that, I am not sure what else I have since I take a number of prescriptions.
I really never thought of going off Effexor because it has kept my anxiety attacks at bay.
I see my psychiatrist every 6 months for a med review. She asks how I feel and adjusts accordingly.
She tells me I am at the highest dosage and would have to use something else if this stops working.
She is the 2nd psychiatrist I have seen and no one has ever mentioned side effects, neither has any of the therapists I have seen.
I think I need to talk with her.
Thanks for your input!
And believe me, I know that each person reacts (or not) to things differently.
There is no 'one size fits all.'
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

I tapered myself down to the 37.5 MG then was doing every other day for a while before just stopping about two weeks ago. I can’t believe I still have symptoms of withdrawal even after that. My dizziness has gotten better and the brain zaps are few and far in between, but I am quick to get angry, super tired, and very confused. I am trying to make it in a new job and has been brutal to deal with.

@cotentandwell
I had a conversation with my husband about some of the reasons people are getting off Effexor and the terrible withdrawal. He knows I have brain fog and a horrible memory as a result of the Effexor. He asked me if I had known, would I refused this drug????
Good question....
After a while, my PCP suggested I come off them since I was doing so well. She told me to do it VERY SLOWLY. I can no longer remember (of course) what system she suggested.
I do remember I was taking 1 pill in the am and 1 pill in the pm (of course I do not remember the strength either). I remember I was still on my am pill. I started the system with the pm pill. Soon after I started the process, I was at a very good and enjoyable work shop. I was laughing and having a good time. After the workshop my hubby and friends were picking me up for a my favorite dinner. Life was good.

Before the workshop was over, I had to use the bathroom. Please pardon the TMI....I was sitting down when all of a sudden my entire body started to quiver, I felt like I was burning up, my mouth got dry and I felt like I was going to die. I hadn't felt like this in months. I realized my anxiety attack returned with a vengeance!!!! I quickly called the psychiatrist for an appointment. She said I should not have tried to go off the Effexor. Of course I was doing well because I was on the right medication. I told her I tried to go back on but nothing was working. I was told that once you go off, but cannot go back on for x amount of months. She tried me on 2 or 3 other meds and nothing worked. Yes, I gave it time. After x months, I asked if I could go back of the Effexor. She put me back on and the anxiety stopped. It did not work as well as it once did, but it was fine enough.

So, I am guessing since I went back on it, I would probably have gone back even knowing what I know now. Even so, I think I need to talk with my psychiatrist.

Sorry this was so long.

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)