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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 1 hour ago | Replies (6412)Comment receiving replies
I am on day 5 of no Effexor, and was so glad to find this discussion group and be able to see other’s experiences.
I was originally on 75mg, cut to 35.5mg and after a few days couldn’t handle the withdrawal symptoms and went back up to my original dose. After 6months I was ready to try again and went back to half dose with only a few days of withdrawal. Just last week my doctor said I could try going off it completely.
It is not easy- I have severe dizziness and sleeplessness. The brain “zaps” are intense, and I feel exhausted, but I’m determined to see this through. Today I’m very emotional and was worried my depression and anxiety symptoms were returning. After finding this thread and reading other’s similar experiences, I’m sure these are just additional withdrawal symptoms.
I’m going to cut out my caffeine intake and add more exercise until I feel better. I’m glad that I had this drug when I needed it- it truly did help me, but I don’t think I will go on it again. If my depression and anxiety returns, I will opt to try something else with less severe withdrawal symptoms.
Replies to "I am on day 5 of no Effexor, and was so glad to find this discussion..."
Always reduce your meds slowly. I have found some docs reduce meds to quickly. SLOW AND STEADY is the way to succeed.
If you decide to try another antidepressant, I recommend that you ask your doctor for a DNA test that will indicate whether or not the tested antidepressant will work for you. This will cut out the experimentation with unknown drugs until you find the best one for you. I don't know the cost for doing this test, but I know from this community that people are using the tests now. Best of luck getting off the Effexor. Read the ways others have used to withdraw from Effexor; be sure to go slow. Some have taken as long as a year to withdraw.
Gailb
Volunteer Mentor
Thanks Really low today 75 and counting
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Congrats FYI When I stopped Prozac I had no withdrawal . Effexor and Xanax for me are a huge problem trying to cut back or stop. Weird headaches... dizzy... spacey . Its horrible that many MD's do not warn of these withdrawal effects Scarier yet Do they not know the extent of these problems or how widespread they are ? Millions take these drugs Makes me wonder how folks managed before drugs ? Guess they had to tough it out, give up, or heaven forbid , harm themselves...