Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

I’ve been on Venlafaxine XL 300daily, for more than 7 years. I get brainzaps and have recently developed wicked tinnitus. I also take Wellbutrin, added more recently and very helpful. when it’s active my depression makes me feel paralyzed by lethargy. Long journey, still struggling. I believe I have been on this stuff too long. Initial suggestions to drug monitor met with resistance.

I’m looking for guidance & support, and appreciate what everyone is sharing.

@toomanycats
How long have you been weaning? Honey, you are just starting the symptoms. Its going to get worse. Please go and read, and then read some more. To be honest, I don't know how welbrutin will change your symptoms. Read read read.
Welcome. Smiling at you, Bright Wings

Bright wings checking in again today. (It may be a bit, flying high today.)
I am THRILLED to report not one bit of Back pain today. Yesterday, I was looking for a referral to a back doc. Today I am sipping mocha coffee and chatting with everyone on messenger.
THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE INCREASE IN CBD OIL FROM 225 MG TO 700 MG.
Placebo effect or not. Today I am pain free and could not be happier. Happy 4th everyone.
Oh another change since getting off the Effexor. Last year I smoked 30 packs of cigs a month. I had noticed in April I had dropped to 16 packs a month. Now this month after using the CBD for 3 months, I used 14 packs of cigs. I would like to get off them completely BUT one battle at a time. Smiling at you, looking for a drone firework display to treat myself to today., Bright Wings

I was taking time release capsules- 150 mg per day. Previously I took two regular 75 mg pills per day. I will look at your previous posts. Thanks.

Hi, I am not sure how to see if anyone replied to my question. I am on day 6 with 25mg of Effexor. I had been taking 75mg for almost two months, but the side effects were making things worse for me to get the rest that I needed. I've had days when I feel great, and other days where I cry over the silliest things. After tapering the 25 mg my doctor wants me to take a tablet once a day then stop. I was diagnosed with FND functional neurological disorder and PNES pschogenic non epilectic seizures. Today, I had multiple spells. I figured out they are triggered by stress and when I don't sleep very well. I was also told that I have mild depression. I really don't want to take something that has side effects when different things trigger it. Do any of you do natural things to help you out?

CBD oil works wonders...doesn't make you high, just calms, and takes pain away!

I’ve been taking Effexor for 3 years. Started tapering a few months ago. I just stopped completely two days ago after cutting a 25mg pill in half for two weeks. I thought I wouldn’t struggle too much since I got myself down on such a small dose... I was wrong. I am so angry and sad. My husband doesn’t understand. Plus he’s always gone (military). The other day I pulled into a parking spot and looked over at the car backing up next to me and thought I was actually moving forward. My car was in park. It caused such awful vertigo and I threw up for 20 minutes. I care for my two daughters (1 & 2 1/2) on my own and it is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I can’t do this anymore....

@taylorwatkins13

I am so sorry you are going through such a difficult time. I cannot imagine the struggle you have with 2 young children and a husband who is gone so often.
First, did you start to taper off with the knowledge of your doc? If so, were you given a plan?
Regardless, it is IMPORTANT that you contact your doc to inform him/her about what you have done and how you are feeling. There might be something he/she can give you to help you along. Several people in the group who came off of Effexor, did so with the assistance of a doc who gave them something to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. Then, there are those who did it on their own VERY slowly taking months and over a year to do it.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE call the doc for help!!!!!!

Prayers that you get some peace....
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Hi @taylorwatkins13
I'm so glad that you found this group on Connect and that you reached out. You don't have to go through this alone. I quite agree with @grandmar that you should contact your doctor. Please take time to call the doctor's office today. Tapering of Effexor is difficult and you may have to taper even more slowly as you get done to lower dosages.

The Connect community understands that you are in a difficult place right now and we want you to know that we are here for you. This is a safe place to talk as you feel the need. I also want you to know about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org that you can call or text any time for immediate help.

I look forward to hearing from you again. It's been a few hours since you posted. How are you feeling now?

Thank you for responding. I did go to my doctor in the beginning and he gave me a chart with a tapering schedule. I guess I just did it too fast? I don’t know. Woke up this morning with a pounding headache and so so dizzy. So I guess it isn’t going to be any better today. What could my doctor give me to help?