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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (6363)Comment receiving replies
Never stop taking it cold turkey EVER. You could be hospitalized even death can occur. I’ve seen to many people not take the seriousness and real dangers of quitting this medication. There have been some very lucky people here, Susie for one.
Effexor has a shot half life, probably the shortest of the antidepressants. Because of this the withdrawal symptoms can occur quickly. All this is affected by your metabolism, so if metabolism is slow your withdrawal symptoms will take longer to appear since your body will take longer to get rid of the medication. With a fast metabolism the opposite will occur. Many will have some symptoms if they miss just one dose, especially with a fast metabolism.
Effexor withdrawal symptoms varies from person to person but can take anywhere from 10 days if on a low dose and taken for a short time to a month and even longer depending on strength and time you’ve been taking it. It also depends on the person. If I were stopping it I’d only decrease my dose by 10% to an absolute high of 25% and if any of the multitude of symptoms showed up I’d immediately increase it and reduce the maximum to maybe 15%. Always take a dose every day. Never skip a day/days. And take your new dose at least 7 days before taking a lower dose. Some may have or want to take it longer. The point I’m trying to make is that you shouldn’t have ANY SYMPTOMS while stopping Effexor. And when you take your last dose you’ll be Effexor free and never have another symptom. If however you have been abusing it your outcome may not be as good and problems could possibly occur in the future.
Wishing everyone the very best of luck, and please remember small doses over a longer time is the key
Replies to "Never stop taking it cold turkey EVER. You could be hospitalized even death can occur. I’ve..."
You take tumeric for depression? Pills or powder was it prescribed by naturopath dr? Never heard of tumeric for depression
My stopping Effexor post got a bit messed up. If you don’t understand what I’m saying in a particular area ask a question please. I’m sorry I get so confused when I write. I know what I want to say but it sometimes comes out wrong, I’m sorry all.
Amalia, Sounds like your doing everything right. Congratulations to you!!!
How much Tumeric (and what brand) are you taking?
It was never prescribed for me. I tried it as a natural aid for dealing with arthritis, and was surprised to find it helping with my level of anxiety. My PCP confirmed that it has this potential.
BTW yesterday for the first time in months I forgot to take the Effexor.
I had very long complex dreams this morning, felt I was hallucinating, and had to open my eyes to reorient myself. Now feeling queasy and brain buzzing. Just to remind myself why I want "off"!
Hope it doesn't last too long as I have my grandson coming to visit on Sunday.
@amalia78
Oh, darling be careful please. Those dreams from withdrawal caused me to have a mini stroke.
I have completely recovered body wise, but Definately lost brain cells over it.
I want to hear how much turmeric you take and how. I remember watching Dr Oz and many times turmeric is mentioned to help lose weight cuz it reves your metabolism. Its pouring rain right now. I will come back when I can use my hotspot and post links.
Take care of yourself. Bright Wings
Weird dreams are a common thing with these kind of meds I have them often .
Your information is very helpful. I am two days off effexor and am wondering what to expect. I feel a little dizzy, but that seems to be my only problem. I have been on 225mg of velafaxine for nearly twenty years. I started weaning myself off about four months ago. I got down to 37.5 mg after 4 months, and finally just stopped everything two days ago. I think it is going to be interesting to feel again.
The best advice on this site is to taper off slowly and to take as long as necessary to do it. Going from 37.5 mg to zero seems too big a drop too fast. It's good to feel again, but not if what you feel is like cr*p. Please read all the posts on this site for more information.
Dram*mine will help with dizziness.
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I appreciate your information. Have been reducing my weekly dose by 4 beads daily ,going one week at a time, for the past month. No adverse effects so far. I don't care how long it takes!
Have been taking Effexor for about 7 years. It was helpful with mood and anxiety after I had maxed out on Celexa. Taking turmeric now which is helpful and life stressors are much less.
So we'll see!