Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

I was on 375mg of effexor daily for about 7 years. I started weaning about a month ago going down by 37.5mg every five days. Once I was down to 75mg my doctor started me on Trintellix, 5mg a day. I am now at 37.5mg of effexor and 5mg of Trintellix. I have had a migraine every day this week. The brain zaps you talk of happen in the evening. And my anxiety also increases in the evening. I have 4 days of the effexor left. So far, I think I'm doing pretty good. Just trying to find the cause of this endless headache. I do have a prescribed migraine med that I take, so it is manageable. Hoping things will be back to "normal" in the next couple of weeks. I go up to 10mg of the trintellix in about 6 weeks.

@jerseygirl, I will start my journey this coming week. How do you like Trintellix so far? I am so scared, I’ve been on Effexor for 13 years. I was on 300 mg for awhile and I’ve been on 225mg for a few years. I also, take 150 mg of Wellbutrin and 20 mg of Buspar. I see my mental health doctor on Wednesday. Say a prayer for me, please.

@dcclowdus, Sending positive thoughts to you and all on the journey to get off Effexor.
I’m, hopefully, done. After decreasing dosage (from 225 for 15+ years) over a few months, I hope to have taken my last 75 yesterday. I’m hoping with exercise and getting out to walk my dog in our great weather that the effects will be minimal or can be managed with Xanax and taking it easy on myself (allowing myself to be angry or sad).
Take care.

Hi @sarnm. Thats a pretty steep drop coming off 75 mg’s. Have you considered trying 37.5 mg’s for a little while prior to going cold turkey. It might be easier on ur system. Take care and good luck to you.

Well I think I did really good on 37.5 today. I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms until it was almost time for my meds tonight. I would have never thought that this would be something I would be going through. I'm so grateful I found this site. Just reading and understanding how everyone is going through the same thing is such a blessing and the support is wonderful.

Amen to that evey. Hope ur getting along real well!!!!

@taylorwatkins13

You’ve been off your meds for 2 weeks. Are you having any withdrawal symptoms at all Taylor?

@shaker1956

Hi shaker,
Concerned how your doing. I know you were taking 37.5mg of Effexor/Venlafaxine. May I ask you a few questions? Isn’t that the dose you quit with?
What was your maximum dose and how long were you on this medication?
Do you use alcohol, Marijuana or any type of illegal drugs? The reason I’m asking is any one of these may be playing a role in your prolonged symptoms.
Best of health.
Jake

Thank you. I slept really good again last night and woke up feeling good. I know all the days won't be great but I'm going to stay positive about this. I have my first grand baby coming in November and I know I will be off of this horrible stuff by then. I'm keeping all on this pretty rotten journey in prayer.

HeLolo all. Been trying to get in here for days. Phone screen broken from dropping. Tried to use my compurer. can't remember my password. @Colleen Young
Changing phone today. Will try to change password. Otherwise, I won't be able to get back in.
Checking in: 18 weeks off drug. Feeling good, however that back round anxiety is increasing. My frustration level is so increased related to my phone and general life.
Silly me, I always have to test crap. Chose not to take my CBD for 1 day. BIG MISTAKE.
I had noticed I had been sleeping a lot Like double my normal. So, it seems I do need the CBD. I Wil change how I use it. Take it at night from now on. See if that changes this sleeping pattern.
I have extra energy now. Cleaning and getting rid of stuff. Taking more interest in life around me. I have signed up to accompany our Veterans on the Honor Flights to Washington DC. Oh, I can watch them for medical symptoms and have a great time teasing these men and women I honor so much. It will be a win/win situation.
@jakedduck1 check your private messages. You are the only one with my personal contact info. Please check on me to see if I can get back in after I change my phone. Thanks Friend.
At Sacred Ceremony, I declared that thru the use of the sacred plant medicine, to have completed my life goal....ie erase all the effects of my abuse. I have worked for 32 years to do this AND completed my goal. I am ready to step into my new life. The past is gone for me.
My intention for Ceremony was to grow a new foundation that will grow and expand to fit my new life. Poeple are starting to flood my life and I love it. My second intention was to rewire my brain cuz I am sick of not being able to complete a thought with out the pin ball thing going on in my brain. Oh gosh my symptoms got so much .worse better now. Ok posting this. Phone messing up again. Bye Bright wings.