Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

You can learn about some supplement interactions here—https://bottomlineinc.com/health/supplements/new-dangers-supplement-users

My discontinuation symptoms began at the end of the first week of June (about six weeks after my last tapered dose of Effexor). I tried Thean*ne Serene, Anxi*-T, Natur*al Calm and 5-HTP for the anxiety and took melatonin, valerian and Ben*dryl to sleep. On 6/19, in desperation about the akasthisia, I sent my husband to Vitam*n Sh*ppe at 8:30 pm to get L-tryptophan before they closed at 9. Taking one 500 mg L-tryptophan as soon as he got back immediately relieved the akathisia (agitation/anxiety/restlessness) I was feeling.

Note: I am not a doctor and you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

I am taking 4-5 times per day (usually 4 to 5 hours apart, depending on how late I stay up):
• 3 1,000 mg fish oil capsules (EPA 650 mg)
• 1 500 mg L*dtke brand l-tryptophan (This made such a difference to the agitation I was feeling!)
• 2 500 mg Solg*r brand GABA
• 1 500 mg l-arginine
• 1 470 mg ashwagandha root extract capsule
• 5 100 mg B6 tablets (now reduced to 2 qty)

Occasionally I take:
• Dram*mine (for vertigo)
• Ben*dryl (sleep aid) as needed (I don't need it very often now)
• My oncologist who prescribed the Effexor many years ago prescribed 15 5 mg diazepam to take as needed when the akathisia/anxiety gets too bad. Since filling that prescription on 6/20 and figuring out what supplements help me, I’ve only used 5.5 tablets (taking 1/2 tablet now and then).
• Lemon balm Purported to possess sedative, or tranquilizing effects.
• Kava Increases the number of attachment sites for GABA in the brain. By creating more attachment sites, the effects of GABA might be more profound, which results in a mild sedated state. (Good for the fluttery feeling I sometimes get in my chest and anxiety.)
• Rhodiola rosea extract—Modulates the enzyme monoamine oxidase which metabolizes serotonin. When it is inhibited, serotonin synthesis increases.

I was on Effexor for 18 years, so I don't expect to return to normal for a while yet. I will keep up this regimen for another 45 days and then try tapering to 3-4 times per day, 1-2 times per day, etc.

P.S. I have noticed that I must be careful what shows I watch (nothing too violent, too stimulating, too many camera angles) and I can't get too hot (it's August in Texas!), or I start feeling anxious/agitated. So, I am trying to maintain an even keel and not do anything out of the ordinary for now (so not taking up skydiving).

Am down to 37.5 and just going to take a few pellets out every day

I found this group by searching remedies of tapering off. I started effexor for night sweats, a few months ago it stopped working so I talked to my doctor about stopping the meds. I'm on my 3rd month of tapering and went from 150 mg to 75 mg this time. I have been having bad withdraw symptoms with this step down. Thank you to all that have posted, it has been a lot of helpful information!

I am on my second week of Efexxor withdrawal. I took Efexxor for two years. I was treated for anxiety and depression. Efexxor withdrawal is not easy but please don't give up. There are days when I am agitated, emotional, and fatigued. The worse symptom is nausea and vomiting. I can only keep soup and crackers in my stomach. My solution is to pray several times a day. I also tell myself this is temporary..

If I can do it, so can you. Keep the faith!

OK. I called the doctor today. She told me 37.5mg to 0 is too much all at once. She said to get myself restabilized at 37.5, then take 25mg (she sent me an RX) and in two weeks, I should split the 25mg into two, and take only a half (12.5). Then in two more weeks go to 0. That's what I am going to do. If there is an easier way to end this misery that's what I will do. This has been one hellacious journey.

I know. It's the weirdest thing not to know what it is your stomach wants. Heave or eat. I've never experienced anything like it it ever. Hang in there Sheridan. I am rooting for you.

Hi Catamite. Thats really interesting. My Dr told me to just go from 37.5 mg’s to zippidy dooda!!!!! Lol. So I did. I’m beginning my 9th week without the Ven right now and its been a rough ride to say the least. But its boots on the ground and straight ahead. I cant go back and restart taking any of this stuff. Its damned if I do and damned if I dont. I will just stay positive and keep thinking that it will all be good soon. Besides I was reading a post on here the other day stating that if a person restarts after as long a time as I have been off it could be horrible. I really dont feel thata bad if I can get a good nights sleep. If I dont sleep well it really screws up my “next” day. Taking L-Tryptophan B4 bed (3 days) so hopefully it will start helping soon. Enjoy your evening.......

Hello, Bright Wings finally back from a busted phone. Phew, that was a long time. Good news is I didn't die! Smiling
Update: it has been a rollar coaster ride for sure. Best of times and worse of times...
I had changed my password, can't remember why but I did. Then 3 of the letters I chose on the password stopped functioning cuz the screen was cracked. Then the phone died all together. 5 days in shop. Yikes, that phone was my connection to the world.
So I took charge of my life and took it in to be repaired and got a bunch of book tapes out of the library. Had lunch today with someone I met at the library.
Silly but those audio books helped me to figure out when I was spacing out so I could trace my thoughts to see what was distracting me.
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So best of times since I was here last...At the Sacred Ceremony the third week of July, my intention was 2 fold. First was to ask the Sacred Plant Medicine help me establish a support base that would grow and expand as my gifts grew. It started happening right at the ceremony and continues to grow even with out my phone for so long. I am thrilled.
Second part was to ask the Sacred Plant Medicine to rewire my brain cuz I was sick and tired of each and every thought having to go thru the pinball gauntlet of my MS brain. OH, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR!
This was the worst of times. I noticed I was having trouble hitting the phone keys as if the tip of my finger was rotating in a fine circle. So many things from my brain got worse for about 24 hours and then I had huge improvement.
At one point (days and days) my anxiety was going thru the roof. Gosh, I had to open the whole storage bunker of long put away skills to deal with that much anxiety.
.
So currently, I have a new smile. Why? Cuz muscles in my cheeks started working again that have not worked for 40 years. At first my smile was lopsided but now the left side of my face caught up. My smile was always big now it is immense. I had not even realized they were not working until I suddenly had a whole bunch more wrinkles. Once I figured out why all the wrinkles on my right side but not my left was because my muscles were tightening up around my mouth and eyes, well I was thrilled to see them bloom when I smiled.
.
Another change. I have taken charge of my life! I am doing and FINISHING all those little things I was always going to get around to. This has been going on for 2 weeks. Cleaning and chucking stuff too.
Oh I am living in joy. Why? Cuz me being able to get to it and start doing all this stuff means one thing...I HAVE ENERGY! Its been years since I have been able to do this much work Consistantly, day after day. My thinking is different too.
So rewiring my brain brought me energy. I am so grateful. So humbled by all the changes the sacred plant medicine has brought to my life.
Things I am not yet in control of: sugar...the anxiety has me on a merry go round trying to keep it in control while trying to find the source.
I increased my CBD and my edibles. Still smoking although I realize funny things are happening around my smoking too. Hmmm
My eating is not normal. Its a chore to eat. Not my usual style. So I am being proactive cuz if I am hit with sudden hunger, I hit the sugar. Definately Gaining weight.
My sleep sucks at present. Had to go into the dungeon to find the tricks to restore my sleep. I am aware I am not remembering any dreams. So that could be one cause. And for some reason, I am not going to push myself to remember them. I have enough on my plate right now.
Ok well I probably have more things to say but I am tired. Hope it's not too long to post. Night all. Flying right into my bed. Bye

Glad I found this site. I have been on Effexor for 15 years, the last three years went from 37.5 to 112 mg. I have always felt very tired in the morning. I did a sleep test and was told I have mild sleep Apnea. For the past three years I’ve been retired and find I sleep for 12 to 14 hours. I don’t have much motivation. I’m not sure if what makes me so tired is the sleep Apnea or depression.

A year ago under my doctor’s supervision, I tried to get off Effexor. After a month, I went back on them because I started to feel depressed again. A month ago I decided to try to get off them again. I told my doctor that I wanted to go at a slower pace but this time have a compounding pharmacy prepare my pills. For two weeks I will be on 95 mg. Then, my dose will go down to 75 mg for another two weeks. If all goes well, I will do another two weeks on a lower dose and so on.

Six days ago I started with the 95 mg. Yesterday I became very tired and down (had only slept 8 hours the night before because I was at a friend’s home) so I went to bed early the following evening and slept for 12 hours. I only got up because I had an appointment.

At night I also dream a lot and recall my dreams. I also take the lowest dose of Wellbutrin. I have been having all this dreaming since I started taking antidepressants.

I once read that once a person suffers from depression, they need to stay on meds for life because the depression will return. I have suffered from depression from my 20’s but was never on meds until the age of 55 (when something happened in my family). I am now 70. I also suffer from anxiety.

How does someone know that they’re ready to get off their meds? I hate being on them because I feel numb, I no longer cry when I watch a sad movie and sometimes I feel like I can’t think straight. I have also gained weight (either from always craving carbs or the meds).