Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Been on antidepressants over 20 years never gained a pound . Am on my fifth week of tapering off Effexor and gained a little weight.

@kbmayo

You got it!!! A lot of people reduce by 50% especially at high doses. Then complain of withdrawal symptoms. To fast people. Slow and starry works better.
My research claims by cutting down 10-25% every two weeks seems to work best. 10% reduction If have been on it a long time and 25% reduction if on it a short time. If sensitive to meds might want to stick with 10%.
Best of luck to all
Jake

@sharaden

From all I’ve read your reduction is to fast. I say that based on the high dose you were on. Your doc is reducing your medication by 25%. It’s always better to stop to slowly than to quickly. If you haven’t been on it very long and your not sensitive to medicines maybe it will work for you but it’s risky in my unprofessional opinion. What is your next step when you get to 37.5 not zero I hope.
Best of luck buddy.
Jake

@sharaden

Just wanted to say that I haven’t yet read a successful scenario going from 37.5 to -0-
Stopping to quickly may assure failure whereas to slowly may only assure success. I have always choose slowly and have always succeeded.
Jake

@jakedduck1
The compounding pharmacy did mine this way:
Maximum dose was 112 mg. Now on 105 mg (for 2 weeks), then 97.5 mg. (for 2 weeks) and so on. This is my 9th day. So far, I’m good. My physician wanted to do it faster and in a different way. I didn’t agree with him. That’s why I went to a CP. when I tried to get off them three years ago, my doctor suggested faster. It was a nightmare. You are correct in saying go slow.
By the way, I was on 37.5 mg for 11 years and 112 mg. for about 4 years.

My decrease regimen is all that was offered to me, so I don't have a choice. My next step is zero from 37.5mg. I'm doing every other day. So far, I felt nothing yesterday which was my third rotation with nothing. This is what worked for my mom so she's making me do it this way.

At what percentage drop do the withdrawal effects usually happen if you cut out 10% every two weeks?

If it's working for you, that's all that matters. Keep going!!

@maryathome

There are too many variables--body type, activity level, incentive/reason to get off, male/female, weight, type of Effexor, dosage, time on the drug, etc. You're fine until you're not--some do great at whatever tapering they've decided on, then wham, all h*ll breaks loose. At that point, you go back to the last dosage at which you were doing fine, stay there for a period and then, try decreasing less.

@sharaden

YOU! always have a choice. It’s your life and your body.
My doctor expects me to either disagree or say no to her. We eventually hammer out a compromise, sometimes she wins sometimes I win but it’s always my decision.
Go talk to a pharmacist I know they will tell you not to reduce every other day.
Also people are different, just because it worked for your Mom is no guarantee it will work for you. However there are some people who don’t have withdrawals and you may be one of the lucky few. I hope you are. I hope you’ll let us know.
I hope all works out.
Jake