Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Thought of pepto but as a kid that made me throw up more ... am just DONE with all this . What a nightmare.

Thanks. I'll try that. I love ginger.

Thank you. I'm up and getting ready to head to the surgery center soon. I'm getting pinched nerves in my elbow and arm repaired, tendons fixed, and carpal tunnel.

@haleysmom
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SURGERY!!!
Ronnie

Thank you!! We are getting ready to leave now.

I'm home from surgery. The great news is I haven't felt sick to my stomach yet today

Hi Everyone, not sure how to do a new post so I"m just replying to the original. I'm tapering off Effexor XR 375mg and am on week 2 of the process. I've only gone down 37.5 and havent had any physical side effects, thank god. For the emotional part - I have had anxiety almost every day of the taper. It's very rare that get anxiety any more. My concern is...is the anxiety from the withdrawal/taper or maybe I really do need the medication to help with the anxiety (i've been on it for many years, so didnt know if it was even working any more) and once the medicine is gone i will be back to where I was - symptom wise?? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!!!! PS- i'm under the care of an experienced psychiatrist, but just wanted to hear thoughts from the people 🙂

Good for you for starting the process!! My guess -- and I'm glad you have an experienced psychiatrist with you on this -- is that the anxiety at this point is due to the taper since that can be one of the effects of withdrawing. I'd continue with the taper and see how it goes. I've found it very helpful to go over various lists of the effects of tapering off -- that lets me know that lots of folks have experienced whatever side effects I'm having and they've kept on tapering to be able to finally be off this drug. If you and your doctor do decide you need medication for anxiety, there are plenty of others that don't have the horrible side effects of getting off them. My doctor has said he'll be glad to switch me to one that's much easier to discontinue if I still feel I need to take something. I've been tapering for a couple of months and have 2-3 weeks left before I'm off. I'm getting impatient and have been tempted to speed up the process, but I remind myself that my brain needs the time to adjust so I'm sticking with my schedule. Good luck to you and please use this board any time you need reassurance or a boost. It's been a lifesaver for me!!!

@jamiejames

Welcome to Mayo Connect JamieJames. I'm a Volunteer Mentor and am not a medical professional. I can't make diagnosis or gives medical advice. I do offer my experience, knowledge, recommendations and support. I noticed this is your first post. You will find a wealth of information and support for your withdrawal process from others going through the same things you are. The people on this thread are amazing in their willingness to help each other through. Please continue to post your comments, needs, and issues to get responses from community members. Also, I recommend reviewing the older posts here as you may connect with someone who has specific information about what you are experiencing.

I encourage you to keep withdrawing and remember that each of us reacts differently to drugs and to withdrawal. Best of luck.

@kbmayo thank you SO much!!! How are you feeling, mentally, since tapering to almost nothing (ie, anxiety, etc). Assuming I should wait to be fully off of one med before starting another, if it is needed.