Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Good for you!!!

I am not understanding the lawsuit. Ist there a lawsuit and if so, why?

After six months of tapering off slowly I am five weeks Effexor drug fee . My nights are still disturbing . My dr tells me eight weeks before I am symtom free as my brain is still adjusting . I tried melatonin,low dose . It really helped that night but did not like feeling groggy the next day . I also get very agitated through the evening ,not the day . Probably lack of sleep !
Hopefully week six will be better . I also tried the odd Ativan at night to help me sleep but took a looonggg time to work . Good luck and it feels like forever but each week I see a difference .

Wow -- eight weeks before you're symptom-free. But you've got five of those eight weeks behind you, which is great! I have 1-2 wks before I'm totally off, although if I didn't have some events I can't get out of -- making presentations to high school seniors about the importance of voting and registering them to vote -- I'd pull off the band-aid at this point. I'm down to only 30 beads/day this week, feel some mild zaps, but they're bearable. However, I know I'm short-tempered and intolerant, and I don't want to make those tendencies worse by stopping now. And I definitely don't want to lose it during one of the events! Next week I only have one voting gig, so I may risk it. My book club will be meeting at my house, but they all know what's going on and are completely supportive and sympathetic. (Plus, they've seen me at my worst anyway!) I'm using low-dose melatonin at night -- usually it works and I don't feel groggy the next day. Your post really helped me a lot! Thank you, hang in there and best of luck!!!

FWIW - my agitation is also largely in the evening...it could be the taper..the ativan probably helps in the AM (after you wake up)...but probably wears down as the day goes on.....

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks free of this nightmare drug. Still not that great yet ... praying it gets better !!

After a 3 month taper I have finally discontinued Effexor. I was on 75 mg. And tapered by 25% every 3 weeks. I Would describe my withdrawal symptoms as moderate. I probably should have tapered a little more slowly. The nausea and diarrhea were the worst. I was able to minimize brain zaps, but now that I'm off completely I am experiencing mild zaps, but the nausea has gone and diarrhea has lessened. I found grated ginger with club soda to help best with nausea.. During the first month I found CBD oil 4 drops under tongue 2 times a day to help with the brain zaps but it might have been psychosomatic. My heart goes out to all those withdrawing from this drug. Everyone is different, so find what works for you. I was grateful for the info here that helped me understand my symptoms so I didn't panic with what I was experiencing, not knowing if it was something else. My GP was unfamiliar with effector withdrawal, so I did it on my own. I recommend doing it under psychiatric supervision if you have that available.

@kbmayo
I know you're tempted to just stop, but why make it any harder on yourself (and your loved ones and friends) than it has to be? Continue your taper on schedule; you're too close to your goal to risk worsening withdrawal effects, or even relapse. Re sleep--Ben*dryl also works.

Sounds like I'm in the same boat. I have just started the taper this week. Starting to have upset stomach. I didn't realize what a horrific drug this was until I found this website and saw all these withdrawal stories. I was put on Venlafaxine for hot flashes. I was never depressed or had anxiety. i don't know why doctors put you on something without letting you know how bad it is to get off of.

I have been tapering off for close to a year after taking it for close to ten years. 200mg reduces in quarter tablets over time. I want to be rid of this medicine given I don’t think it helps and if I were to ever have the supply unavailable then the consequences would be bad. I’ve tried cold turkey and it was appalling.

I’ve reviewed many statements about this medicine over the years and do not see a symptom that I assume runs with withdrawal. That symptom is flash rage. It’s the sort of thing that slips effortlessly in your mind and sits around all day waiting for someone to do something wrong. You feel it surge and know what’s happening but too late. You’re willing to stop from walking away and instead go back to just get right up in someone’s face (usually family) and transform from the gentle Dr. Jeckyl to Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jeckyl would not have had to look far to get a better transforming reaction. The change is exceptionally difficult to arrest even when I feel it lurking. It’s rare this pops up but it wouldn’t take much to offend family to the point where they wouldn’t want to be around you anymore. Any ideas on this symptom? I quit following all news of any kind and remove as much provocative stimulation as I can. But withdrawal from people is not really an option.