Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

OMG I was talking to a friend about that last night -- after having to make a phone cal to apologize to someone for my ``flash rage'' behavior!! It is a huge part of the reason why I've kept to myself as much as possible during my taper. Because I'm retired, that's an option for me, and I also told people when I started the taper that I was cutting off everything for the foreseeable future in order to take care of myself. So, yes, ``flash rage'' is real and for me it's a biggie. I'll be very interested to see if it stops or diminishes after I've been through with my taper for a while (I have about 10 days more before I finish the taper). Hang in there and best of luck!! I figure if I alienate everyone I know as a result of getting off this damn drug -- which I've been on for 25 years -- it will be worth it to have my life back!!

I try meditation and so forth but I tend to think that somehow bipolar is linked in some sort of twisted offshoot of mania...though mania hasn’t been a feature for me. It’s definitely an Erie feeling to experience rage almost as a spectator as it occurs. Withdrawal from society seems to be the prescription of the day along with a refined apology system in place. I can’t fully appreciate what narcotic addicts must experience but this is as close as I hope to ever be. Strength to you as well.

Just take it slow, slower than you want to because of the want or need to get off the meds. I thought i went slow enough but i guess i went too fast. a week went ok without the meds but then the withdrawal symptoms kicked in. for me it was heightened anxiety and agitation. I went back on meds for a while to try and calm down. I have come to the conclusion that not everybody is ready at the same pace to get off meds, dont feel bad if you are struggling. I am sending you prayers that your experience is better than mine, just follow a doctors protocol, eat right, sleep is you can and keep taking whatever supplements you are taking. good luck.

Thank you😊

I tell anyone contemplating anti-depres. Meds to avoid this one unless no other reasonable choice available.

The withdrawal reality

I just want to stress the importance of getting off this drug at a slow pace. 10 mg every 4 weeks works best. My only problem is not wanting to get out of bed and some anxiety. If you search my emails you will see that I recommend a compounding pharmacy. Some insurance companies will cover the cost. I’ve been on Effexor for around 20 years. Please take it slow.

This is horrific to come off. Four weeks off today , all I do is cry for no apparent reason.. am so scared all the time. How they allow pharmaceutical companies to make these drugs is beyond me ....

I am so very sorry. I think every single one of us who is coming off this drug, or has come off it, will feel sympathy for you. I hope you didn't come off it too quickly -- which is a HUGE temptation for me and, I'm sure, for others, because I want so much to be free of it -- and I hope the tears will stop flowing, the fear will go away, and you will see some brightness and joy. Peace to you -- and hope, too.

Cherylann, I am having the same symptoms. I am weepy and feel frightened a lot. Of what, I don't even know. I have never been frightened before, ever. I have only been off a week, and I keep hoping I will even out. I came off very slowly. It took months.