@neros
@kbmayo
@youngsally
I am so glad that your withdrawals were not that bad, or at least tolerable. Harvard physician Joseph Glenmullen, MD, writes, “78 percent stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) have withdrawal reactions ....” A survey by the manufacturer of Effexor shows that at least 35% of patients experience antidepressant withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking Effexor. (Note: Adverse reactions can be minimized by tapering off the drug. Stopping cold turkey can be very dangerous--to the point of life-threatening.)

Unfortunately, you can't tell before you start the quitting process if you're going to be one of the lucky ones to not be too bothered by withdrawal. I tapered off very slowly from only 25mg. I was fine for 6.5 weeks afterwards. Then, I started having all the withdrawal symptoms including akathisia; I think it took that long for my body to find and use up all the Effexor stored in my adipose tissues (fat). It is now six months after my last minimal dose of Effexor and I still have issues. If I had known that I'd be in for such a long haul towards recovery, I'd have stayed on Effexor even though my hot flashes were well passed. I told my doctor, "My husband and I have been married 38 years. In sickness and in health. In money, or without. But, I am not too sure about through Effexor withdrawal."