Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@nseidel
Good Morning!
My eyes could not adjust to what I just read in your post.
No one, especially a child should speak to anyone the way you were talked to.
I know you must be cranky trying to get off the Effexor and I know you can use the support!
By the language, I guess your child is a teenager.
If you haven't done so yet or never have done it, it sounds like you might need to have a face to face sit down with him.
Your son needs to understand what you are going through and all the possibilities.
It might be better if you involve your son in your withdrawal.
Tell him there are signs that you need to know about, even if you can't see them yourself.
Making him a part of the 'cure' just might help.

Lots of luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

SUGGESTION...…..
I was just thinking about how close we are to the holiday season.
And what comes with the holiday season?
Lots of food, lots of partying, being off your usual schedule, lots of socializing (people), and drinking.
I am suggesting that if you are considering coming off Effexor, you might want to wait until after the new year.
Yes, there are holidays after the New Year, but not like the ones between now and the end of January.

JUST A SUGGESTION...……
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

I am on day 36 Effexor free. I tapered for a month and have been on Xanax then Librium for symptoms. I still have rage couple times a day. I have no baseline for normal because I was on Effexor for 16 years. I'm better this week than last week but can't deal with the emotions and rage. Any thoughts?

It sounds horrible
Currently on my last tablet
Withdrawals have been scary...
Im taking my first tablet if sertraline tomorrow I'm feeling anxious nauseous it's horrible can't eat or sleep
Doing this with a 13 month old too is hard work
Head shocks are unbearable
To you who has gone through this does the week of no effexor veneflaxine get worse as you start another?
I feel panicky too

This is probably a dumb question, but why is everyone suddenly wanting to get off Effexor? Have you read something about it that I might have missed? Any insight you can give me would be appreciated.
Thanks, abby

Hi Abby!
I'm Stephanie. And I am getting off the Effexor bc of the side-effects I have been reading on these posts. The ONLY reason I was put on Effexor in the first place was for hot flashes. I can't take hormone replacement therapy bc of breast cancer. And I believe I can put up with a few hot flashes better than I can brain zaps, nausea, fatigue, headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, etc. Just a choice for me.

Hi @amberpep well I've researched to no end on Effexor!
It's been 15 years I've been on them and I've noticed when not taken I'm a hot mess of sweats head zaps dizziness dry mouth and tiredness
Lathargic
I've tried so hard to stop them but it's never ended well. I basically hate I'm addicted to them so bad. They no longer work for me either so chosen to change to something else x

First the only dumb question is the one not asked. To answer I can only speak for myself. I have been on it for over 20 years. These drugs were not intended to be taken forever. It no longer provides the anti depression effects but in fact is now a contributing effect to my depression. God only knows what possible damage it can be doing so I want off of it. My only regret is having waited so long but at least I've begun.

I've been on it for 20 years too. It's time to get off. That is the reason I stopped taking them. That is way too long to be on any drug, of any kind.

Good luck lovely
It can be done
Nasty side effects but you'll come out the other end x