← Return to Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@rmeyers1ppk

My doctor and I discussed getting off Effexor after being on it for 20 years. Before that, I had tried Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac. My dosage is light...37.5, but I am very sensitive to it, as has been the case with all antidepressants I’ve tried. Case in point, 5 mg of Paxil put me in the hospital. I’m getting off Effexor with the help of Wellbutrin (doctor prescribed). I’ve continued Effexor with 50mg of Wellbutrin but now take 100mg of Wellbutrin daily and Effexor every other day. I’ve had some of the brain swishiness (zaps) but nothing unbearable. Today is the first day I’ve gone beyond the every other day regimen with Effexor, and the withdrawal symptoms are no worse. My mood is still ok and I’ll see how it goes. If nothing changes today, I’ll try another day tomorrow without Effexor. I’ll continue with the 100 mg of Wellbutrin, which clearly has helped reduce Effexor withdrawal. By the way, sexual dysfunction has also been reduced over the past several days.

Jump to this post


Replies to "My doctor and I discussed getting off Effexor after being on it for 20 years. Before..."

This is an update to my previous post. Notwithstanding the addition of Wellbutrin, my attempt to continue not taking Effexor was met with bad results. Aside from the headache, I spent an entire night without any sleep. I’m in consultation with my doctor, and it’s pretty clear this is going to be a long, very slow process. It’s just like me to think I could find a shortcut. I can’t. At this point, I’ll continue with the Wellbutrin and take Effexor every other day. When that changes, I’ll report it and describe the effect.