@merpreb
Hello Merry,
I’m very curious how you came to the conclusion that I was taking Effexor. Even if I were how did you get the idea I didn’t/wouldn’t taper. I am totally puzzled. I hope you will let me know. Maybe I was posting in my sleep if I ever said anything that remotely indicates what you claim. In fact I suspect I’m probably the biggest advocate here for protracted tapering.
Have a wonderful day
Jake

@merpreb Some us who were taking Effexor simply don't need it any more (I was on it for hot flashes and those days are passed), some folks have side effects they can no longer tolerate (high blood pressure, vision changes, impotence, digestion issues, etc.), some are young women who want to get pregnant (or are), some find Effexor is no longer working for their mental issues and some are thrown off the drug by loss of insurance, or can't find a doctor to renew their prescriptions.

When I was put on Effexor 18 years ago for hot flashes, I didn't ask a lot of questions about the drug; I was in the middle of breast cancer treatment and thought I was looking death in the face--I had bigger fish to fry right then. I had no idea until the beginning of this year when I began thinking of quitting Effexor and did some research that Effexor is a "big deal" drug that many folks find difficult to quit.

I live in the DFW Metroplex and have used Compass and Best Doctors and asked my oncologist (who prescribed the Effexor), friends and pharmacists to try to find any type of doctor familiar with Effexor withdrawal--it's been six months and I haven't found one yet. As @jakedduck1 says, "If there is an expert on getting off Effexor, they are hiding very well."

There is now a lot of info on the web, but still I haven't found a site that lays it out--at this weight/height, age, years on Effexor, dosage of Effexor you're taking, how quickly you'd like to/or need to get off, this is what you do. It's all pretty much guess work, how motivated you are to get off Effexor and how withdrawal affects you. Quite a few posters on this site and elsewhere have been put on tapering plans by their doctors that are too drastic, or have been given the "blank stare" and told they can just stop. This site has helped me so much--many posters emphasize the need to taper (and how to) as well as shared their coping strategies (yoga, exercise, cognitive behavioral training, deep breathing, etc.) and supplements to mitigate many of the withdrawal symptoms.

@merpreb I don't appreciate the tone of your message. I'm actually going into this with some knowledge given that I went to college for psychology (no, I can't treat anyone - sorry other people posting - only a bachelor's and I'll never be able to go to grad school let alone get my doctorate. I'm a failure and have accepted that.).

Considering how severe my depression is, how long I've been in treatment, and that I've had multiple doctors and psychiatrists give up on me, I'm doing surprisingly well - I'M STILL ALIVE. Alive despite my medical history matching almost entirely with suicide risk factors. I fight every day of my life.

I'm tapering off as slowly as I can. Unfortunately, I'm one of the millions of Americans that isn't getting adequate care. And my depression is treatment resistant.

As for plans after finishing the taper, I'm going to try to get a doctor to sign off for me to get rTMS. (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) - I got rejected for ECT due to the doctor deciding it's too risky for me and I have to get the venlafaxine out of my system before starting a different drug. At this point, pretty much only MAOIs are left to try and I'm not sure if I can tolerate those.

I've run out of safe options. I've long since run out of funds - my December rent is getting paid next week as it is. I feel guilty for having a doctor's appointment scheduled for Tuesday.

I came here for support. It isn't playing with fire - it's lighting a candle to drive back the darkness.

Hi. I have not decided to wean myself off Effexor, cause I previously had heard how bad withdrawl was. I went to NP, 300mg a day. She cut me to 1 cymbalta 60 mg and one effexor for one week. Then 1 effexor and 1 cymbalta every other day. Now completely off effexor. Stomach upsets, mild, nothing much else and hope it stays that way. My daughter was on 125mg effexor, quit cold turkey, weaning herself off. Shes a basket case, anxious, nervous wreck, but wont admit it's from no help. Staunch Christian, doesnt like taking pills, dr. Prescribed years ago, 2010 after being admitted cause of a near nervous collapse. I cant convince her she needs them. A lot of mental, nervous issues on fathers side. Mine environmental, delibatating life events.

@merpreb
Thank you for your concern.
I cannot speak to others, but as for me, I am weaning very slowly.
I was taking two 75 mg in the morning and two 75 mg at night.
I started by taking 1-3/4 pills every other night and 2 whole pills alternate nights. I did this for 3 weeks. I now take the same dosage every night. I will do this for 3 weeks before I reduce the dosage again by a 1/4 every other night for 3 weeks, then nightly for 3 weeks after that, etc.
I don't think this is fast. I did it years ago under the guidance of a doctor and it was a disaster.
So far, so good!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)