Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

To everyone on this site (especially Leonard, Shaker, Brightwings, Notaround, Catbitess, Gail, Colleen Young and Lisa Lucier), have a wonderful Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate at this time, even if it's just yay! I have the day off) and thank you so much for your help and sharing for all of us trying to get off and over Effexor.

@texasduchess
Mornin Dutchess,
Thank you for the nice Holiday wishes. I wish you and yours The Happiest Seasons Greetings ever.
Jake

Hi there TexasD. Thanks for that and same to you and yours. I have a Dr’s appointment tomorrow for the results of my last blood test. I had a Cat scan that proved to be positive so I am hoping for good results. I will let you know tomorrow. Enjoy your day and smile a lot!!!!!!

I failed to mention Richyrich who started this thread. I sincerely hope you are doing well. Merry Christmas.

Hey Texas D. You have a very Merry Christmas also!!!!!!! Lots of smiles.

@jakedduck1
Hi Jake. I was doing okay until 70 mg. I’m depressed, anxiety, can’t think straight, fatigued. Just want to sleep. Looks like I’m stuck on 70 mg for quite a while. No other side effects but the depression and anxiety are tough to handle.

Sabrina- Can you get out and walk or do some kind of exercise? It really helps at times like this when things are overwhelming. It helped me when I withdrew- yes it was hard to push myself.

I haven’t posted in quite awhile, and my situation may be a little different. My doctor and I wanted me to get off Effexor (37.5mg) which I’ve been taking for two decades. Yes, it’s a lighter dose but I am extremely sensitive to all antidepressants I’ve taken (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Lexipro). It was suggested I start taking Wellbutrin (100 mg) along with Effexor, but to take the Effexor every other day. That’s what I did and I was fine. I was on that regimen for two months and decided to go an extra day without Effexor. Yes I had brain zaps but they were tolerable. The problem was I got virtually no sleep when I retired for the night. Back to every other day for another couple of months. Last week (just before X-mas) I did it again , but this time I stretched it out further and as of today, it’s been five days since my last Effexor. Lots of zaps but no negative mood changes and I slept nine hours last night. The Wellbutrin is working so far and I intend to continue taking it, even when I’m off Effexor. Assuming I can at last “defeat” Effexor, I may attempt to eliminate Wellbutrin at some point. All attempts in the past to rid myself of antidepressants have been futile. The goal now is to get Effexor out of my life——-one step at a time.

welcome back @rmeyers1ppk- I love my Wellbutrin. It really helped me as my Zoloft wasn't doing enough. I don't plan to be without antidepressants at all, ever. I have fought it my whole life and am out of steam. I have other things to fight so I need that energy for those! I am very at peace with my decision. I'm pretty even keeled right now, even have happy days. I did wean very slowly off of Effexor some years ago with my doctor's guidance.
It's got to be one step at a time, doesn't it. Control what we can now. happy holidays and I hope that you continue on your positive journey..

@rmeyers1ppk I hope you're able to get through this and that it won't be too tough. It sounds like you are well on your way to getting off Effexor.
JK