Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Posted by richyrich @richyrich, Nov 2, 2016

I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

shaker1956 | @shaker1956 | Dec 25, 2018

In reply to @merpreb "yay @shaker1956!" + (show)

Indeed Merry!!!

alan5322 | @alan5322 | Dec 25, 2018

In reply to @shaker1956 "Indeed Merry!!!" + (show)

I am new to the site today 25 December 2018. How do I post my question or do I just reply like this to one to get feedback? Thanks. Alan5322

thankful | @thankful | Dec 25, 2018

In reply to @alan5322 "I am new to the site today 25 December 2018. How do I post my question..." + (show)

@alan5322- Alan, post as you just did. Welcome to the Connect Family! Merry Christmas to you as well! Jim @thankful

alan5322 | @alan5322 | Dec 25, 2018

Thank you. Alan5322

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Dec 25, 2018

In reply to @alan5322 "Thank you. Alan5322" + (show)

Hello @alan5322,

This information – Getting Started on Connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/ – may be useful to you for posting your message on Mayo Clinic Connect.

elwooodsdad | @elwooodsdad | Dec 25, 2018

I’ve taken Trintellix for a couple of months, and i’m on the fence about how it is working. I am painfully aware of the expense, and perhaps I am doing better, just cheap. Would be curious about others impressions.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Dec 25, 2018

Hi @elwooodsdad,

You may notice that I moved your message and combined it with this existing discussion as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed Trintellix.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 26, 2018

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @alan5322, This information – Getting Started on Connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/ – may be useful to you..." + (show)

@kanaazpereira - I have copied and pasted this and put it in my notes so that I can advise the next time!! It's about time I think! lol Thank you

dickygray | @dickygray | Dec 26, 2018

In reply to @merpreb "@dickgray- Do you have interstitial lung disease (ILD) from the Effexor or another problem? I am..." + (show)

i am hoping it's not anything that serious. Lung issue seems to ebb and flow. Today and yesterday not great-day before just fine. I will have it looked into further when i return to the U.K ( sorry, not Aussie 🙂 )

dickygray | @dickygray | Dec 26, 2018

So, whats the deal with poxy withdrawal. One day not too bad, next day back to vague swimming head, feeling a bit generally like my body is being dragged into another dimension- then thinking better of it, emotionally messy and a pretty tight chest. Is this a normal response to go in and out of symptoms. Its only been a week since the last dose ( little bit of a too quick step down from 75 to 37.5 to nada ).
And, before i forget, because generally I try to give it a wide berth, happy holidays 🙂