Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@lisalucier- Yes thankful. Great article. My husband loves too.

Here is my story with Effexor. Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with Depression and was put on Zoloft. Then I was switched over to 150 mg of Effexor for about ten years ago. Five year ago I started a consistent mindful meditation practice and due to a major increase in my overall happiness I started a tapering off process that would take about 3 years. First it was 75mg for about 1-1/2 years and then 35 mg for about the same amount of time. Each time I change to a lower dosage the symptoms were the same, i.e. nausea, brain zaps and extreme irritability which caused problems at home and at work. The irritability was a major concern each time and I was not sure if the irritability was a withdrawal symptom or just the way things would be for me at this new dosage level. Each time I hung in there only to find myself stabilizing back to myself gradually after about two months.
About five weeks ago I went “cold turkey” off the 35 mg of Effexor. For the first week the symptoms were as mentioned above. I anticipated the irritability knowing what kind of trouble it can produce. It was not that bad since I had been through it before. However at the start of the 2nd week I caused a major fight with my wife over the smallest thing, then I said some pretty nasty things to my neighbor over another small issue and again another fight with my wife at the end of the week. Then I fell into a deep hole of depression, an experience that I would not wish on anyone. The third week I went to a one week silent meditation retreat that I had scheduled earlier in the year. That entire week was awesome. Not one brain zap or irritable feeling the whole time, so I honestly felt like I was out of the woods. After returning home the brain zap started reoccurring as well as some irritability. I guess the meditation was counteracting the biological changes that were occurring within my nervous system. The fourth and fifth week I notice I felt flat emotionally but on a positive note I was now experiencing very few brain zap. Over the last three days joyfulness has started to arise particularly after meditation and exercise which is a state I normally feel quite often. I can’t say for sure yet but I think I am starting to stabilize; only time will tell.
The main purpose that I am trying to convey is that the symptoms in my case were quite horrible and that I was tempted each time I reduced my medication to give up and just accept the fact that I needed to take the mediation for the rest of my life but for some reason I persisted and in the end I am so happy I did. I am not saying this will be the case for you, but for sure I would recommend hanging in there for a while before giving up and to do this while keeping your doctor in the loop. Good Luck!!

Not sure if withdrawal or a new health problem. Anyone else feel obviously sedated? If I didn't live alone I'd be getting worried that someone was slipping me sleeping pills - it's that bad. This has been going on for a few weeks now and I'm really running out of patience with myself. I even fall asleep right after strong coffee. I'm not looking forward to work again in the new year. I can barely get up before 2pm despite setting 3 alarms. Despite that, I feel like a functioning human during the middle of the night. Currently I'm sort of nocturnal and my circadian cycle seems to have given up any pretense at being regular. Seems it's sleep time again now whether I want to or not.

@jeffc16 Dropping to half of your previous dose on each taper is a pretty steep drop; your withdrawal symptoms (especially the irritability) might have been much less, or not happened if your tapers had been much less--but I understand that some versions of Effexor are not easy to reduce by small amounts; I luckily was on 25mg round tablets that could be cut to halves and quarters. Your meditation retreat sounds just the thing for those quitting Effexor--very soothing; I still find atonal, or jarring music, jerky videos/shows, or violent/unhappy stories very agitating even eight months after my last dose. So glad to hear that you are doing well and experiencing better and better days.

@notaround- Hello. If you are still feeling like this after a couple of weeks I would definitely call your doctor. I also think that it can be dangerous especially living alone.

I am new too. I suffer from panic attacks all my life, i feel like only 1 dr. helped me and he retired. The rest are quacks. I am sick of feeling this way, no insurance, so I feel like I CANNOT GET HELP

WISH WE HAD ONE OF THE ABOVE DRS. IN PLATTSBURG, MO

Welcome @asiangirl. I feel for you. Are you being maintained on any meds or CBD oil for your panic attacks?

Shaker1956
Hey there buddy,
What’s with this “Big” nonsense? Jeez, I’ll have you know I’ve almost lost 70 pounds!!! Good thing I don’t know where you live, if I did you might not have to worry about being sick from your treatments!!! But my forgiving nature kicked in so your safe, for now. But your reference was probably in regard to my Heart, huh?
Volunteering has been so rewarding in my life. I’m sure it will be in yours too.
Your a very kind, generous and thoughtful person. You’ve always had my respect and admiration. Terribly sorry your going through such a difficult time, but when you hear that your in complete remission hopefully you’ll forget the bad times.
Thinking of you kindly my friend,
Jake

Then I guess its hi there “medium” Jake. Lolol. Seventy pounds. Wow. Thanks for the forgiveness. I am really looking forward to volunteering. Probably gonna do it 2 days a week beginning in the fall or maybe even late spring. And thank you for those kind words. They mean and also help a lot. This journey is a tough one but the end is near and I’m looking forward to having my life back. I saw my little grandson for the first time in a month and that sure lifts up the ole spirits. He’s only 18 months and full off piss and vinegar!!!!! Lol. Well. Enjoy your evening there Little Jake!!!! Hahahaha. Got them all covered now. Keep the chin up and smile. Later.