@agiusto I did not have anxiety before Effexor and began experiencing it 6.5 weeks after my last dose (I slowly tapered off just 25mg, used for 18 years). Certain supplements are well-known to buffer the effects of withdrawal and using supplements has kept me from jumping off the ledge. If you’re really struggling to recover from your withdrawal, the right supplements can make a huge difference in expediting your recovery. Eventually, you’ll want to be both drug and supplement free. It took me some experimenting to figure out what worked for me (click on my name to see my posts) and it's always recommended to check with your doctor before using any supplements. Some folks recommend cutting out sugar and caffeine as well, but I don't think there's any reason to go to extremes! Here are some supplements you might consider:

Fish Oil—One of the quickest ways to help the brain heal is to supplement with high-quality omega-3s; you get significantly more omega-3s per serving [in fish oil] than in krill oil. Omega-3s may significantly improve symptoms of anxiety and may help improve irritability.

L-tryptophan—L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is an indirect precursor to serotonin. It takes the brain a while to figure out that it’s no longer getting any serotonin from Effexor; by taking L-tryptophan, you’ll increase the level of serotonin within the brain. This helps reduce anxiety, can improve mood and decrease insomnia. You should not take while still on Effexor.

GABA—GABA is one of the most important brain neurotransmitters for mood regulation and boosting alpha brain waves; it calms you down, reduces anxiety, curbs insomnia and decreases agitation. Oral GABA stimulates GABA receptors in the stomach which are capable of communicating with neurons in the brain (much of the GABA found in the body is produced in the gut).

B Vitamins—B3 aids in the conversion of tryptophan and B6 helps the body make the hormones serotonin (which regulates mood) and norepinephrine (which helps your body cope with stress).—Excerpted from Mental Health Daily

Ashwagandha—It has a significant effect on the stress hormone cortisol, reducing it by 25% and is very helpful at calming anxiety of all kinds. Ashwagandha is safe to be consumed for 6–8 weeks; following this, abstain for a month before resuming consumption to avoid dependence.

Magnesium—Magnesium l-threonate, a relatively new, little-known supplement, has the unique ability to permeate brain cell membranes and elevate magnesium concentrations in the brain which makes it particularly useful for treating anxiety and depression and for cognitive enhancement.

Lemon balm—Lemon balm has been purported to possess sedative, or tranquilizing effects. Lemon balm essential oil can interact with GABA receptors in the brain and also increase alpha waves similarly to GABA. The Natural Medicines database has rated Lemon Balm as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of anxiety.—Nootriment.com

Kava kava—This herb increases the number of attachment sites for GABA in the brain.—Livestrong.com

Rhodiola rosea extract modulates the enzyme monoamine oxidase which metabolizes serotonin.—Nootriment.com This herbal supplement can help combat fatigue, increase energy, reduce depression, and even help with anxiety.—https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/03/19/10-best-supplements-for-antidepressant-withdrawal/

Hi, @agiusto - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Hard with having weaned off the venlafaxine (Effexor) and experiencing such bad anxiety. Perhaps members here will have some ideas for you of what they have used effectively for anxiety. Has your doctor suggested something to take, now that you are off the venlafaxine (Effexor)?