Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Are these problems with Effexor common with other anti-depressants or drugs in the same class? The side-effects and difficulty weaning off of Effexor are frightening.
JK

Hi! I was on Effexor XR for a few years and got off it several years ago. It was a very difficult process, so I fully sympathize. You MUST wean off
VERY SLOWLY. I don't remember what my dosage was at the time (225mg?), but it took me about 9 months. Please do not let that long time scare you, it's worth going slow, that will be your biggest help w/ withdrawal. At the time I had a very difficult time finding any doctor with experience getting people off it.
Luckily I was advised to to find one and luckily I did. It is considered harder to get off than heroine. Not trying to scare you, just want to make sure you go as slow as possible. Mostly, I was moody/angry, had headaches, and some brain "shivers". The brain shivers I already had while on the meds.
I think we went down in 25mg increments over several weeks for each reduction. Keep us posted and good luck! Just give yourself some time and it will be over before you know it!

You may have read my previous posts about my nightmare with Effexor withdrawal. It's a long and slow process and if you know that in the beginning, I think you will be much better in the journey. As of 2 weeks ago I am antidepressant free after the withdrawal of Effexor on to Lexapro. What I have read about these antidepressants truly opened my eyes as to how powerful and toxic they are. It doesn't take weeks to withdraw.....it takes MONTHS and maybe even a year. But don't let that scare you. Each day is a struggle but there is light at the end of the long, dark tunnel. I still struggle with anxiety due to life losses and have been doing research on CBD oil. I ordered a small bottle and haven't had the "nerve" to try it yet. I think I will start drop by drop at night until I figure out how it's going. I'm retired and having too much time on my hands is my demon....but only I can control how I spend my days. It's going to take a major lifestyle change to get me back into life again but I can do it. I'll keep you posted on the CBD oil usage. It's not a sure fix by any means. At all. But I truly want to be pharmaceutical free and am considering consulting with a holistic care provider. Life isn't easy for anyone and it's almost a living hell when you face tragedy after tragedy ..... don't be afraid to ask for help. That has been my biggest "stumbling block". Because those who don't face anxiety and depression don't have a clue. Communication is key to anything to be successful. I gave my family lots of material to READ about my situation because everyone kept telling me to "just get over it." That would be a magical moment for me but I know that some losses in life we just don't ever get over (child loss). As the saying goes, 'Birds of a feather flock together'. Find a great support group, make phone calls and ASK for visits when you are struggling. My friends have seen me at my worst....not showered for a week, in my pj's, house a wreck because I can't function, but that didn't matter to me like it once did. There was a time when I wouldn't have let ANYONE see me in the condition I have been in but I had to recognize that what I have is an illness....not a choice. So, if you have the flu, cancer, diabetes, or whatever, folks are going to accept your appearance and your situation as part of that illness. It's the same with mental issues....And for those who can't or won't accept you for what you are, you don't need them. I have met strangers who have uplifted me more than my own flesh and blood. But it's because I reached out and was truly rewarded by angels who "get me". In today's world, I feel like everyone is struggling with something....but many wear a good mask to cover it up....but you can only hide behind that mask for so long until all hell breaks loose....stay the course, have faith, seek help even when you don't want to, educate yourself on what you're putting in your body; good and bad. Get some exercise even if it's only walking up and down the stairs once or twice a day.....I have had days when that was my biggest accomplishment....doing a load of laundry or two and going up and down my 10 steps to and from the basement. My fatigue is debilitating....but it's not a place that I want to stay....I want to live my life....I want to be the best mom to my daughter that I can be. I want to be the best daughter, sibling and friend that I can be. I want to live the life my son didn't get to live...I just need a little help along the way....hugs to everyone who struggles ....

Good day everyone. I am Ndeshy from Namibia. I have been taking anti-deppresants and my doctor recently reduced the dosage to 37.5mg so I can get off the medication. My last dosage was on 23 January 2019, but right now I have diarrhoea, feeling tired and have a headache. How can I reduce these symptoms? How long does it take before everything goes back to normal?

Hi, @ndeshy, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Since I understand that Venlor is the same as venlafaxine, I've moved your message here to where many members have been talking about tapering off this medication.

I'd like to invite @grandmar @jakedduck1 @breds1968 @kbmayo @texasduchess and others to add their thoughts about the diarrhea, tiredness and headache you've experienced since taking your last dose, how you might reduce these and how long you might experience them.

@ndeshy, will your doctor be putting you on a different antidepressant when you come off of the Venlor?

Good day everyone. I am Ndeshy from Namibia. I have been taking anti-deppresants and my doctor recently reduced the dosage to 37.5mg so I can get off the medication. My last dosage was on 23 January 2019, but right now I have diarrhoea, feeling tired and have a headache. How can I reduce these symptoms? How long does it take before everything goes back to normal?

@ndeshy
Hello there and welcome to the Connect family.
First of all what dose were you on prior to your reduction?
How long have you had these symptoms?
You state “My last dosage was on January, 23” Did you miss taking a dose on the 24th? What about today, did you take any medication? I’m concerned your skipping doses. Are you currently taking 37.5mg? If so how often?
You state you have taken this medication for a year, have you had these symptoms before or are they new?
Jake

I was on venlor 150 mg for two years, towards the end of last year the doctor reduced it to 75mg and then to 37.5. I did not skip the doses, since I m getting off the medication, the tablets got finished and the doctor said I should not take anymore because he want to see my progress and if I can cope without them. Let me say,he feels I m recovered if I can put it that way, that's why he took me off the medication completely