@sharonlou
So sorry to hear about the issues you are having with your eyes.
I am in the process of reducing Effexor.
I've shared this many times, but I know how difficult it is to go back and read all past stories.
So here is my journey.
I am 64 yo. I've been on Effexor for more years than I can remember. I am guessing way over 10.
After 1 year of being on the Effexor, my PCP suggested that since I was doing so well, I should start to reduce and come off of it. I don't remember the dosage I was taking, at the time. I remember I was taking 2 pills (one in the am and one in the pm). She told me to reduce down to 1 pill for a week or so, and then the next. I got as far as reducing 1 pill when the anxiety kicked in to full mode. Worse than before.
I will not bore you with what went on between then and now. All I will say is that the drug has done well by me (as far as anxiety attacks), but I noticed severe memory issues and the feeling of my head always in a cloud and heavy. So, my goal right now is to reduce to a level where I feel is good.
When I began my reduction, I was taking 300 mg a day (2-75 mg in the AM and PM). I went into this expecting it will a VERY long time to get to where I want to be. I also acknowledged that it will be ME who will determine when I am ready to reduce. I will read my own body!

Each change, so far, has taken 3 weeks (by choice). If I thought I was having (or will have ) a reaction, that time frame woul change.

1st 3 weeks: I reduced 1/4 of 1 of my PM pills EVERY OTHER DAY. AM pills not changed
PATTERN: 1-3/4 PILLS, 2 WHOLE PILLS, 1-3/4 PILLS, 2 WHOLE PILLS, ETC.
2nd 3 weeks: I took the reduced dosage of my PM pills EVERY DAY. AM pills not changed.
PATTERN: 1-3/4 PILLS, 1-3/4 PILLS....THE SAME EACH DAY
3rd 3 weeks: I reduced another 1/4 of 1 of my PM pills EVERY OTHER DAY. AM pills not changed.
PATTERN: 1-1/2 PILLS, 1-3/4 PILLS, 1-1/2 PILLS, 1-3/4 PILLS, ETC.
4th 3 weeks: I took the reduced doage of my PM pills EVERY DAY. AM pills not changed
PATTERN: 1-1/2 PILLS, 1-1/2 PILLS,.....THE SAME EACH DAY.
5th 3 weeks: I reduced another 1/2 of 1 of my PM pills EVERY OTHER DAY. AM pills not changed
I am on the last couple of days of this pattern.
PATTERN: 1 -1/4 PILLS, 1-1/2 PILLS, 1-1/4 PILLS, 1-1/2 PILLS., ETC.
6th 3 weeks: In a couple of days I will take the reduced doage of my PM pills EVERY DAY. AM pills not changed.
PATTERN: 1-1/4 PILLS, 1-1/4 PILLS, 1-1/4 PILLS, ETC. **If I develop any issues, I will remain on this dosage.

I THINK YOU CAN SEE THE PATTERN I AM USING. SO FAR, ONLY MY SLEEP HAS BEEN IMPACTED, AND I AM NOT 100% SURE IT IS FROM THE REDUCTION. ON THE UPSIDE, I DON'T FEEL LIKE MY HEAD IS IN THE FOG AND MY MEMORY SEEMS TO BE GETTING BETTER!

Hope this helps and does not confuse you or anyone else even more.
Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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