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DiscussionTips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 15 hours ago | Replies (6412)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hi all, during last 5 months I reduced effexor from 150mg to 18.75mg. I was on..."
I would not recommend alternating days. I tried that and it was very unpleasant.
Currently I'm just over a week since my last dose. I used Prozac as a bridge. So it's possible. Taking your time helps.
I'm not doing too bad for withdrawal so far :). Maybe I'll get lucky and not have any long term symptoms. But I'm keeping a careful eye on things. Too early to tell.
@frediz
Hello,
You say “Not an easy process” which leads me to believe you might be having withdrawal symptoms, if so you may have cut down to quickly.
I would never take it on an every other day basis myself but I think someone here has. Maybe they will post what worked for them. My theory is your body needs time to adjust to the new dose, at least 2-6 weeks for each cut. I would cut your dose by a maximum of 10%. So 1.875mg. (38.75-1.875=36.875) Doctors often suggest 50% cuts but most people have withdrawal symptoms at that rate. Just read back on this thread. Some have been suffering for months. More and more researchers are recommending the 5-10% cuts based on your last dose. Some people take 150mg a day and continue to cut 15mg until they’re off but as they get closer to zero they get the percentage skyrockets. It’s obviously your decision if you want go fast and risk a higher chance of withdrawal symptoms or doing it slowly and reducing those chances. I believe if you read back you’ll find going slowly isn’t so bad. Good luck on whatever you decide and fingers are crossed for an uneventful taper.
Blessings, health and happiness,
Jake