Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

I have a previous post explaining more about the waves and windows. You can find a lot of information about this type of thing simply by googling "antidepressant withdrawal". My first experience with PAWS was after I stopped taking the drug neurontin. My initial withdrawal was brutal but when the worst was over after about 3 days, I thought I was out of the woods. The next time the withdrawal symptoms hit I was not prepared, and honestly thought I was going insane. But by going online and finding peoples stories, I realized what was happening. It took a year before the waves and windows gradually melded into a somewhat normal life. A few months after my last wave I decided to begin tapering effexor, but it was too soon. Even by just removing several beads, my body wasn't ready for a change. So I tried again 6 months later and by then I was able to do it, even by a larger percentage, with no immediate ill effect. Now that I am at 75 mg and attempting to make small (5 to 10 percent) decreases, it's becoming more difficult, and the waves are hard and strong. I'm at 66 mg ...well I was, but I've bumped back up to 75. To get through this wave that comes every day now. I'll had to split my dosage throughout the day to avoid waking up with withdrawal and not being able to get up to work. People don't realize that they are not over the hump after their initial withdrawal. As you said @grandmar it is important information for everyone to have so that they have a full awareness of what they may experience. When I first came to this forum I was shocked that nobody ever addressed the phenomenon of waves and windows and thus gave a very lengthy post by copying and pasting the information. You can search my screen name to find it. Later when I'm at my computer I can repost. I'm on my phone now lying in bed waiting for this latest dose of effexor to kick in so I can make some use out of the rest of this day.

Can anyone answer this question? I'm on 2 weeks back on effexor and tonight I'm agitated almost like I could go into a rage and what is usually normal thoughts is confusing. I don't even want to be around my girlfriend and we get along great. What is happening to me? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

@farmboy you are likely going to experience a wide range of emotions during this process. It's not a linear one. Please read my posts on waves and windows, and post acute withdrawal. Knowledge is power! And a good reminder that much of this is due to the drug, its NOT a reflection on who you are. I'm very fortunate that my husband was open to learning about the process I'm going through and that he handles my many changes.. sometimes better than I do! Maybe you and your girlfriend can read some information with you and together you will be better prepared. You can get through this!

@sandij thank you so much for the quick reply. I will go back on your one post and read up on it. I don't want to lose my girlfriend over this. She is a great lady. My old high school sweetheart and the very first girlfriend I ever had. She is differently special to me. Thank you.

@farmboy as hard as it is on us, imagine being on the outside looking in and having no real clue how difficult this is for us. People think it should be easy, after all, it's just a pill, how hard can it be? I know that going through this, first with neurontin and now effexor, has made me more empathetic towards others in general.
It sounds like you are pretty special too! It's not an undertaking that many would put themselves through to improve their lives. Kudos to you for being courageous.

I don't know how religouis some of you are on here. I'm not a holy roller but I do believe in God and Jesus. With that said I say a prayer for everyone on here to give us the strength to fight this hell we all are going through. Like you say I take a bigger look at what others are going through. Just a pill like you say but what a powerful pill.

@farmboy I’m a Christian as well, I thank you for your prayers. I pray for everyone on this site as well. It’s hard what we are going through, but we will come out stronger on the other side !

Quitting cold turkey was horrific for me as well. I seriously do not know how or why I thought I could do it again. So far it's been working, but I don't feel I am completely out of the woods. Yesterday I began experiencing emotional outbreaks randomly and when that happened the zaps return. It was mild, doable, but the emotional rollercoaster yesterday was not fun. I am going to start researching natural foods/ vitamins that help with endorphins. I don't want to ever go back to Effexor again. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I've been busy at work and didn't catch up on the latest. I had not seen anything on PAWS but glad you let me know... yesterday was a bad day. I feel horrible for my boyfriend, if he has to deal with this two years along with me. He's been great my "Noah" but I know my emotional outbursts will have to weigh on him. Praying he can stay strong for both of us, cause this stuff is making me a basket case.

Farmboy, I truly hope and pray it subsides quickly. The withdrawal effects of this drug is enough to put you back to where you were when you were placed on it in the first place. Listen to your body, research ways to release endorphins naturally, stay close with your support system that's here and around you. I've got you in my thoughts & prayers