← Return to Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@sheffieldsmith

Perhaps you were tapering off too quickly. My internist suggested the following plan for me to taper off over a period of 6 weeks: first two weeks: alternate taking 75mg Venlafaxine one day, and 37.50 the next day; Weeks 3,4: take 37.50 mg each day; Final Weeks, 5,6: take 37.50mg every other day. I’m currently on week 5 of the tapering and I appear to be tolerating it very well. I will be near the end of this weaning schedule next week when I see my doctor for a follow up visit. If I need to I’ll resume the tapering For another 6 weeks by beginning with 37.50mg. Yes, I’ll be counting out beads for the smaller doses, but I’m determined to wean myself off from taking what my doctor says is the most difficult anti-depressant/anxiety on the market. Good luck!

Jump to this post


Replies to "Perhaps you were tapering off too quickly. My internist suggested the following plan for me to..."

@sheffieldsmith
Sounds like you may be trying to quit to quickly. Take your time getting off this medication. Going slow and you will decrease your chances of withdrawal. I wouldn’t take this medication on an every other day basis. Slow and consistent is your best hope to avoid withdrawal symptoms. This medication has such a short half life taking a 100% dose then a 50% cut back to 100% etc doesn’t sound like it will work. If that’s what your going to do I wish you luck.
Hang in there,
Jake

I’m having trouble going from 3 37.5 to 2 I’ll try the alternating method thanks