Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Thanks Jake!
I think the doc will go along with my methods. Frankly, I am just going to a psychiatrst to get my meds.
Happy Friday!
Ronnie

I have been on 37.5 mg/l for a year strictly for terrible hot flashes. Also on estrogen. Trying to go off the Effexor now. Doc thought stopping low dose would not be an issue. It's been 2 days and feeling like I have boat head. Anybody have this issue going off such a low dose???

Yes, I did!!!!
I would suggest you go back on until you feel better THEN reduced slower. If you are using tablets, I'd cut them into fourths. Take a fourth away from the dosage for at least 3 weeks (longer if you feel even a little off). Then. Continue the process until you have finished and feel well. Don't rush, even on such a small dose.
I am not a medical person, just someone who reduced too quickly a long time ago and reducing now at a VERY SLOW PACE!

Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@brownikl1
Good morning,
You might find someone here who stopped it withdraw free but I wouldn’t bet any money on it. This isn’t the type medication the vast majority of people can abruptly discontinue.
I’m not allowed to say what I think of your
doctor(?) so moving on....
Although I do agree that if you come off this medication properly which means SLOWLY, and that doesn’t mean 50% cuts like your doctor will probably suggest if s/he suggests any cuts at all. If you discontinue this medication slowly enough the chance of any withdrawal symptoms are so infinitesimally small I wouldn’t give it a second thought. People being impatient is what usually causes withdrawal symptoms. Speed is your enemy, discontinuation is NOT a quick process. Not if you want an unremarkable taper which I’m sure you do. There are some people who have no or little trouble stopping this medication but they are few. You have made your brain dependent on this drug which was easy. Discontinuing it can be just as easy provided you act responsibly and have some patience. You may need to restart your taper at 37.5mg or maybe a 3.75mg cut to 33.75mg which is a 10% decrease. If you continue on this path always decrease your dose by whatever percentage you choose, preferably 5-10% of your then current dose. For example, don’t decrease it by 5mg now and 5mg every month or so because eventually as you get closer to zero that decrease will eventually end up as a large percentage cut which is what you want to avoid. The time and effort you invest in quitting will be well worth it.
Hoping you have an uneventful taper,
Jake

@brownikl
Ronnies method has been amazingly successful for her and represents approximately a 9.375% cut. Although
I must admit that stopping very slowly doesn’t always prevent withdrawal symptoms but it’s very uncommon when it doesn’t.
There is a person here who has been decreasing their dose by only half a percent a month and she continues to have bad effects but again, that is rare. But it goes to show how our individuality dictates that one treatment isn’t alway effective for everyone.
Good luck,
Jake

@jakedduck1
Thanks for mentioning that, Jake.
I forgot to say that we all respond differently but most of us have a horrible experience downsizing too quickly.
And there is NEVER a guarantee that slowly will help, but you have a better chance!
Ronnie

Yep. All of us have had an issue going off such a low dose. Please taper it extremely slowly. Give yourself at least six months. We’re not kidding.

I have been taking effexor for over a year and it stopped working, so i decided to taper off at the advice of my psychiatrist. I got down to 37.5 mg and now am feeling all of the withdrawal symptoms (brain zaps, nausea, vertigo, body aches etc.). I was preivously on 225 mg. I want to be off of this medication completely because the withdrawal is horrific. I just want it to be over. How long do the withdrawal symptoms last? I don't know if I can stick it out any longer. Should I check into a place where they can do medical detox? I'm in mental, emotional, and physical pain from this and cry and throw up every day and feel like utter crap. I just don't really know what to do or how long this is going to last. Please leave opinions and help on this discussion I can use all the information I can get.

Hi @kgoller and welcome to Connect! You may have noticed I moved your post to this existing discussion on effexor withdrawal, so that you can connect with others who have similar experiences. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

That must be so frustrating to be having this mental, emotional and physical pain from the withdrawal.

I wanted to introduce you to @grandmar @babydoll @lisa0878 and @texasduchess as they may be able to share their experience with this medication or can offer you support.

Back to you @kgoller how long have you been tapering? Was it a quick taper or a slow taper?

I am so sorry. I completely understand what you are going threw. I myself was on here asking for help probably about 2weeks ago (feels like a year ago) and I am finally coming out on the other side now. It will get better. I promise!!! What mil are u down too? I got down to 37.5 then just stopped and I experienced everything you are...I did go to the hospital on day 13 because my head hurt so bad and my heart rate was high and my blood pressure. They gave me an Iv and made me comfortable and since then I can finally say I am doing alot better. No more throwing up. My heart rate is back normal and my head finally dont hurt...I am taking a low dose of xanax thoe which is helping me. This is just how I have gotten threw this.
The other wonderful people on here will have great advice for you as well. I am so happy that I was able to just release on here and talk to others that were going threw the same thing.
If you have any questions I'm here to talk
GOD BLESS and I promise it will get better