1. < Depression & Anxiety

Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Posted by richyrich @richyrich, Nov 2, 2016

I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you

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farm_mom | @farm_mom | Jun 20, 2019
In reply to @nanners012910 "Thank you for that information. I have been on 30mg of Effexor for 30 years. I..." + (show)
@nanners012910

Thank you for that information. I have been on 30mg of Effexor for 30 years. I know what brain zaps are! I’ve thought about cutting dosage to 150mg- any thoughts?

Jump to this post

Hello--chiming in here...I assume you mean you've been on 300mg? DO NOT reduce to 150mg from 300mg. It will throw you into withdrawal, the likes of which I woudn't wish on anyone.
Read through all these posts.
Slow taper is how to best avoid the worst of WD symptoms. Slow taper=10-15% reduction in mg every month to month and half. Does it take awhile? yes, but it's worth avoiding the WD symptoms--trust us.

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1 reply
sandij (Sandi James) | @sandij | Jun 20, 2019

Not the most popular opinion here but I went from being on 225 for many years, down to 150 back in September 2018. I had no immediate withdrawal symptoms but they came after a month. Because I'd been through neurontin withdrawal which as Leonard said, was horrible for me, I knew what to look for, so I wasn't blindsided, nor were my symptoms debilitating enough to say I wouldn't taper that way again. But I'm not sure I'd go from 300 to 150. My choice to taper from 225 to 150 was based on the desire to simplify, I just was not interested in counting beads, I just took 2 capsules instead of 3 and was willing to accept the consequences. I will say though, that 300 to 150 could be dangerous, since 300 is a pretty high dose. Use your best judgment in your choice and most importantly, support your health during this process!

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1 reply
nanners012910 | @nanners012910 | Jun 20, 2019
In reply to @farm_mom "Hello--chiming in here...I assume you mean you've been on 300mg? DO NOT reduce to 150mg from..." + (show)
@farm_mom

Hello--chiming in here...I assume you mean you've been on 300mg? DO NOT reduce to 150mg from 300mg. It will throw you into withdrawal, the likes of which I woudn't wish on anyone.
Read through all these posts.
Slow taper is how to best avoid the worst of WD symptoms. Slow taper=10-15% reduction in mg every month to month and half. Does it take awhile? yes, but it's worth avoiding the WD symptoms--trust us.

Jump to this post

Thank you , I will check w doctor because I trust the information you provided .

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kbmayo | @kbmayo | Jun 20, 2019
In reply to @nanners012910 "Thank you for that information. I have been on 30mg of Effexor for 30 years. I..." + (show)
@nanners012910

Thank you for that information. I have been on 30mg of Effexor for 30 years. I know what brain zaps are! I’ve thought about cutting dosage to 150mg- any thoughts?

Jump to this post

Why are you thinking about reducing? Is it causing you problems, or not working?

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babydoll | @babydoll | Jun 20, 2019
In reply to @brightwings "Ok I went and read your posts. Hang in there. It is doable. I tried 17..." + (show)
@brightwings

Ok I went and read your posts.
Hang in there. It is doable.
I tried 17 different antidepressants. Only Effexor worked.
I got myself off 16 different meds. 6 were Sedating.
Today, I use CBD and will until the day I die...takes care of all that anxiety.
What ever you do go slow on weaning..
.
Now I challenge you, I understand the long term depression you are speaking about. Been there done that...
I WONT DO IT AGAIN CUZ I GOT THE SKILLS to beat the depression and anxiety.
What are your plans and skills you will use to replace this drug.
Bright Wings

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@brightwings What brand of CDB oil do you use and how do you use it? I’ve seen your posts and I’m willing to try anything to keep my anxiety at bay. Thanks!

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1 reply
nanners012910 | @nanners012910 | Jun 20, 2019
In reply to @babydoll "@brightwings What brand of CDB oil do you use and how do you use it? I’ve..." + (show)
@babydoll

@brightwings What brand of CDB oil do you use and how do you use it? I’ve seen your posts and I’m willing to try anything to keep my anxiety at bay. Thanks!

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I also would like more information on CBD oil!

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2 replies
nanners012910 | @nanners012910 | Jun 20, 2019
In reply to @sandij "Not the most popular opinion here but I went from being on 225 for many years,..." + (show)
@sandij

Not the most popular opinion here but I went from being on 225 for many years, down to 150 back in September 2018. I had no immediate withdrawal symptoms but they came after a month. Because I'd been through neurontin withdrawal which as Leonard said, was horrible for me, I knew what to look for, so I wasn't blindsided, nor were my symptoms debilitating enough to say I wouldn't taper that way again. But I'm not sure I'd go from 300 to 150. My choice to taper from 225 to 150 was based on the desire to simplify, I just was not interested in counting beads, I just took 2 capsules instead of 3 and was willing to accept the consequences. I will say though, that 300 to 150 could be dangerous, since 300 is a pretty high dose. Use your best judgment in your choice and most importantly, support your health during this process!

Jump to this post

Good information . Thank you

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Breda1968 | @breds1968 | Jun 20, 2019
In reply to @nanners012910 "I also would like more information on CBD oil!" + (show)
@nanners012910

I also would like more information on CBD oil!

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Me aswell and I am wondering is it safe to take with Effexor 75mg??

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texasduchess | @texasduchess | Jun 20, 2019

@babydoll @nanners012910 @breds1968
You can click on @brightwings and read her posts. I posted on 5/10 and 4/21 some info about CBD oil that you might find helpful. Please be aware that some folks can experience an increase in anxiety when using it (start out slow; see how it works for you) AND it may interact with Effexor.

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1 reply
Breda1968 | @breds1968 | Jun 20, 2019
In reply to @texasduchess "@babydoll @nanners012910 @breds1968 You can click on @brightwings and read her posts. I posted on 5/10..." + (show)
@texasduchess

@babydoll @nanners012910 @breds1968
You can click on @brightwings and read her posts. I posted on 5/10 and 4/21 some info about CBD oil that you might find helpful. Please be aware that some folks can experience an increase in anxiety when using it (start out slow; see how it works for you) AND it may interact with Effexor.

Jump to this post

Thought CBD was to alliviete anxiety..?

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