Sadly, many on here can attest that many doctors do not know how to taper someone off Effexor and many don't know the weaning process can be extremely fraught. I am amazed you hung in there as long as you did trying to taper off while working in a high-stress job like a jr. high teacher. Back in December, @cp6401 used the term "stress fragile" to describe how so many of us are during this process of getting off/reducing Effexor and even, afterwards.

Your second tapering schedule still sounds fast and the drops too steep. Most folks find it best to stabilize at level before attempting a drop. You will know pretty quickly if it's too soon--withdrawal symptoms will occur; you'll have to decide if they're bearable. P.S. I was on Effexor for 18 years, too--be aware that it gets stored in body fat; you're not really off Effexor until that gets used up.

Re supplements--
Do not take the supplements 5-htp, or L-tryptophan while on Effexor. I also learned the hard way don't take Dextromethorphan (yes, the cough medicine!). Also, if you have surgery, anesthesia and pain drugs (such as fentanyl and hydrocodone) can interact with Effexor. The DM and surgery drugs affected me even though I was only on 25mg Effexor!

I'm not a doctor and didn't try this myself, but others have used a "Prozac bridge"--read my post 4 days ago for more info and @jsprosise wrote back on May 9, 2018, "I had almost unbearable withdrawal problems every time that I tried to quit Effexor and always went back. The solution for me and several others (after I told them of the solution) has always worked. VERY SIMPLE ... take Prozac for 7 days along with the Effexor. After 7 days, stop taking Effexor and continue Prozac for 7 days ... NO WITHDRAWALS." @sandij a few posts up says, "... once the effexor wd starts the prozac bridge isn't effective." @jsprosise found it helpful even after withdrawal symptoms began, but s/he may have been unique.