Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

That’s great you found something that works!

I’m going to try decreasing one little white tablet weekly until I’m completely off! It seems to be working right now.

I feel like 3 or so years ago I tried the every other day and didn’t like it as much. I can’t remember though!

Definitely will keep everyone posted on my journey!

Thanks

24 hours into the 37.5 to 0 and I started getting dizzy, and I chickened out and took half a capsule. This morning I feel a little dizzy and the depression kind of washes in and out. Then I feel motivated and normal. I like the idea of every other day of ER as described above, especially if that's what psychiatrists, gp, and pharmacist say! Meanwhile I can't decide if I should do laundry, dishes, shovel, paint, clean, organize, mediate, yoga, eat or anything. It's a rather long list. When I'm on Effexor I just kind of numb through that thought process and maybe get through a few things. I'm not sure I'm ready for a world without numb!

That’s how I feel about being numb. I was telling my husband that I feel “foggy” and that I can’t remember things or conversations. It never used to be like this, I’ve been on it for 12 or so years. I feel like it changed after pregnancy. My daughter is 1.5 years now and I feel like I’m ready to get off it and live without the “numb and fog”.
I feel I don’t get passionate and excited about things anymore and I want to!
Here’s hoping getting off Effexor will help! 🤞🤞

Omg I get that...i sooo understand

What is the hurry? Good question. I'm anxious to get rid of the side effects... Dry mouth. Lack of energy and motivation. I haven't been going to the gym, which is so out of character. I've been stuffing my face with food. I've gained a ton of weight. Absolutely hate this stuff. I've been on it for maybe a year. Maybe more. I don't remember, because my brain is dead! Get me off this! I feel better now that I'm down to 37.5 and I want off. Now. Yesterday.

@shermananski
Hello,
“I'm anxious to get rid of the side effects.”
Most people don’t get rid of withdrawal effects by making 50% cuts. Large cuts may only prolong them.
Jake

I totally hear you! My “hurry” is that I want to start living a normal fulfilling life again. The side effects aren’t the problem, it’s me not feeling good on the actual medication. It’s making me numb and zombie like while my 1.5 year old grows into a more aware and active toddler. The quicker I get off the medication, the quicker I deal with the side effects and can put my “after withdrawal” plans into place. Everyone is different and have their own reasons why they want to get off the medications. I strongly believe that side effects will decrease with time and a healthy lifestyle (eating healthy, exercise, practicing meditation).

Again, I believe everyone is different. My 50% cut is working for me! The side effects are much lower today!

@jakedduck1

Oh boy The Darkness swept in. Guess I’m not ready for 0. I can see where a strong meditation practice would help with those dark thoughts. They just swirl around and around. But what comes first, the darkness or the thoughts? The darkness! The dark side of the moon. I took a 37.5 and my brain is happier. I like happy.

Happy is good and, if 37.5 provides less fog, stick with that for a while. I was on 37.5 for years and it was perfect! (Then I thought I’d go off and the darkness came!). But all is well now. (But know that I am back in an SSRI).

Everyone is different and it’s not you it’s the drug. You will be fine, just go easy on yourself.

We all like happy 🙂

What do you take now? Is it less foggy?