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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 15 hours ago | Replies (6411)
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@abbynormal

Hello, I just found this group while Googling "How to Withdraw From Effexor". Seeing that I'm working from home for the next several months, I thought now would be a good time to get off of this terrible drug. I've been taking 37.5mg for 15 years, mostly because I survived going from 75mg to 37.5 and just couldn't deal with the withdrawal again (terrible nausea and brain zaps). This time my doctor wants me to taper down by opening a capsule, counting the beads, and slowly decreasing the number of beads I consume (via a spoonful of pudding) over several months. Has anyone tried this? I'm also 15 years older than when I went off the first time at 35 and I don't know if it will be even worse now. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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Replies to "Hello, I just found this group while Googling "How to Withdraw From Effexor". Seeing that I'm..."
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Mar 24, 2020

Hello, @abbynormal, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sorry to hear your previous attempt at tapering off of venlafaxine (Effexor) did not go so well. If you click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the entire thread on venlafaxine tapering.

You mentioned your doctor suggested tapering by counting beads in the capsules and slowly decreasing the amount over several months. Some members who have mentioned this method and may have some thoughts for you from their personal experiences tapering this way include @sandij @doorman @kbmayo. @texasduchess and @jakedduck1 also may have some input.

Have you already decreased your dosage since you discussed the taper with the doctor, abbynormal? If so, how did it go?

Also, good to hear from you, @sundance6. Venlafaxine (Effexor) is used to treat depression and some anxiety and panic disorders https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/venlafaxine-oral-route/description/drg-20067379.

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