Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@jackbud13 @jassyj @pups1978 @tb2011 @sharbare
As @brightwings and @colleenyoung have suggested, please read the posts on this blog.

I don't recall any medical doctors posting here; we're just folks who have tapered off Effexor, or are still doing it. When you read our posts, you will see that you are tapering too fast. The big tipoff is withdrawal symptoms. Most folks get relief by going back to the dose where they didn't have any WD symptoms. (You might even need to up your dose some.) You stay there for some weeks to stabilize before attempting any more tapering. When you do begin tapering again, only reduce 5-10% (or even less) and wait weeks before reducing again.

It is a SLOOOWWW process, but unless you MUST get off Effexor quickly (medical reasons, lost your insurance coverage, can't get a refill, etc.), there is NO need to rush this process and feel awful ... and you will if you go too fast. Effexor is a very powerful drug that affects your brain's neurotransmitter levels—it takes time for your head to recalibrate these without the drug, or at lower levels of the drug ... hence, the nausea, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, etc.

You can click on anyone's name and read their specific posts. I have written about supplements that helped me with withdrawal symptoms and ways your doctor can help you taper including a "Prozac bridge."

Though folks may be many miles away, in this day and age we are connected by our raw and brave words spoken from our true selves through our cyber avatars! What a unique time we are living in! Definitely historical. (And at times, hysterical!) but very interesting we all met here. Of all places!

Stay strong and healthy. Here’s a giant hug. 🙂

@secretwhitepop .I'll take that hug cuz its virtual.
I was actually hugged twice this week, suddenly!.
Now I teach people how to give hugs, that go from your feet to your head in real life, but with my damaged lungs from pesticides and my multiple sclerosis, I would just as soon pass up any real hugs at this point.
Stay safe everyone.
My great grandfather died of spanish flu in 1919. He was one of the last cases.
I DO NOT intend to follow in his footsteps.
Bright Wings
Good night all

Please please stay off those websites! They are one horror story after the other. I think a lot of the comments are from bored mentally deranged people with nothing better to do and get kicks instilling fear to the users of these sites. Keep looking! There are professionals out there will help you. Trust me!

Amen. There is medication which works, some that doesn’t. Feeling good is the end game. Being medication free is difficult, and can be very risky. Find a good professional and work with that person. So pleased to hear from a kindred soul. Live fully! I’m 72, and my story is a reflection of yours. Stay strong.

Finding a good professional is extremely difficult. Not impossible but that process takes more than what people who are sick have to give. How can that change?

I have been thru a few therapists, and got off effexor by myself. I am on no drugs, but feel i could use something. 2 psys prescribed without knowing much about me. I was refered by my therapist pf 2 yrs.

@wandasophia
Welcome and please share a bit more.
What has you here looking for assistance.
Bright Wings

Chronic depression & PTSD

How long have you been off the medication.
Please share more fully. Or you can wait until others come to answer.
I have to shave energy.
We have lots of tips posted in the last 50 or so entries....
We tell everyone, get to reading..
It takes an action to feel better. Smiling at you.
Bright Wings