Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Thank-you both for advice. My kids are noticing that my mood swings a lot. If I start talking about something it can turn into a full out rant. The thought about retaking up the smoking for a bit is to take the edge of my effexor tapering and, since quitting smoking wasn't extremely hard, I thought I could take it up again until a put a month or two between me and my last effexor tablet. Here's the thing though; I'm not sure if I trust myself. In terms of smoking, my mind will play tricks on me to convince myself to start smoking again. Also, with this whole COVID nightmare, it's not the best time for a 55 year old man to start smoking. I just love it so much.

Thank-you both for advice. My kids are noticing that my mood swings a lot. If I start talking about something it can turn into a full out rant. The thought about retaking up the smoking for a bit is to take the edge of my effexor tapering and, since quitting smoking wasn't extremely hard, I thought I could take it up again until a put a month or two between me and my last effexor tablet. Here's the thing though; I'm not sure if I trust myself. In terms of smoking, my mind will play tricks on me to convince myself to start smoking again. Also, with this whole COVID nightmare, it's not the best time for a 55 year old man to start smoking. I just love it so much.

The big tipoff that you are tapering too fast is withdrawal symptoms. It is not uncommon while tapering off Effexor to drop too fast and have anxiety and rage–often flash rage—going from mildly annoyed to I-want-to-throttle-you in seconds. Rather than taking up smoking again (you've been off six months!), you can get relief from your withdrawal symptoms by reinstating your Effexor, going back to a dose where you 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. With all the stress we're under with COVID-19, maybe just forget about getting off Effexor for the time being.

The big tipoff that you are tapering too fast is withdrawal symptoms. It is not uncommon while tapering off Effexor to drop too fast and have anxiety and rage–often flash rage—going from mildly annoyed to I-want-to-throttle-you in seconds. Rather than taking up smoking again (you've been off six months!), you can get relief from your withdrawal symptoms by reinstating your Effexor, going back to a dose where you 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. With all the stress we're under with COVID-19, maybe just forget about getting off Effexor for the time being.

Yes try again when this crisis passes.

I’m not quite understanding your question.

You are counseling folks here. What is your knowledge base???

Hi im new to this group and i couldnt figure out how to post yet. iv been off of effexor for 2 months and took it for almost 2years at 75ml, it stopped working and the doc said to take 2 more 75ml pills, worst thing ever, and quit cold turkey, doctors didnt tell me anything or warn me about any side effects from stopping, or tell me that i should seek their help if i want to stop. needless to say its been the worst 2 months of my life in regards of my mind and physical wellness. when im having a panic attack i think im dying or have ms or cancer. my withdrawal symptoms are constant upset stomach, gas, worse chest pain, not constantly but the most worrying symptom in the numbness tingly in the hands and face. iv been looking up how long symptoms last and what kinds their are and the numbess and tingly doesnt seem to be much of a thing so im worried its not withdrawls but another health problem. in the midst of going through withdrawls a month ago i got really bad bronchitis so im also not sure if stopping effexor had something to do with it. in the first week obviously the brain and body shocks. this covid crisis and my own personal problem with healthcare is making it more difficult to get a doctor that cares or a doctor at all to diagnoise what is wrong.

Hi @brightwings and @sears. I'll step in here.
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