Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@jakedduck1, I agree. Medicine should be practiced in partnership with the patient. I acknowledge that the information supplied by the pharmacist assumes that the patient has a good working relationship with a knowledgeable and compassionate health care provider. And that they have access to medication and refills as needed to taper slowly and safely on a schedule that is individualized to their medical needs - I stress individualize taper schedules, as everyone is different. System and medication guidelines are just that - guidelines. Individual factors should also be considered.

This is not always the case as demonstrated in the many storied and experiences (and sometimes rants 🙂 ) shared here on Mayo Clinic Connect. However, there are many good mental health professionals who do understand tapering and medications. That is why your relentless self-advocacy serves as an example for patients. We have to ask questions and keep asking questions. Share our knowledge about ourselves and find providers who will respect that we have expertise through experience which is a valid contributor to medical decisions.

Well stated. Thanks for providing the pharmacist’s input but I totally agree with Jake. He’s spot on. The doctors and pharmacists are trying to put too much into the patients’ hands. I’m tapering from Xanax to Valium at this time. Myself and my doctor decided to put my taper on hold for a bit due to my extreme anxiety about Covid and my sister’s cancer diagnosis. I’m using both Xanax and diazepam at this time. Xanax in the morning, Diazepam in the evening. I’m sick of being looked at like a drug addict when I pick up my scripts. Also tired of answering the same question to the same pharmacist as to why I’m taking two different Benzos. I politely answer everytime she asks and explain about the taper. She acts all confused as though she never even heard of tapering. Tired of being treated like this. I’ve switched pharmacies. Same thing at everyone. Are pharmacists really that ignorant about tapering benzos? They should be our friends not our foes as we go through the ordeal of tapering. It was a doctor of 30 years who got me in this benzo mess. And now I’m treated like a drug addict. Makes me want to forget this whole taper and just cold turkey. I’ll be 68. Whatever happens, happens. I’m too old for all this scrutiny. It was very difficult finding a new doctor that believes in very very slow tapers and now I’m dealing with pharmacists. Too much for me. I’m about done.

I share your frustrations, especially being seen as an addict. The judgement often comes behind a comment about how much better I am, or reference to or reminder of how messed up I was, how strange and incapable. If I have the energy to reply it is usually to ask what of the sick me they want back, or want to deal with again. “They mean well” is wearing thin.

Please excuse me for introducing a new symptom (and health issue) (for me) and diagnosis of osteitis pubis. The pubis bones are at the end of the hip where it is closest to the spine. I guess this would be under bone health. This is an inflammation of the bone in a specific area. But this could be within any other bone in our bodies. The pain is in the top ten and no help with pain pills. Takes many, many months to hopefully heal with complete rest. This is since July 2020. This happened with me when I fell on my right side. So naturally it is my right side pubis bone that is affected. Wanted to die because I did think I was dying with the pain. It has calmed somewhat but not enough yet. Hanging in there, praying and suffering completely helpless. I am presenting this for all to be aware as this can be a killer. Peach (Pain, pain, pain.) love to all

Please be cautious with the Seroquel.

I have been off Effexor for 7 months and am having problems with tingling and burning sensation in my hands and feet every single day. Has anyone else experienced this? Anything that relieves this? Better yet will This ever go away?

I have been off Effexor for 7 months and am having problems with tingling and burning sensation in my hands and feet every single day. Has anyone else experienced this? Anything that relieves this? Better yet will This ever go away?

I have been off Effexor for 7 months and am having problems with tingling and burning sensation in my hands and feet every single day. Has anyone else experienced this? Anything that relieves this? Better yet will This ever go away?

I have been off Effexor for 7 months and am having problems with tingling and burning sensation in my hands and feet every single day. Has anyone else experienced this? Anything that relieves this? Better yet will This ever go away?