Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)?

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 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?

Erectile dysfunction. Several female posters on here experienced the feminine version of this, too.

I’m on Seroquel and the side effects are horrible. Muscle twitching, pins and needles, eye problems. Head buzzing I’ve only been on it doe 4 months and I’m trying to get off. I’m on 25 mg now and I haven’t been able to get past that. If anyone know how to get off of it please let me know.