← Return to Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

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@texasduchess

Withdrawal symptoms are the big tip off that you are tapering too fast; tapering off slowly minimizes them. You and your doctor (if it's his/her tapering plan) might want to reconsider the speed at which you are tapering and the amount you are dropping with each taper.

You can click on my name and read my previous posts. 9/26/2020 has links to articles about helpful supplements and ways your doctor can mitigate/ease withdrawal.

@cp6401 used the term "stress fragile" to describe how so many of us are during the process of getting off/reducing Effexor and even, afterwards. I certainly recognize your need to run and pace—it's a fight, or flight reaction. Distraction helps—reading, hobbies, work, chores, gardening, exercise, etc. I was mindful of what I watched (nothing frenetic, violent, or disturbing), read (cozy mysteries, or romances were good), or listened to (no atonal, or dissonant music)–some things were just too agitating. Getting natural light to my eyes was extremely beneficial for lifting my mood and calming me ... not sunbathing, but getting out and seeing daylight–take a walk, or at least, get out of your house for 5–10 minutes, even if it's just stepping out onto a patio.

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Replies to "Withdrawal symptoms are the big tip off that you are tapering too fast; tapering off slowly..."

Thank you so much for you reply! Yes, I have been trying to keep my body moving as much as I can but sometimes I feel completely frozen from muscle tightness. My Psychiatrists office messes up my tapering - cut me down from 175 to 37.5 overnight. By the time it was realized I was knee deep in some of the worst physical and mental distress I have ever felt - including my so-called first "manic" episode (I often doubt my bipolar diagnosis). The decision was made to keep me on the 37.5 and ride it out. I started doing every other day last week and it has just been too much. I am back to taking it every day, but switched it up from PM to AM. I hate this drug and what it is doing to me. It saddens me deeply to read all of your stories but makes me feel like I am not crazy, lazy, or weak. I have excellent support and an amazing therapist who is helping me with relaxation tools and support but had to stop doing EMDR because it was too over stimulating. I can't do anything it seems that causes too much because my head goes in a spinning motion. The sun is out today though and that is very helpful. I just want one day when I am not feeling complete rage or utter sadness. I would also love to stop stuttering. It frightens my daughter. I have to stop myself and pick another word to start the sentence. I also touch something cold to give the brain a tap in another direction. I am trying to give this time instead of rushing it, but it feels like a poison I just want to rid myself of.