@kaelan I am so sorry you are in pain. I have taken 150 mg for many years and have switched to other anti-depressants multiple times, for one reason or another, only to return to this med. I am presently on .75 and hope to remain here. I would take longer to lower your dose further. I have found taking 75 mg doses of CBD oil, which helps with anxiety, is an aid while reducing your dose of Effexor. You might ask you doctor for a prescription of Valium while you are going through this, which you could take every few days when the pain is too much. My doctor allowed me, at 80 yrs old, a prescription for Xanax, which my partner keeps in a safe, to take when natural remedies for anxiety don't help. I can sometimes walk away the anxiety. I am careful what I allow myself to watch on TV and Youtube has lots of calming videos to watch for meditation. I hope you have the support of your family while you are going through this. If you can afford it, a message, or at least ask for a hug from your friends, can bring temporary relief. We all need body contact. Hang in there. You will get through this. Just continue to do it slowly.