Hi Gary / All- I have an update I'd like to share. I reduced my Effexor generic, Venaflaxine HCL ER, from 275 mg (3, 75 mg capsules) to one 75 mg capsule and am just today trying to go without that one 75 mg capsule. So far (at mid-day) am not showing any of the horrible withdrawal symptoms but some shaking, slight headache but nothing unbearable. So, if I can get through the day/afternoon/evening without it I will try it again tomorrow. I read one person took Ativan for withdrawal and if I need to I will take (I have some that was prescribed as an adjunct through my mother's downward spiral up to her death in August.

So for my next issue: can any speak to how long it takes the body to purge this poison and how long I should wait to introduce another antidepressant medication if needed. I see my Dr. tomorrow afternoon and am hoping will be completely off the Venaflaxine HCL ER by the time of my appointment and considering asking my Dr. about Lexapro or Clexa generics. (I have anxiety issues -always have- and feel I do need something to aid). Thank you.

RE: Effexor reduction.
I want all of you to know that I was give permission by healthcare professional to try the method I am using to get off Effexor and have a follow-up with my GP tomorrow. I do not recommend anyone do this without your Dr. approval.

I am also under a doctor’s care. Getting off of many years of Effexor & switching to Paxil. I’ve been through debilitating anxiety in the past year. He has me taking Effexor (150) in am, 12.5 mg Paxil with lunch, and skipping nighttime 150 nighttime Effexor. I have been opening capsules at night & pouring out 1/2. Also taking 1 mg of Xanax at bedtime. Is it ok to mix small dose of Paxil with Effexor while tapering off? I remember the last time I got off of SSRI, I got down to taking a few “balls” out of capsules for months. Still had headaches & head chills.