Weaning off Effexor with CBD Oil

Hi, @melanier - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You may have seen we have active threads on CBD oil and depression/anxiety https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cbd-oil-and-depression-anxiety/ and also on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (venlafaxine) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-on-minimising-withdrawal-symptoms-from-effexor-aka-venlafaxine, if you'd like to take a look at them.

I'd like to introduce you to @merpreb @grandmar @gailb @summertime4 @jakedduck1, who may have some input for you on use of CBD oil for helping to wean off venlafaxine (Effexor), as well as using CBD oil after you are done with the taper for depression and anxiety.

@melanier, has your doctor given you a tapering schedule for the venlafaxine (Effexor)? What did she suggest regarding the withdrawal symptoms you have experienced?

@memeblair
Hi and Welcome!
I am one of the people Lisa suggested to give you some input about weaning off Effexor.
As a little background....I am 63 years old. I've been on Effexor for many years (lost count). After a few events that shook me to my soul, I am now taking 300 mg of Effexor. Because I had weight loss surgery, I cannot take released formula, I take regular pills (which for reducing probably works out better than the capsules). I take 2-75 mg pills in the AM and the PM.
I am weaning VERY, VERY slowly. I am doing it on my own without the help of a doctor. The psychiatrist who monitored my Effexor left the practice and I have not yet found a new doc. Before she left, she left with a 6 mos. script to my prescription provider. I tried to wean off with the assistance of my doctor many years ago when I was on a much lower dosage but the schedule was much to quick and wound up back on meds. I am NOT using anything, at this time to assist with withdrawal since I am not having any symptioms (at this time).
As I said, I take 2 pill in the AM and PM. I cut one of my PM pills into 1/4s. I removedd 1/4 from my PM dosage every other night for 3 weeks. Since I felt fine, I went to every PM for 3 weeks. At the end of next week, if I continue to feel well, I will remove another 1/4 of a pill in the PM every other night for 3 weeks. If I do well, then every PM.
I guess you can see the pattern. I reduce the PM pill by 1/4 ever other night for 3 weeks, then every night for 3 weeks. I always 'read' my body to make sure I am OK and not having withdrawal symptoms. If I do get them, I will remain on the dosage or go back for another week (or more if needed). It is MY OPINION, that slow and steady will (hopefully) win the race.

BTW......I am NOT looking to totally come off the Effexor. I am just looking to get onto a dosage that will keep my anxiety under control and my head clear. I am thinking 37.5 mg in the AM and PM. That, I will see as I get closer. As I said, I am in NO rush to complete this process.

Hope this helps!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Please review her story. I am really suffering trying to get off Effexor. Until I started to read others experiences, I had no idea I’d completely lost my lust for life. I want to feel again. I’ve been on Effexor foe 13years. I should have just taken to help with the life changing event I had and then got off of it. My doc is a very good person and just said I should stay on it. After doing more research, I realize how I’ve change so much from someone with a lust for life, to someone who hates crowds, dreads social events and just wants to stay home in my pajamas. I will keep you posted with my journey. Whatever you do, you have to do this slowly or the damage can be permanent!

Please review this article. It may save you a lot of unneeded agony.

The Stoner Mom and how I got myself off Wellbutrin and Zoloft with CBD.

I am happy I found this forum. I am on Effexor 150 mg. I’ve been on it for two years. My goal is to get off of it completely. I’ve tried doing it before slowly and was taking one pill every three days. I’m back to taking it every day now because the withdrawals became to much and with the job I have I need to be vigilant and alert. I’m doing this without a doctor bc right now I don’t have one. She quit her practice and moved. She did give me a few months of refills. The reason I want off of it is because I don’t feel I’m living my life like I used to. I’m hoping to find support and guidance and maybe someone who can share their experience with me. Thank you

Hi, @ang811, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your message to this existing discussion, "Weaning off Effexor with CBD Oil," so that you can connect with members who are also talking about this topic. Hoping they will have suggestions and provide some support for you.

If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their experiences.

How can I view your article? I can relate a lot with what u shared. Ty

@ang811 You mentioned feeling like you are not living your life like you once did. If you can could you explain more why you feel this way. I was once on Effexor and I became mean spirited. Had no idea a medication that was prescribed to help could totally change my personality to where I enjoyed being cruel.

No energy. Wanting to lay around and watch tv when I’m not working. Wanting to get up and be social but then I don’t. This is the opposite of who I was before I started taking meds

@ang811- How long have you been on medications that have made you feel like this? May I ask what the medications are for and what they are? II know, your who life has changed. It is very scary. Are you able to cook and take care of your self?

I’ve been on Effexor for two years. That’s the only medication I’m on. I’m able to do everything. I work in a drug rehab and I get the job done. I’m still pleasant it’s just the psychical parts I’m dealing with.