Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Posted by richyrich @richyrich, Nov 2, 2016

I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you

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happy2bhere | @happy2bhear | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "I am trying, I'm due to stop effexor tomorrow night and increase the prozac, safe to..." + (show)

Please let us know how you do w the switch. I would like to find something better. Maybe Prozac is answer.

happy2bhere | @happy2bhear | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "Thank you so much for your advice. I am struggling to get off Effexor after 30..." + (show)

Please keep us informed. I too have issues of being very fatigued or just stuck. I know it’s better than years ago, but I’m barely accomplishing anything.

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @happy2bhear "Please let us know how you do w the switch. I would like to find something..." + (show)

I will keep you posted, last night was the first night I cut out the effexor totally..don't feel better but don't feel worse. Suppose I can increase the prozac and see how it goes from there.

sears | @sears | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "No problems at all? What mg of prozac are you taking? I really hope it helps..." + (show)

No. No real problems. I got a little weepy and sentimental here and there. I was on Paxil for about 25 years. 40 mgs. I then cut to 20 mgs. for a bit and then switched over to 20 mgs. Prozac which I still take. I was also taking 3.5 mgs. of Xanax per day.I did a switch over to Valium and now take 7.5 to 10 mgs. per day which is equivalent to about 1/2 mgs. or less of Xanax.

sears | @sears | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @happy2bhear "Please let us know how you do w the switch. I would like to find something..." + (show)

It’s worth a try.

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @sears "No. No real problems. I got a little weepy and sentimental here and there. I was..." + (show)

Are they the only withdrawal symptoms/Start up effects of prozac you got? My anxiety is off the charts and my guts are all over, I also take 5mg valium per day and 60mg propranolol

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "Are they the only withdrawal symptoms/Start up effects of prozac you got? My anxiety is off..." + (show)

Also I'm extremely restless/on edge

happy2bhere | @happy2bhear | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "I will keep you posted, last night was the first night I cut out the effexor..." + (show)

That’s huge! No nightmares and feeling same- can’t wait to hear how Prozac makes u feel.

sears | @sears | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "Are they the only withdrawal symptoms/Start up effects of prozac you got? My anxiety is off..." + (show)

My anxiety is never completely in control. Other than that I really haven’t been doing too bad. Everyone is so different though. Some people can just go off and on antidepressants and Benzos with no problems at all. I still haven’t stopped the Valium and Prozac completely. I could have a whole different story then.😬

clutch | @clutch | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @sears "My anxiety is never completely in control. Other than that I really haven’t been doing too..." + (show)

@sears , you mentioned in one of your earlier posts that at a point in time, your benzo "turned on you". What symptoms were you having when you described this? I am curious because I am thinking the same thing happened with me and klonopin.