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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

sears | @sears | Jun 13, 2021

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

The Prozac switch really helps a lot of people. I hope it works for you. Effexor and Paxil are especially hard to taper. Prozac has helped me with a Paxil taper. I just switched straight to Prozac. Not really any problems worth mentioning.

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 13, 2021

In reply to @sears "The Prozac switch really helps a lot of people. I hope it works for you. Effexor..." + (show)

No problems at all? What mg of prozac are you taking? I really hope it helps me....had you been on paxil long?

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