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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linamend | @linamend | Jun 20, 2021

In reply to @happy2bhear "Yay! That’s great news!" + (show)

Trust me. If you read the literature, it can take up to 2 YEARS!

sears | @sears | Jun 20, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "No I'm taking 20mg 3 x a day and 2mg valium twice a day....been 5 days..." + (show)

Maybe your doc will up the Valium. 2 mgs. won’t help. You shouldn’t have to be this miserable.

sears | @sears | Jun 20, 2021

In reply to @linamend "Trust me. If you read the literature, it can take up to 2 YEARS!" + (show)

Unfortunately this is true. It takes some even longer. Effexor and Paxil are miserable drugs and should be banned. My opinion.

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 20, 2021

In reply to @sears "Maybe your doc will up the Valium. 2 mgs. won’t help. You shouldn’t have to be..." + (show)

It's beyond miserable its torturous, I had 5mg but it's never touched me, they've lowered it because it's addictive.

sears | @sears | Jun 21, 2021

Benzos are no worse than any antidepressant on the market. They both have the potential to ruin ones life.

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 23, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "After 10 days, I'm slowly getting better. My doctor said could take up to 2 weeks." + (show)

Same with me. 3 weeks out and feeling better. Energy is returning, however, feeling A LITTLE depressed. Hoping to not have to go back on.

isaacpime | @isaacpime | Jun 24, 2021

Hello, as I know with my experience if you suffer from depression you can’t stop taking your medication without talking to your psychiatrist, I been taking sertraline and clonazepam for 25 year and I can’t stop taking it. Hope this helps you.

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 24, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "Same with me. 3 weeks out and feeling better. Energy is returning, however, feeling A LITTLE..." + (show)

Help, have been crying a lot, decided to go back on. Took 12.5 mg, woke up with migraine. Any correlation?

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 24, 2021

Has anyone had to go back on venlafaxine?

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Jun 24, 2021

@rmj5 and @isaacpime I see you haven't posted a whole lot so welcome to you both. It is definitely imperative to speak with your physician when coming off or going back on your anti-depressant medication like @isaacpime said.

@rmj5 have you made an appointment to speak with them about taking it?

@isaacpime have you ever considered coming off you medication or is it helping you?