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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nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 26, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "Tired of crying. Dr. said passing phase. Decided to go back up, but not sure how...." + (show)

I have days where I just cry and cry and beg for my life back, the anxiety is the worst and feeling so agitated and restless, I'm almost 2 weeks off how far along are you and do you take anything else?

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 26, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "I have days where I just cry and cry and beg for my life back, the..." + (show)

I was 3 weeks out when it hit. I was doing well up to then. I am now back on 12.5. Will wait and see. I only took Xanax once. Plan to go up to 25mg. My usual was 75 mg.

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 26, 2021

In reply to @sears "It may be a passing phase. Try not to go back up until you speak to..." + (show)

Yes, but if I'm so sad, then I probably need it

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 26, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I was 3 weeks out when it hit. I was doing well up to then. I..." + (show)

Ok. It's one of the hardest drugs to come off, was it a fast taper? I hope you get some relief soon. My original dose was 225mg

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "Ok. It's one of the hardest drugs to come off, was it a fast taper? I..." + (show)

I've been decreasing for months. Would decrease a little every 30 days. Original dose 75mg. Took for 10 years.

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I've been decreasing for months. Would decrease a little every 30 days. Original dose 75mg. Took..." + (show)

@rmj5
Have you had any negative side effects?
Jake

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I've been decreasing for months. Would decrease a little every 30 days. Original dose 75mg. Took..." + (show)

So I'm about the same as you, 10 years spent since December decreasing...what's bothering you most?

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "So I'm about the same as you, 10 years spent since December decreasing...what's bothering you most?" + (show)

I went back up to 12.5 because I was very sad and crying. I've decided I probably need to be on something, since I'm obviously depressed. Why come off if I feel terrible?
I feel much better last 2 days.

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I went back up to 12.5 because I was very sad and crying. I've decided I..." + (show)

I was going to ask why you came off? It stopped working for me after 10 years and it's been hell since, I've tried bridging to prozac so far I don't feel like it's working, my anxiety is awful and I feel very sad