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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@rmj5

Tired of crying. Dr. said passing phase. Decided to go back up, but not sure how. Not available on weekends. Please help

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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?

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@nat31

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?

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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.

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@sears

It may be a passing phase. Try not to go back up until you speak to your doctor.

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

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@rmj5

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.

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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

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@nat31

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

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

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@rmj5

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

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@rmj5
Have you had any negative side effects?
Jake

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@rmj5

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

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

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@nat31

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

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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.

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@rmj5

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.

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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

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I'm so sorry. Prozac made me more anxious when I tried it years ago. I hope you can find a Dr. that can help

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