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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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sherry47 | @sherry47 | Jul 29, 2021
In reply to @linamend "Of course I asked my primary care physician, my internist, my neurologist, and my psychiatrist. It..." + (show)
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Of course I asked my primary care physician, my internist, my neurologist, and my psychiatrist. It was an hysterical round-robin of: "That's not my expertise, ask so & so". Losers. All of them. After a bunch of "Tsk, tsk, never heard of that happening to anyone before..." I presented all 4 of them w PubMed literature from NIH (where I worked in 1980s w Anthony Fauci).
That got me nowhere, except for offers to change my Rx....have I mentioned they're LOSERS?!

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I can relate to this. My experience was similar. Very frustrating

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linamend | @linamend | Jul 29, 2021
In reply to @sherry47 "I can relate to this. My experience was similar. Very frustrating" + (show)
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I can relate to this. My experience was similar. Very frustrating

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Thanks Sherry. So I'm not crazy!

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cjf | @cjf | Jul 30, 2021
In reply to @jimhd "Hi @cavegnr1 - Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry you're having trouble getting off Effexor. Are you..." + (show)
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Hi @cavegnr1 - Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry you're having trouble getting off Effexor. Are you starting on Wellbutrin as you taper off Effexor? Are you taking Effexor every other day for a couple of weeks. These are things my doctors have recommended when I've been transitioning. Take care of yourself. I'm glad you're aware of what you're feeling, and not doing anything like driving that could be dangerous.

Jim

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I was weaned off from 187.5 mg to zero in 4 weeks. I am physically in pain - sweating - trembling- nauseous- aching - when will it end?

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cjf | @cjf | Jul 30, 2021
In reply to @jimhd "Hi @cavegnr1 - Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry you're having trouble getting off Effexor. Are you..." + (show)
Profile picture for Jim, Volunteer Mentor @jimhd

Hi @cavegnr1 - Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry you're having trouble getting off Effexor. Are you starting on Wellbutrin as you taper off Effexor? Are you taking Effexor every other day for a couple of weeks. These are things my doctors have recommended when I've been transitioning. Take care of yourself. I'm glad you're aware of what you're feeling, and not doing anything like driving that could be dangerous.

Jim

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Regretfully I am living in an assisted living facility. I hate it. I've given it my best. After 1 year +. Too restrictive. I am 84 years old - a retired school teacher. I pay to stay here and I am attempting to leave. I want to be able to be independent.

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ava1 | @ava1 | Jul 31, 2021

weaned myself off venlafaxine and xanax at the same time...very rough few weeks...now I can no longer control my negative feelings towards family and friends....keepng my mouth shut...want little contact with toxic people in my life.

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sears | @sears | Jul 31, 2021
In reply to @cjf "I was weaned off from 187.5 mg to zero in 4 weeks. I am physically in..." + (show)
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I was weaned off from 187.5 mg to zero in 4 weeks. I am physically in pain - sweating - trembling- nauseous- aching - when will it end?

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You need to speak to your doctor about maybe reinstating at a dose that makes you comfortable and then tapering very very slowly from that dose. Tapering very slowly helps a lot.

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sherry47 | @sherry47 | Jul 31, 2021
In reply to @cjf "I was weaned off from 187.5 mg to zero in 4 weeks. I am physically in..." + (show)
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I was weaned off from 187.5 mg to zero in 4 weeks. I am physically in pain - sweating - trembling- nauseous- aching - when will it end?

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You have to go back on a small dose. Tapering needs to be MUCH slower

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cjf | @cjf | Jul 31, 2021
In reply to @sherry47 "You have to go back on a small dose. Tapering needs to be MUCH slower" + (show)
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You have to go back on a small dose. Tapering needs to be MUCH slower

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Thank you very much. I think I need another doctor.

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Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Aug 1, 2021
In reply to @cjf "I was weaned off from 187.5 mg to zero in 4 weeks. I am physically in..." + (show)
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I was weaned off from 187.5 mg to zero in 4 weeks. I am physically in pain - sweating - trembling- nauseous- aching - when will it end?

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Hello @cjf and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Other members have expressed concern over the speed of the weaning. Given your symptoms, have you checked back in with your doctor to report how you are feeling?

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