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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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)

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

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)

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?

sherry47 | @sherry47 | Aug 1, 2021

In reply to @cjf "Thank you very much. I think I need another doctor." + (show)

Good luck finding one that knows how to handle this. Mine suggested that I just stay on Effexor (forever) if I'm having such a hard time getting off. Her compassion and professionalism were overwhelming.

sears | @sears | Aug 1, 2021

In reply to @sherry47 "Good luck finding one that knows how to handle this. Mine suggested that I just stay..." + (show)

These doctors are horrible. We’re on our own with all this.

Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Aug 1, 2021

In reply to @sears "These doctors are horrible. We’re on our own with all this." + (show)

@sears have you considered asking specifically if a hospital has anyone who specializes in tapering off Effexor with successful outcomes? I wonder if that may help get you closer to a provider that would align better with your needs?

cjf | @cjf | Aug 1, 2021

In reply to @amandajro "Hello @cjf and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Other members have expressed concern over the speed..." + (show)

Sadly he does not understand and only reads or hears the wonderful comments about the drug. Have the medical professionals ever used this drug? There should be more
monitoring done and information given about this medication. Little negative information is available.

cjf | @cjf | Aug 1, 2021

In reply to @sears "These doctors are horrible. We’re on our own with all this." + (show)

Many doctors- nurses- nurse practitioners etc ignore their patients. Isn't it sad ? Very sad.

cjf | @cjf | Aug 1, 2021

In reply to @ava1 "weaned myself off venlafaxine and xanax at the same time...very rough few weeks...now I can no..." + (show)

I have the same feelings. Unless you have experienced taking this med - they just don't understood. I love some of the remarks that say 'you are dependent NOT, you are not addicted ' I say ,'what's the difference - you can't get off effexor without suffering.