Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Thank you Jake!
I agree with you. I may have not been clear. I reduced my pills by a quarter. From 2 tabs to 1 1/2 then 1 1/4 (both for three weeks). After I finish the 1 1/4 tabs I plan to go to 1 tablet.
Thank you for your input. Believe me when I say it is hard enough reducing by this amount! I’d hate to go any faster.

@huxy
“Believe me when I say it is hard enough reducing by this amount! I’d hate to go any faster.”
How about going a little slower and making it easier.
I went off several medications so slowly I never had any symptoms at all.
You decreased your dose by about 25%, which is high. You say it’s “hard” that would indicate to me your tapering to fast.
There is a tappering method known as the 5-10% taper. It’s best if it’s done through a compounding pharmacy. Large tapers are better tolerated in the beginning but as your dose decreases if your taper isn’t adjusted withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur.
Jake

Thank you Jake! Really great advise/information.
Huxy

I'm off. Its hell going through. Please know you are not alone. There will be light in the world again, but it may take awhile.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! No nausea today and plenty of happy energy. So different from yesterday.
I’ve Got to keep on going!
Thank you

Thank you for your tips! The struggle is real!

I started tapering at 300mgs. 1 month at 150, one month at 75, one month at 37.5, stop. I thought l was going to die. I wanted to die. I postponed my final college degree module, cried, contemplated suicide, you name it. Too many doctors don't seem to know anything about tapering, because l could easily have killed myself to escape the pain.
I survived, but knew very little about what to expect, because neither did any of the experts responsible for my care. I was asked what l wanted to try. I AM NOT A DOCTOR. But l'm staying clean. I am not becoming a statistic. I am a bpd survivor.

I have been tapering down from 150 mg of Effexor after several weeks at 37.5 mg., I am now on day three of not taking it at all. I’ve been managing the achy body with Tylenol all through the tapering. However, now I am experiencing insomnia and then when I finally fall asleep from exhaustion, I have crazy and slightly disturbing dreams so I wake up pretty anxious. That part is manageable. I am really struggling with the “swooshing” sounds in my brain. They are not painful but make is extremely difficult to concentrate and focus on computer work for my job. Also I am feeling nauseous so my brain wants me to eat all the time. Plus, I feel pretty weepy at times and get irritated easily. Any tips to get through this time? I know eating healthier and continue to exercise will help. Any other tips? Especially with the “swooshing” sound in my head? I am also considering taking Tylenol PM at night so I can fall asleep and stay asleep. Any advice on this plan? Thank you!

Hi @adanaya and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are quite brave to endure that! My goodness I cannot imagine the pain and suffering.

Here is an article on self care with BPD:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/borderline-personality-disorder-bpd/self-care-for-bpd/

What are you currently doing to fight the mood swings and the ups and downs?

Talking books.