Successfully withdrew from Effexor.
I've been on Effexor (Venlaxafine for over 20 years at 150mg and decided other recently discovered scientific (haha) breakthroughs provided better proven results.
So - I decided to s l o w l y wean myself off that nasty little drug by opening the capsule and removing one additional little mini-tablet every 2 weeks. The capsules I was prescribed actually had mini-"pucks" which were 12.5mg each (12 in a 150mg capsule). Using a weekly pill box, it was easier to set out the week's dosages and keep a log on reducing the amounts.
I think I had a total of 1 (one)VERY minor brain "zap" / sense of vertigo which quickly dissipated. Note: (Here is where some of you might not be comfortable) - I also started, at about the 100mg mark with effexor to microdose with psilocybin (aka "magic mushroom") at levels that are far below "psychedelic" . ANOTHER NOTE: This is not a legal substance (YET!) but being fast tracked by the US FDA who refers it as a "Breakthrough Therapy" for severe depression (do your research - Johns Hopkins, Mayo etc.)
I hit the 12.5mg mark last week and am holding at that level because I am also experiencing what johnnydelo describes regarding insomnia. I think it might be the "last gasp" of physiological addiction while my 5HT2A receptors get back online and I'll go 4 weeks then go zero.
Last comments regarding psilocybin. Try to find a negative (reputable) report on psilocybin. You'll quickly find out why, in a few years, it will be in common use. (It's been used, along with other entheogens throughout the world for millennia to heal and grow) But also realize that the best results are one or two large doses of psilocybin combined with therapy, especially group therapy. At least in Canada, there are many dispensaries that can ship psilocybin to you directly and confidentially if you do your online search for it.
Very best of luck and life to all - and if you encounter any doctor who tells you otherwise about psilocybin use, spend 5 minutes online and send them the links to mountains of professional opinion otherwise that you will find-
Hope what worked for me works for you - A