After being on Venlafaxine (effexor) for @30 + years I decided to get off of it.
I started an exercise routine at home and signed up to take a language course through zoom as well as learning how to bake bread. (Sourdough!).
I did those few things so that I had a number of set, positive challenges to look forward to during withdrawal .
I was on 37.5 Mgs twice daily. I started tapering off October 1 ,2021 and finished two weeks early on February 10, 2022.
To be clear, I have never suffered from severe depression or anxiety. I really don’t understand why I was prescribed this medicine. At the time I was married to an abusive husband and I was far from home. I had no support system and was suffering bouts of extreme anger and tears(No surprise). Anyway the medication did help me with my temper/anger but getting out of my marriage and starting over was ultimately the proper cure. Anyway that was over 25 years ago and I have moved on to a happy marriage and life.
I would have liked to get off Effexor sooner but the withdrawal is horrible and I didn’t have the time to feel disgusting and run my happy household as well. So I waited until I Had the wherewithal to focus on getting off the drug.
It wasn’t easy but I did get several encouraging tips by reading this blog and now have successfully completed my journey with this drug. I simply tapered off.
First 4 weeks 1 1/2 tab, second 4 weeks 1 1/4 tab next 4weeks 1 tab, next 4 weeks 1/2 tab last few weeks 1/4 tab and done. I felt slightly nauseous most days and extremely
Nauseous a few mornings during the last bit of my 1/4 tab days… so I just quit two weeks early…Sick Of It! No brain zaps for me , just a fuzzy sensation all day. But that could be age as well. I’m 67 and in great health but doesn’t fuzziness come with age,Ha! That’s my excuse!
And here I am feeling much better and so happy to be free of having to take an un necessary (for me)drug .Now that Spring is almost here the sunny days and outdoor fresh air will also help me to fight off any lingering icky feelings.
I remember when I quit smoking (Years and years ago) that I really didn’t feel quite right for around a year. I’m thinking this might be the same way. Getting off this drug is a huge commitment and so I would suggest setting yourself up for success Before taking the plunge. Find a Few healthy hobbies/distractions to keep yourself occupied. Have a support system in place ( spouse, friend, co-worker) who knows what is going on with you and realize that you are probably not going to feel perfectly fine for a few months. This was not sad or scary for me. It was just a fact. I wanted to quit this drug there was a price I was willing to pay. Now I Am happy to Be FREE!!
Thank you to the other bloggers who told their stories and helped me to realize this CAN be done !

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