@rmce72a, I see that you started 2 discussions on the same topic in the Addictions & Recovery group. I've moved the 2 discussions into one and included it in the Depression & Anxiety group since quite a few members there are talking about Effexor.

I highly recommend reviewing this related discussion.
– Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-on-minimising-withdrawal-symptoms-from-effexor-aka-venlafaxine

Like you @texasduchess @jakedduck1 @kbmayo @mimid0506 @summertime4 @sandij and many others have tapered off venlafaxine capsules.

@samrichardson posts here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/694900/ about the advice he was given from his pharmacist about counting beads and detailed information about his research and experience.

Please note that this is not universally recommended as outlined here by a Mayo Clinic pharmacist. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/696464/

The concern is that if the beads are not standardized the dosing by bead counting would be variable. The manufacturer offers no indication that there is any particular amount of drug per bead, and release from the beads themselves could vary from the drug delivery from the bead and capsule since they are not designed to be taken that way.

The bottom line is that everyone is different and tapering is not a one size fits all. The final mile is the toughest and I can hear @jakedduck1 in my virtual ear reminding me to tell you - take. it. S L O W.

@rmce72a, the bead counting approach that you posted, was this recommended to you by your doctor or pharmacist? How long do you wait before reducing the dose to the next taper?