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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Jake | @jakedduck1 | Jul 9, 2022

In reply to @beltonite410 "Grin and bear it. I would cry over the stupidest things. I had to quit cold..." + (show)

@beltonite410
A lady on this forum had a stroke quitting cold turkey.
How much were you tapering?
Jake

beltonite410 | @beltonite410 | Jul 9, 2022

In reply to @jakedduck1 "@beltonite410 A lady on this forum had a stroke quitting cold turkey. How much were you..." + (show)

I quit cold Turkey. I had to due to a staph infection and the antibiotics I had to take.

pitilina | @pitilina | Jul 31, 2022

Hi. I’m on 150 per day and my doctor suggested tapering with 1 dose of 75mg plus a 37.5 that would be from 150 to 115mg. I thought I would taper it down more so I’m cutting the 37.5 in 2. So 75 plus 37. 5 plus 18. What do you guys think? Thanks

Jake | @jakedduck1 | Jul 31, 2022

@pitilina
Of course how medication affects everyone is different. I think your wise by reducing more slowly although your doctors suggestion may work since it’s a first cut but as your dose gets smaller make sure your cuts are about 10%, give or take. I’d stay on the 130.5 and all subsequent dosage cuts for 2-6 weeks. I’d wait 4 weeks. Although you might want to experiment with different time periods & percentages between cuts. Preferably I’d use a compounding pharmacy and taper by 10% every 4 weeks. One member waited 6 months between cuts.
Best of luck to you,
Jake