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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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

Leonard | @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

pitilina | @pitilina | Jul 31, 2022

In reply to @jakedduck1 "@pitilina Of course how medication affects everyone is different. I think your wise by reducing more..." + (show)

Thank you so much

pitilina | @pitilina | Aug 4, 2022

Hi. You have to taper it very slowly, very.

irishlady1974 | @irishlady1974 | Aug 5, 2022

In addition to very gradual tapering, I found that taking dramatize helps with the dizziness/vertigo.

pitilina | @pitilina | Aug 5, 2022

Dramatize?

irishlady1974 | @irishlady1974 | Aug 6, 2022

In reply to @irishlady1974 "In addition to very gradual tapering, I found that taking dramatize helps with the dizziness/vertigo." + (show)

Sorry for the typo - I meant to say Dramamine

irishlady1974 | @irishlady1974 | Aug 6, 2022

In reply to @pitilina "Dramatize?" + (show)

Dramamine, sorry for the typo

tmgg | @tmgg | Aug 6, 2022

I stopped taking Effexor at 150mg at the suggestion of a Dr in order to start taking Citalapram. This was a huge mistake and had a very detrimental effect on my partner and my children. Within 3 days I was feeling sick, upset stomach and highly sensitive and emotional. Busting into tears at my daughter's Graduation in the toilets. Then I went on to have a flying rage and melt down and tried to take an overdoes I was so emotionally distressed. My son had to stop me. He is 20 but still my son and I am sure I have traumatised him. I feel sick with guilt having allowed him to see this. I have subsequently done a great deal of reading and also talked to a Psychiatrist and been told that stopping in this way is never advised. I just want others to read this so they do not do the same thing. Tapering off has to be the only way. I have started the pills again, feel good and will start again to wean myself off when I have got a good few months under my belt. All best