Hi Colleen,
Thanks for helping me find the most appropriate group. I do have a GP that has helped some with tapering. Most of his suggestions are a little more aggressive so I’ve had to make adjustments that work for me. I came off Mirtazapine 30 mg after 3+ years 2(15mg) at bedtime. I reduced by 1/8 every three to four weeks. I had very mild side effects. I waited a month and then started tapering Venlafaxine. I’ve been weighing beads and placing in new capsules. Reducing 1/10 every two weeks. I’m 60% into this schedule and should be finished in December if everything goes well. That brings me to my main question…. Should I proceed with my 10% reduction every two to four weeks? I guess this capsule is a powder and not beads. I haven’t opened one yet. Will that be more difficult to manage? I’ve heard that this can be very difficult to taper. My plan is to reduce to 7.5 mg from present 15 mg dose and level off for few weeks. Check progress with sleep. I’ve read that this dose is more appropriate for my age (76). I would like to reduce dose to “zero”. I would appreciate input from those that have experienced this journey before me. Is this benzodiazepine more difficult to taper than the other two antidepressants that I was on? Will it take longer? More intense withdrawal? So far I’ve done well avoiding side effects. May experience more as I approach end of Venlafaxine…. Mike