Long term effects AFTER withdrawing from Effexor

Welcome @ekmclean. Some people experience late or long-term side effects when tapering off medications like venlafaxine (Effexor). I moved your message to this existing discussion:
– Long term effects AFTER withdrawing from Effexor: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/long-term-effects-after-withdrawing-from-effexor/

I did this so you can read some of the previous, helpful posts and connect with supportive members like @texasduchess @jakedduck1 @secretwhitepop @mothergoose76 @sears @clutch @sharpy1946 @grammy11 and others.

Have you talked to your doctor about the symptoms you're having?

Thank you! No, I am not interested in seeing a doctor. I don't trust them and will not be using petroleum pharmacy. This all started when I stopped effexor.
Thank you

I amin the same situation. I'm off 5 weeks and everything hurts. Back, arms, fingers feel arthritic feet especially. It's hardest when I wake or need to get off couch. I was on for 8years. Ranging 75, to 150, 225 then back to 75 when I could not get appt. So glad tho so I could taper from 75.
Is yours getting better?
Elizabeth

@ekmclean
Good evening,
How long did you taper off Effexor?
Although not Effexor related I had similar effects caused by low sodium. Have you had any blood tests or been evaluated by a physician since stopping Effexor? Like Colleen says withdrawal effects can happen at a later time. My belief is withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur if taper was to quick which I suspect may be responsible since you admit you “went through hell.”
The longer you take a medication the longer it will take you body to adjust without it.
Fatigue and muscle weakness are not uncommon. I'd hightail it to the doctor if I were you.
Take care and the best of luck to you,
Jake

Thank you for your reply. I tapered over about 2 months from 75mg removing beads each day. Had zaps and mercurial rage. Disoriented and angry. I started some vitamins like ashwaganda, St johns wart and it really helped. I should probably get a blood work up like you said.
My therapist NP had no idea about what the drug was doing - she would say " are you still taking your meds" LIKE IT WAS OPTIONAL. IT WASNT AT THE TIME. Then I could not get an appointment when I was down with the flu and thought it was the best time to get off this.

Have you recovered from your pain? I've had a similar experience. 5 weeks off and everything hurts. I read effexor was also used for diabetic neuropathy.
Just wondering if your pain has subsided?
Thank you

It’s very possible you may have something else going on completely unrelated to your withdrawal. What you’re describing sounds extreme. I would try to rule out any other illness just to be on the safe side. The Effexor may have been masking something?

I have been taking Effexor for about 12 hrs, started with 75mg and am now on 300mg. I have been on 300 for about 5 yrs now. I have no intention of going off it, but my question is if it is helping you, why are any of you going off it ?? I understand not wanting to take meds, but if I helps, then why ?? I’m 76 yrs.

After about 17 yrs on Effexor I started weening from it 3 and 1/2 months ago. I’m currently 2 month off completely, and feel mostly as if I’m over the overwhelming debilitating withdrawal symptoms. However, now what I’m noticing for probably the last month to 6 weeks, is a very STRONG sense of smell. Perfumes, some cleaners, some foods, such as onion, are SO POWERFUL. My skin seems extra sensitive, as well. It’s as if my senses are on overload. Anyone else share this experience? Will this diminish with time?

Welcome @angey. Some people do experience withdrawals symptoms after completing a taper off antidepressants sometimes referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS).