← Return to Coming Off Effexor: How long can I expect symptoms to last?

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@mayome99

I’m about to go off it and this will be the 7th time trying. Last time I could only take it 6
Mos and went back on it. I’ve been on it 20 yrs because I can’t withdrawal off of it. So this time ima add Wellbutrin while I taper for a while. On on the XR so maybe it’s just really hard. I need any advice about dosages and timing of 150 mg Effexor Xr. Please. And dawn how long did ur withdrawal effects take to were off? For reference. Thanks!

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Replies to "I’m about to go off it and this will be the 7th time trying. Last time..."

I've seen this thread for a couple years. Now I have info bc I am going off right now. I was taking 300 (2x150) at night. I just wanted to get off because I don't want side effects if I happen to run out. With things in such a mess with our country you never know. So... my doctor said ok. I have been on it for years. Maybe 15 yrs. He prescribed 37.5 capsules. So I started by taking 1 150 and 3 x 37.5 = 112.5 and I did that for about 2 weeks. No problem. Then I lowered one more to 150 and 2 x 37.5 = 75 and I did that for another 2 weeks.
I kept lowering and all was great. No problems. I am now down to only 2 x 37.5 at night. BUT... about a week ago I woke up in the am and my mouth was all dry so I was wondering if I was talking in my sleep. I went back up to 3 for 3 days and now back to 2 at night. I am happy, no symptoms of anything. And not crying at odd times, so all is good. And surprisingly, just being down to such a low amount 75 after years of 300 makes me feel great-so it's a good side effect!
I just spoke with my doctor and he says to open the capsule and pour half out if I think going to 1 will be too much at a time. Then take 1 1/2 for awhile, then lower to 1. By the way... I TAKE MELATONIN AT NIGHT. My tablets are 5 but I never take that much. I bite them or break them in half.
One other thing I have been doing for 3 months is...... a SAD light. It's amazing. My doctor has been trying to get me to buy one for 30 years and finally I did it. I lived in LA too - so there was plenty of sunshine, but this is intense and just wonderful. I don't live there any longer, but the light is great. I bought one from a company I think from Alaska. I figured they would know best. It's strong enough to not have to sit right in front-this gives you about 30inches. It's bright, but I either read, or use computer and have it on for sometimes half hour or longer. I strongly suggest anyone who has depression to get one. I can't believe how great I feel. As the saying goes... what a difference a day makes. I hope this helps you. And you know what, it doesn't matter how many times you tried... trying again shows you have hope and have worked out a different plan. I used to take Welbutrin, I loved it except I started gritting my teeth too much. I still do, but don't want to add to that problem. Good luck!