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

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!

I just posted a few minutes ago how I'm tapering. I was on 300. I agree with everyone - go as slow as you need. It shouldn't feel any different each day. Take the capsules and dump out a few. But your doctor should give you 37.5 capsules. Those really help to take less. It's a small amount that you can dump just a few. If you wake up fine... keep doing that for a couple weeks. then a few more. It's not a race. It's the end goal. Good Luck

There should be zero withdrawal effects. If you go slow enough, your body will adjust and all will be fine.

I too feel for your pain and can relate: last fall after taking 150mg Effexor ER for 6 years it stopped working (originally prescribed it because after taking Lexapro for six years it too stopped working and a year of withdrawal became unbearable). I've read this happens to about 30% of people. 4 months of tapering and after stopping the same withdrawal symptoms many have described plus the most unsettling: an alien feel to the flow of consciousness, like a familiar song played a bit out of tune. Went back on it, 112.5mg. which hadn't been so bad on the way down, but now able to get only basic things done. I see my doc next week and will ask about a bridge med. Did some of you find a low dose of Prozac helpful?

I read someone used that. I am going to try Wellbutrin tho. My doctor might have a different opinion. I do still have depression so I need something to replace. I actually started Effexor for anxiety but it stopped for anxiety and depression. I work out so im hoping that will be to my advantage. So after 4 mos of tapering u were completely off? Then went back on?

Again, I feel for you. When these things stop working it can be not only very painful but also immobilizing. Not much enthusiasm for anything; however, I can kick myself into doing hard physical work. An old time-tested strategy of accomplishing at least one task per day. How long did you take Effexor?
Yes, 4 months of tapering, then completely off it, then the painful and scary withdrawal symptoms and my doc advised going back on a reduced dose, now 75mg/day. I see him tomorrow and can only hope he comes up with something so I can start living again. Please let me know what your doctor's opinion is. And if you wish, I will do the same.

I didn't get to try the Prozac while going off it. I did mention it however because I found out quite a few years after I was off it that a low dose of Prozac will stop the brain shocks and worst withdrawals. A different Dr told me when I brought up the side effects.

Thank you so much for letting me know. I'll see if my Dr. has ever prescribed it as a bridge drug. Anything to make progress.

Ok question. Who are you seeing to withdrawal from Effexor? Ur normal pcp doctor? Which I am. Or usually do. I’ve been on this for 20 years. And like i said tried tapering off 5 or 6 times. Each longer.
Longest was 6 mos but I did it too fast. So ima go slowly. And I’ve read everyone’s input here on this blog. It’s been so inspirational that people are successfully getting off even after the terrible side effects. Which I know. I’ve done it so many times. Unfortunately during and after Covid the Huge downfall in the healthcare system… I can’t get appts with good doctors now cecuee I’m on Obamacare. (That’s a whole nother story) my dr sys to me we usually refer these types of requests to psych! That’s what upset me. My doctor of 20 less years whom I’ve done this with 5 times before says this to me!!! But I was with her before she had children. I moved locations with her. Mayo Clinic people experts!!!?? Is this ok? Now I responded to her explaining this exactly (I mean I’m one of a lot of patients) why should she pick up my chart and look at it to make any decisions? No? Thank you. Any doctor on here reading this? Input?

I'm not a doctor, but have been on Effexor 375mg for 20 years and have been tapering off it for a month for the first time. My Doctor now has me on 75mg with 10mg of Citalopram for another 5 days then I will go on 20mg of citalopram. Effexor stopped working for me, this is why the switch. I wish I've known it was going to be as difficult as it was. I missed 4 days of work (supervisor was not happy) and worked a week feeling totally exhausted with flu like symptoms. I should have done it more gradually. Hope this helps anyone switching from one med to another.