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

Posted by joeh23 @joeh23, Mar 21, 2023

I have been on Effexor for almost a year now, I decided to go off, I tapered my dose down to 3mg over time, then after 3 weeks stopped completely. Has anyone had first hand experience with withdrawal symptoms, mine are quite sever. I am heading into week 4 of being off the meds. I feel very bad(sad, worried, negative thoughts, anxiety, etc.)
How long can I expect this to last? Thanks

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rmce72a | @rmce72a | Mar 31, 2023

A Website called Surviving Antidepressants has valuable info about tapering.

cmagarvey | @cmagarvey | Apr 5, 2023

In reply to @rmce72a "A Website called Surviving Antidepressants has valuable info about tapering." + (show)

Thank you. I ended up very sick…I could barely move, diarrhea but constipated, and dry heaves. I am back on 150 but may have to increase that. Still home in bed.

cmagarvey | @cmagarvey | Apr 5, 2023

In reply to @mayome99 "Ok question. Who are you seeing to withdrawal from Effexor? Ur normal pcp doctor? Which I..." + (show)

My GP. But I ended up becoming very sick. I am on 150 mg again may have to up that I am still home in bed though. He still wants me to take that 20 of the celesta. I just want to feel well again I’m beginning to wonder if that will ever happen

effexorhead | @effexorhead | May 20, 2023

Ive been under dr’s care taking Effexor 150mg 2x daily as per scribed. Its been 4 weeks now, i still have headaches, nausea. I was taken completely off in 6 days - almost 9 years of it. HELP HEADACHES AND NAUCEA PLEASE

scolio | @scolio | May 21, 2023

In reply to @effexorhead "Ive been under dr’s care taking Effexor 150mg 2x daily as per scribed. Its been 4..." + (show)

I'm really surprised that anyone would recommend your going off this medication in just 6 days. Was there an urgent reason you needed to stop taking it?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 22, 2023

In reply to @effexorhead "Ive been under dr’s care taking Effexor 150mg 2x daily as per scribed. Its been 4..." + (show)

@effexorhead, I add my welcome to @scolio's. I moved your post to this existing discussion:

- Coming Off Effexor: How long can I expect symptoms to last? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/coming-of-effexor/

I did this so you can connect with others. You may also be interested in this discussion:
As promised, my successful tapering off Effexor (Venlafaxine) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/as-promised-my-successful-tapering-off-effexor-venlafaxine/

I'm trying to understand your timeline. Are you saying that you took Effexor 150mg 2x daily for 9 years and 4 weeks ago you stopped completely and your taper was only 6 days long? Is that correct?

effexorhead | @effexorhead | Jun 2, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "@effexorhead, I add my welcome to @scolio's. I moved your post to this existing discussion: -..." + (show)

Yes, sorry! Im done! No more! Feeling great, no turning back. 6 weeks it took

graciepeanut521 | @graciepeanut521 | Jun 3, 2023

Hey there,
I too weaned off of Effexor and the ONLY way I was able to was by getting on another antidepressant. It sounds like you have made it much further than I did. When I was weaning off, I cut out caffeine completely and that seemed to help. I wish I had more advice but I wish you luck on your withdrawal. Will you come back and let us know how you’re doing?

joeh23 | @joeh23 | Jun 17, 2023

In reply to @graciepeanut521 "Hey there, I too weaned off of Effexor and the ONLY way I was able to..." + (show)

Hi , things are going better with me. I worked with true hope(a nutrition based antidepressant program) and with heir guidance and coaching I went true the tapering down and then quitting. After I stopped taking the last dose of Effexor I felt ok for a week or 2 but then started to feel very bad, this lasted for almost 3 months, but things are better now, still feeling some anxiety and worry and stuff but it's not too bad and it seems to be slowly improving. I would encourage u to give true hope a chance if u like. They also told me that Effexor is one of the hardest meds to come of off, so yes it was very hard for me for 3 months, I often felt like giving up and turning back but things are better now.

dfb | @dfb | Jun 18, 2023

To all who struggle, remember these disorders MDD and BPD, often treated with the same meds, belong to us. I have been sick since age six I am turning 60 this month. During that time I’ve been on everything from ETC to Smoking Pot. The one thing I know for sure is I have to do my own research and keep a record of everything? Sleep, meds, exercise and how I feel day to day.

The last time I followed a doctor blindly I ended up in prison, suicide would have been preferable,

I know make written reports to my provider before our meetings, I include my thoughts on what we should do next, This is not a “set it and forget it” disorder, as much as the providers and we might want it to be. It changes constantly!

Do your own research, you should know more about your illness then your provider does!

It’s your life!

My best wishes to all who suffer anywhere from any disease or injustice. That is my “estranged” Father’s Day wish,