Effexor tapering question

Posted by trenxt @trenxt, Jul 12, 2025

I was on 112.5mg of XR for chronic pain. I started to taper from it over 20 weeks ago by cutting every 2 weeks. It was changed to IR in liquid form and I split it into 3 doses a day. Problem is I never did the math on how much the psychiatrist was cutting every time. I wasn't having issues at first as soon as I came down to around 60mg I'm getting stomach pain constantly, lost weight because can't eat due to pain, insomnia is horrible 3 4 days no sleep. I'm at 31mg and I can't keep going like this. I did the math and if I ask for an adjustment to cut 10% of the last dose every 2 weeks will take me another year or so to get off this horrendous drug. Is there a way I can ask to be given another medication that can cover effexor so I don't have to take it anymore and taper off that other one then. This is too painful.

Will I face withdrawal if I cross to another antidepressant? Please inform me.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

rufus31 | @rufus31 | 2 days ago

In reply to @cherrycherry "@cherrycherry just an update . No panics for 3 days .!! And no Venafaxine !!" + (show)

@cherrycherry
How's is going now? Are you still clear of the panic attacks and off the Effexor?

tisme | @tisme | 1 day ago

In reply to @david707 "@rufus31 I have been on & off Effexor for the last 25 years w/o significant withdrawal...." + (show)

@david707 isn't that a bit of up and down?? how do u know how many beads your getting?? say ( just for a number ) 100beads in one half of the capsule and 40 in the other half ??

cherrycherry | @cherrycherry | 1 day ago

In reply to @rufus31 "@cherrycherry How's is going now? Are you still clear of the panic attacks and off the..." + (show)

@rufus31 hi ,still off . I have painkillers petagablin 25 mg. X2 daily . I’m sure these are helping? I don’t feel that great but no panics waking me up,Thankfully. I feel super sensitive and confused but that could be old age 🤣Thank you for taking the time to ask,it’s greatly appreciated

rufus31 | @rufus31 | 1 day ago

In reply to @cherrycherry "@rufus31 hi ,still off . I have painkillers petagablin 25 mg. X2 daily . I’m sure..." + (show)

@cherrycherry
That's great news that you have been able to stay off. I would think the painkillers assist a little in numbing any major withdrawal effects. I hope the path only gets better for you 🙂

david707 | @david707 | 1 day ago

I have changed to other meds from Effexor numerous times without any significant side effects. Sounds like you need a minimum dosage to keep anxiety at bay. Your doctor may suggest a different med. You might ask for some small dosages of Valium or Xanax while switching. Many doctors are too cautious about prescribing Benzos even for the short term. Hopefully your doctor is more sympathetic to the unnecessary pain we go through while seeking a remedy. I am presently taking a natural anxiety remedy that works for me while taking 75 mg Effexor. You also need to inform your doctor about your lack of sleep which interferes with your coping with stress.

david707 | @david707 | 1 day ago

In reply to @tisme "@david707 isn't that a bit of up and down?? how do u know how many beads..." + (show)

@tisme I think the difference is insignificant. Remember the med is in your system for a long time and I doubt you would notice a change. I've been doing this for weeks taking approximately 1/2 capsule every day. It is more important that you get the sleep you need to better deal with the stress you are going through.