Is this the correct way to remove beads for Effexor withdrawal?

Hello @rmce72a

I am sorry, but Connect cannot help you with this question. As you know, on Connect we are not medical professionals.

You would need to consult with a pharmacist, or doctor or contact the drug manufacturer to get help with this.

I am starting my Effexor XR 75 withdrawal journey. I am going very slowly by removing only minimal beads. I am curious to see how other have done with this method and your bead schedule.

@rmce72a, I see that you started 2 discussions on the same topic in the Addictions & Recovery group. I've moved the 2 discussions into one and included it in the Depression & Anxiety group since quite a few members there are talking about Effexor.

I highly recommend reviewing this related discussion.
– Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-on-minimising-withdrawal-symptoms-from-effexor-aka-venlafaxine

Like you @texasduchess @jakedduck1 @kbmayo @mimid0506 @summertime4 @sandij and many others have tapered off venlafaxine capsules.

@samrichardson posts here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/694900/ about the advice he was given from his pharmacist about counting beads and detailed information about his research and experience.

Please note that this is not universally recommended as outlined here by a Mayo Clinic pharmacist. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/696464/

The concern is that if the beads are not standardized the dosing by bead counting would be variable. The manufacturer offers no indication that there is any particular amount of drug per bead, and release from the beads themselves could vary from the drug delivery from the bead and capsule since they are not designed to be taken that way.

The bottom line is that everyone is different and tapering is not a one size fits all. The final mile is the toughest and I can hear @jakedduck1 in my virtual ear reminding me to tell you - take. it. S L O W.

@rmce72a, the bead counting approach that you posted, was this recommended to you by your doctor or pharmacist? How long do you wait before reducing the dose to the next taper?

I began bead counting per instructions and patient experiences I read primarily on surviving antidepressants, but other sites also describe this method. I did this out of desperation since I do not trust the drastic recommendation of my PCP to alternate doses between 75 and 37.5 which is not usually recommended.

I began with the help of my internalist and NP to wean off of Effexor 150 and 37.5(twice per day). After a CHP test they found that Wellbutrin changed the properties of the Effexor so I may or may not need to go back on Wellbutrin after weaning off of that in April/May. I am starting a new med in conjunction with the Effexor until the Effexor is out of my system and this is a very long process. 12 weeks. Thank goodness they set up a table for me to follow in regard to the capsules when and strength. It's working well.

Thank you for your response. I wish my doctor were that helpful. He has not idea about bead counting and suggested switching back and forth between 75 mg and 37.5 which I will NOT do. I am on my own in this.

I had never heard of bead counting. Doing that would drive me back on something for stress/depression! I'm so sorry that some one doesn't help you. She began telling me about what I was to do and I was so confused. Then said...the doc usually does a table and she asked her to do one for me. When I got it home I wrote the dates so I knew exactly. I take 18 pills a day. I started the next day after seeing her so needed to be prepared. I set the am ones out the night before. Good luck and if you have any more questions let me know if I can help.

Thank you for your kind response.

You cannot take beads out of any XR Effexor whether 75 mg or 150mg. Can only do it with non XR. Then you can start taking out beads slowly, over time depending on how long you've been on it. I've been taking effexor 150XR for 10 to 15 years. Tried to drop to 75mgXR. Fine first 2 days. 3rd. night I had severely horrible nightmares. So bad that in my sleep I threw myself out of bed and hit my head on end table. Back on regular dose and no more nightmares.

You shouldn't remove beads on Effexor XR, only non XR.