Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

@idwhite720 for me, the brain zaps are the worst! It kind of feel like eyes and brain are just slightly off So if I’m super still and don’t move you head or eyes, I feel pretty good. But any loud noise, movement of my head or eyes causes a short second of dizziness. Mine are in threes. So I’ll get 3 zaps at a time It kind of feels like it takes a second for my brain to follow my eyes. It’s the craziest feeling I’m now in day three and it comes and goes. I’m ready for it to be done!! Staying hydrated, sleep, and keeping things calm have helped me. Hope you continue to move forward too!

Today i begin a slow taper down after being on this med for 16.years.
Wish me luck

@caityduck Thanks for the definition! I'm having the brain zaps then, I guess....dizzy inside myself when I turn my head or eyes, or even if I blink. I'm feeling slightly more human today, being day 7 of "cold turkey" from the 37.5 mg. Zofran before bed helped with the nausea.

Good luck!! I am on week 2 of tapering off. I was taken 150.0 for a year so not super long. My Dr told me to take 115 for 2 which I just finished, then 75 for 2 wks and then 37.5 for 1 wk and then done. I haven't had any side effects yet. I also just had surgery last Tuesday so only pain I'm in is from that. Good luck!!

Hi, @chinupjenna. I wanted to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect to that of @edziner and also let you know that I merged your post with this discussion on tapering off of venlafaxine (Effexor). Here you will meet many members who are or have experienced the taper process with this medication, like @texasduchess @shaker1956 @caityduck @grandmar and others. Hoping they can add some support and input about what their tapers were like.

I'd also wish you luck. What will be your tapering schedule, @chinupjenna?

I just found out that my psychiatrist who has been monitoring my Effexor for the last 4+ years is leaving her practice. My appointment with her was cancelled. Now I don't know if I will be able to see her before she leaves. I go every 6 months so I will have time to find another doctor.
I don't need this now!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@haleysmom
I am so happy for you that your tapering off process is working so well.
I hope it remains that way!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Thank you!!!! My fingers are crossed

I have been on effort for 2 years now started with 75mg and now at 150mg .I'm now living in Florida so I had to find a new doctor I am praying that she will help me get off this med. I do not feel like I need it. I forgot to take a dose yesterday and wow I won't make that mistake again I felt as if all noises around me where louder and I just wanted to sleep. Very lethargic . so I seen where you slowly take the dose down about every 2 weeks so hoping this new doctor will get me off this nasty drug. I go next month so I will post what I am experiencing. Not looking forward to this little journey.

Welcome to Florida. I have lived here 3 years. I love it. It helps with my depression. I hope you like your new doctor. Good luck.