Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Posted by richyrich @richyrich, Nov 2, 2016

I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you

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rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 26, 2021

In reply to @sears "It may be a passing phase. Try not to go back up until you speak to..." + (show)

Yes, but if I'm so sad, then I probably need it

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 26, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I was 3 weeks out when it hit. I was doing well up to then. I..." + (show)

Ok. It's one of the hardest drugs to come off, was it a fast taper? I hope you get some relief soon. My original dose was 225mg

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "Ok. It's one of the hardest drugs to come off, was it a fast taper? I..." + (show)

I've been decreasing for months. Would decrease a little every 30 days. Original dose 75mg. Took for 10 years.

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I've been decreasing for months. Would decrease a little every 30 days. Original dose 75mg. Took..." + (show)

@rmj5
Have you had any negative side effects?
Jake

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I've been decreasing for months. Would decrease a little every 30 days. Original dose 75mg. Took..." + (show)

So I'm about the same as you, 10 years spent since December decreasing...what's bothering you most?

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @nat31 "So I'm about the same as you, 10 years spent since December decreasing...what's bothering you most?" + (show)

I went back up to 12.5 because I was very sad and crying. I've decided I probably need to be on something, since I'm obviously depressed. Why come off if I feel terrible?
I feel much better last 2 days.

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I went back up to 12.5 because I was very sad and crying. I've decided I..." + (show)

I was going to ask why you came off? It stopped working for me after 10 years and it's been hell since, I've tried bridging to prozac so far I don't feel like it's working, my anxiety is awful and I feel very sad

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 27, 2021

I'm so sorry. Prozac made me more anxious when I tried it years ago. I hope you can find a Dr. that can help

rmj5 | @rmj5 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @jakedduck1 "@rmj5 Have you had any negative side effects? Jake" + (show)

I was fine, until crying hit at 3 weeks

nat31 | @nat31 | Jun 27, 2021

In reply to @rmj5 "I'm so sorry. Prozac made me more anxious when I tried it years ago. I hope..." + (show)

Well I've heard it takes a while to work so I'm trying to give it a fair trial but the anxiety is unreal, all day everyday. I'm maybe thinking trying cymbalta which is similar to effexor, I just don't know. Just want my life back its hard