Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

This has been my case as well. Finally discovered that I cannot reduce my amt until my withdrawal symptoms are gone which sometimes take two or more months! Finally on 37.5 mg for almost a month and still having trembling, anxiety and fatigue. Will gradually get off it by using a compounded liquid. You must go very slowly and BE PATIENT . It’s so hard but have faith you can do it. BE STRONG🙏🏼

Hi, I have been totally off Effexor for 48 days and could not deal with how I was feeling, not knowing if this was going to be the forever me. I became highly agitated, had on going stomach & chest discomfort, sweating, no mojo and recluse. I decided to start back on Effexor with 37.5mg. It did not take long and my mood and other physical effects were gone. I’ll admit, I did skip a step when tapering off from 112mg to 75mg, then 0mg. But I did it and my doc and I decided I’m here now, so I will go for the gusto and ride this out. I lasted 48 days. My question is, how do I know if this is the real me (how I am wired) while not using this medication. I’m going to stay at this lower dose for a while, at least get through Christmas feeling relatively good. I’m meeting with my doctor after the holidays and can work out another plan. Has anyone micro-dosed from 37.5mg?

I have been tapering very slowly according to Horowitz regime
I stay up to three weeks on smaller does and am
Not at 7.5 mg oral solution twice daily
I feel generally OK a not depressed and not flushes after each reduction
I am
Amazed that with such small doses being reduced there is some effect

Will take the last doses slowly as that is recommended in Maudsley Book

I am planning on microdosing with compound after Jan. 1. I’m at 37.5mg of Eff for a month now. The anxiety has been nonstop for last several days. Yesterday I tried a half of a MJ gummy for anxiety but it made it worse.
Can anyone speak to having anxiety when withdrawing from the med? Dropping it from 75 to 37.5 I’ve seen the anxiety really worsen.
The Mosely book on Deprescribing Prescriptions was really helpful. Working with my psychiatrist with using the slowest taper as described in this book

How are those of us who are weaning off Eff dealing with the insomnia?

My Goodness Friends !!! These threads about withdrawal from EffexorXR appeared in front of me in perfect time. I wish I had researched this drug before ever going on it ! Perhaps it helps others, but personally it should be banned !!!

I’ve been tapering off for well over a year. Today is my 2nd day off this drug ..just started on 5 mg of Lexapro a day. OMG - If I could just remove my head off my body I would feel better. I cannot move my eyes-turn my neck or even walk without feeling unsteady. The sweeping sounds in my head are relentless! Sandpapering-brushing- computer reboots! The intermittent tinnitus is horrible. Tried white noise last night ..helped just a bit. Was trying to drown out the sound of the cicada’s !

I’ve been seeking info for years on how to get off this poison. I began because I noticed if I would of forgot just one dose or was even late taking my pill I could not even walk straight without holding on to a wall- enduring loud, scary head shocks and zap upon zaps.

I am just so angry at this drug. The original Effexor was taking off the market..interesting. I’m starting to understand the revolt against Big Pharma. This is a struggle. I’m so sorry for all of you going through this. It’s just not right.

I am planning on microdosing with compound after Jan. 1. I’m at 37.5mg of Eff for a month now. The anxiety has been nonstop for last several days. Yesterday I tried a half of a MJ gummy for anxiety but it made it worse.
Can anyone speak to having anxiety when withdrawing from the med? Dropping it from 75 to 37.5 I’ve seen the anxiety really worsen.
The Mosely book on Deprescribing Prescriptions was really helpful. Working with my psychiatrist with using the slowest taper as described in this book

Hi there! I am new to Connect, but hopefully can offer some insight. I DID go off 150 Effexor XR (name brand) COLD TURKEY on January 2016. I survived it, but will never in my life EVER go off ANY antidepressant cold turkey. I had taken Effexor for at least 8 years, Zoloft prior to that and and Imipramine (sp?) as the first antidepressant (in all 25+ years on antidepressants.) It all started with running out of meds over a long weekend and deciding it was time to try to get off antidepressants to see how I would do. Since I had recently retired from teaching, thought this would be an ideal time to give it a go. In addition, Effexor just wasn't helping all that much anymore (I thought.) The first 3 days I felt like I was going to die! When I realized that I wasn't dying, decided to keep going to get it all over with. In addition to the symptoms you have heard about, I had deep bone/joint pain that felt like I was being pinched with clamps. Also had skin sensations and peeling, and noticed a strange smell on my skin. Each day got a little better and by the 3rd week started to function a bit more normally. I was very emotional, however, which caused my family great concern. Well, to make a long story short, the depression crept back in full and I am still trying to get my life back. I did everything I could to stay stable, including herbal supplements and took a vacation where I hiked 6 miles daily for 9 days on hilly, rocky terrain. I finally had to accept that I'm a person who will need antidepressants for the rest of my life. With the help of a PCP and counselor, I am on my 3rd antidepressant & may need to resort to going back on Effexor, because nothing seems to be working. All in all, in my opinion, the chronic depression is worse than the withdrawal symptoms that do eventually end. If you are a person with situational depression, you may be successful weaning off Effexor gradually. If I were to do it again, that's what I would do (while replacing Effexor with something else.) Here are the things that helped me with the physical withdrawal symptoms:
1. Get plenty of sleep/rest.
2. Eat a very well-balanced diet (this is not the time to worry about your weight.) Lots of soup & easy to digest foods the 1st few days.
3. Drink plenty of water, including coconut water.
4. Have a glass of wine in the evening (if advisable.)
5. Get outside and walk or other excersize (the warm sunshine will feel good!)
6. Hot yoga 3-4 times per week. Stay in class even if you feel nauseous & can only do a few postures.
7. Soak in a hot tub (with bath salts if available.)
8. Use a good moisturizer on face & body several times per day.
9. Get several professional massages.
10. Take Tylenol for muscle pain, if OK on your stomach.
11. A heating pad is also helpful at bedtime or during naps.
12. If you are single & live alone, make sure a few trusted friends/family members know what you are doing.
13. In general, be kind & gentle to yourself.
14. NEVER give up! Keep going, even when you don't feel like it (which will be often.) YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!

If you dropped from 75mg to 37.5mg, then that was a 50% drop, while the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines recommends no more than a 10% drop over however much time it takes you to feel normal again before the next decrease of 10% of the balance. You may be one of those (like me) who suffers from a prolonged/protracted withdrawal syndrome: I had decreased the drug on my own to nothing, then suffered an onslaught of tremendously debilitating withdrawal symptoms about two months after feeling fine. Through online research, I learned what I did wrong and I will be doing it right the next time.
My best tool against anxiety is exercise, exercise, exercise. Good luck.