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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jsn1711 | @jsn1711 | 10 hours ago

I am eight months off of this horrible drug and I'm still having waves and windows that are absolutely terrifying. I'm currently just sitting here in bed trembling I wake up every morning in between 3 am and 6 am and sheer terror for no reason. Other times I feel totally fine and I'm at the gym. I have learned I have a protracted withdrawal syndrome that can last months two years. I don't know what to do. Does anyone have any thing that help helped during this time. I've tried to clonidine to calm my nervous system and intermittent use of muscle relaxers at a very very low amount. My doctor says he hasn't seen anyone as sensitive as me in 30 years.