When to jump to zero mg effexor? (and being patient!)

@meingan My opinion is true healing is both psychological and spiritual. I have read numerous books on NDR's (near death experiences) which I, as a rational person, found convincing. That, along with my own personal encounter with an entity of love which I assumed was God, has brought me where I am today. Realize going back to Christ with your eyes wide open, I hope you also join a congregation that is pastored by a seminarian who has been well educated on the history of the formation of the Bible. I made the mistake, because of ignorance, of joining a denomination that trapped me in it's dogma for 20 yrs before I began questioning the contradictions in scripture and the judgments of others who don't conform to this particular church's dogma. I ended up joining a congregation of mystics who refrained from judging others but desired only to bring it's congregation into communion with God, which is where true healing is found. Since then, my journey has been enlightening and I have found God to be All-Forgiving, following Jesus' command not to judge others, including those who do not consider themselves evangelical Christians. It has been a fascinating and rewarding journey.

@david707
David, do you take the CBD only when you feel the anxiety coming or at a regular time? Also do you take the full dosage as a single dose or break it down to a few times a day? Did you have to try various dosages before you found an amount that works?
I found some information on clinical trials (not large samples) that 300 - 600 mg of CBD was effective for mitigating anxiety and some of the participants actually stopped their other meds. The dosage is huge compared to the few sublingual drops. If you’re interested I can send you the article.

@meingan I rarely take it now as I am taking a beginning dose Mirtazapine, a antidepressant for sleep. I don't seem to be having a problem with anxiety lately. I only take the CBD when I need it and that is usually 50-70mg from my dropper is all I needed. I can't imagine 300 mg daily. I would never bother to get out of bed.

I was on Effexor many years ago. Trying to discontinue this medicine was traumatic. I cut my tablets down to quarters and then when I couldn't go any lower took them every other day, but still suffered withdrawal. Missed a week of work with vertigo, vomiting, etc. I will never take Effexor again. It was brutal.

I have just finished weaning myself of Effexor. I was on 150 mg, then switched to 75 mg for about a month, then 37.5 mg for another month while taking a starting dose of Mirtazapine for sleep. Of course I had the usual brain zaps and still do from time to time, but it is wonderful to have feelings in my sexual organs again. I am more subject to frustration and anger but my partner tolerates it. I haven't experienced anxiety like before and I took CBD oil daily while reducing Effexor. I meditate daily and practice living in the present moment, which is so very important.

I am weaning myself off of Effexorxr. I was on 75 mg +37.5 mg. I switched to 75mg for 2 weeks and am now on 37.5 mg for a week. It’s my intention to do this for another 2 weeks and then stop. I too am on Mirtazapine for sleep and hanging in there. I take benedryl in the middle of the day to soften the effects . So far so good.

@bern7475 How long were you on it and why are you weaning off of it?

I have been on it for a year and I feel that now it’s contributing to my neurological symptoms. I have Parkinson’s and the doctor feels that it’s adding to my tremors.

@bern7475
Are you being followed and advised by you Dr. ? Tapering off can bring on problems if it is not closely supervised by a Dr.
I’m cross tapering from Paxil to Lexapro. I’m in a very very slow taper and it’s been uncomfortable. I do realize Paxil is difficult to get off due to the SSRI discontinuation syndrome.
Good luck

@david707
What dose of CBD did you take and how often. I am having problems with the frustration and insomnia and temper and really do not want to live like that again. This drug is so awful. I will never go near it again if I ever get off it.
So far am on 21 mg and am going really slow. I had terrible panic attacks and am afraid of them reoccurring. Ugh