How To Reduce Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

Fish Oil is recommended because it has EPA omega's in it, which aid brain functioning/growth(I can't remember precisely). BUT is really helps with mood and such.

After reading the previous threads I'm starting to dread ever coming off Effexor XR.

I have been on Effexor for about 10 years.  I year ago I attempted to get off it and replace with Wellbutrin.  I failed then as I couldn't stand the dizziness, light sensitivity, ect.   I am trying again with this method over two or three months.   Going on to quick release instead of extended.  Gradually getting down to 6mg in the evenings over two or three months.  Then after about 3 weeks of that I tried again to stop the 6mg and I get the side effects.  Now I am trying 6mg every three days.  Last time I got to this same point so I gave up and went back on it.   For some reason no matter how slowly I wean off this the last tiny bit seems to be the hardest to kick.  I wonder if anyone has tried medical Marijuana for this?  I don't smoke it all but I thought I might try a very small dose to see if it works to at least mask the symptoms.  

Hi there. I am in the withdrawal period of coming off Effexor. It's been 3 days since taking it. I started taking omega 3 flaxseed oil b 12 and a multi vitamin with folic acid. How long did you experience the withdrawals?

I am also in a withdrawal period from having taken Effexor XR for about 7 months.

Three years ago I was on 75 mg Effexor XR for about two years and weaned myself off and had only minor headaches for a few days. This time I started with 37.5 mg, then 75 mg and ended taking 150 mg for about a month. I was lowered to 75 mg for two weeks then to 37.5 for two weeks.

I am in my fifth day after weaning off.

Starting on the third day without any pills I had horrible headaches, nausea and vomiting. I kept feeling weird buzzing in my forehead area which I know hear is called 'brain zaps'. I also have had diarrhea and heartburn. I had two nights of terrible almost lucid nightmares and restless sleep.

I have been eating high protein foods today and it has been better but I still have trouble walking around for very long without having to rest again. I am hopeful that the worst of my symptoms will subside over the next few days.

The best thing I have found to help with my symptoms was an adrenaline rush I had before taking the stage for a prior performance commitment. I guess my brain needed something else to overload on and it helped immensely but the downfall was horrible.

I wish everyone with these problems the best of luck.

2012 now and looking for tapering effexor information. Your post from 2006,I think, has been very helpful. Thank you for sharing! I will try the omega3 fish oil, do you remember how many mg you took? What about the vit B-3 mg daily? I appreciate your feedback and Thanks again!

Hello all.  I was put on effexor at a young age.  I was not informed of the side effects or withdrawal symptoms that would occur when and if I tried to get off the medication.  After concerns over my lack of sex drive, I began to do some research on the causes of this, and found a main side effect of effexor is a low sex drive.  Thinking I was stable enough, I decided to begin lowering the dose.  Starting at 150 and ending at 37.5, I experienced many of the symptoms everyone here is referring to.  At that point, I decided to stay on 37.5 for a while to try to stabalize my body and mind.  Soon after, I began to have some of the similar symptoms I encountered before starting effexor.  It was then that I came to the realization that it may not be possible for me to live my life medication free.  But one thing was for sure, I would not stay on effexor.  I began Lexapro and noticed an almost immediate improvement in my mood and anxiety.  I have been on lexapro since April and have recently decided that its time to finish getting off effexor.  It is day 3 of cold turkey and I'm feeling pretty crappy.  Intense dreams, brain zaps, racing heart, fatigue, diarrhea.  I'd say the most frustrating symptom though is my brain never turning off.  I am constantly thinking and worrying about anything and everything.  To the point where I cannot even concentrate on daily activities.  I'm irritable, snapping at anyone and everyone about the littlest things, and distant from my husband.  Its frustrating and I just want it to end.  I know that it can only get better from here as at least I am free of this dangerous medication.  I am considering fish oil pills as several people here said they helped greatly.  It is scary how dangerous this medication is.  I wish someone would have informed me or my parents what I would have to deal with if I ever  decided to get off of effexor.  In all honesty, I understand that in some cases, such as mine, medication may be a necessity.  But there are medications that are far better than effexor in every way.  Just frustrated today.  Thanks for letting me vent.

I was on 125 mg. doctor then moved me to 225 mg. it made me feel tightness in chest and seemed like I bruised easily. Told doc I wanted off Effexor. I started cutting pills in half. Immediately had pain in the base of my skull and neck. Migraine intensity. Hurt to bend over or turn head. This went on for 5 days. Doctor prescribed 175 mg but I am only taking 75 mg. have slept for 24 hours. Stomach cramps and diahrea. Feel lethargic. Haven't eaten in 24 hours. Making myself get up and take bath. Don't know what everyone is talking about zaps? I have neck headaches. Don't seem to have mood swings yet. But am totally worn out. I don't even want to take the 75mg. But am so far. There is a lot of stress in family right now. I didn't pick best time to decide to cut back. How long will this last? So tired. Thanks

I know this is an older post, but it was very helpful!! Thanks so much for taking the time to write it out. I'm on day 11 and I'm finally starting to feel better...I see vast improvement. I finally can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am still emotional have unreasonable anxiety at times. I just work though it. I can't wait for it to be over!

I've been on Effexor XR for several years. About 2 months ago, I decided to slowly reduce it to 75 mg. I began with about week of 112 and then and then 112 and 75 every other day for a week or 2. It really seems to work best to reduce meds as slowly as possible. Praise God, I've not experienced any major effects from the reduction. I do seem to have more 'negative dreams', but they seem to be subsiding. There haven't been any headaches or brain zaps resulting from this. Just thought those of you who are considering reducing may need a little encouragement. :)

I ran out of my prescription and have been waiting for the mail order for several days now. I only just put it all together and realize that this is probably causing my severe dizziness, nausea and clammy feellingg. What should I do?

Having withdrawn from both Effexor and Heroin, in my opinion Effecor is worse.

I am currently withdrawing from 150 mg. Effexor and I've done two weeks at 75 mg. before being off now. I've been on various antidepressants over the last 10 years but Effexor the last 5. I am shivering, crying, brain zapping, the works... but I do want to say to anyone considering this medication that when we evaluate the risk of taking a drug we have to consider the risk of never getting on the drug in the first place. If I am going to be a hot mess for one month, I can do that. I have enough tools that I've gained while I had the energy from not being depressed to get through (meditation, exercise, communication, etc.). What I could not have gotten through was the depression that effexor pulled me from... I had tried so many drugs before but nothing gave me the quality of life like effexor has. I keep reading that this drug is evil, but this is nothing compared to suffering ongoing mental illness. Just remember to compare this experience to what lead you to the drug in the first place. It's giving me a little perspective.

Cam53 - My doctor put me on Effexor RX 75 mg about 3 months ago to give me relief from my menopausal hot flashes. I was taking quite a few supplements at the same time and started having an upset stomach, so I stopped everything. Well, I had no idea what was happening to me. Had to pull off the road. Started back on the Effexor. I was doing every other day with the med, but about half way through the day that I was to take the med (taking at night) 3pm I would have to pop the pill to stop symptoms. I called my doctor back and she now wants to put me on Prozac 20 mg for a couple of days. Did you try this method listed above. I am afraid of taking the Prozac and wonder if I should just start opening the meds and taking out a granule each day. Thanks for any info.

Cam53, I was on 225mg of Effexor for a year. This is day 5 of being OFF this medicine. I am having horrible side effects like everyone else. I think this is something everyone who comes off this medicine will have to face. However, I do hope the following will help you in coming off! I tappered off effexor in 3 months doing the granule technique you mentioned above. I had absolutley NO side effects the entire 3 months. It wasnt until i came completely off that started having nausea, dizziness, and headaches. The nausea is almost unbearable. But I know it will be worth it in the end. The key with taking granules away from each capsule is to be very gradual! I started with just taking 10 granules from each pill for one week. Then I bumped it up to 20 and so forth. once i got to 50 i stuck with this a little longer. it just depends on your body. just take your time. i hope this was helpful to you. good luck!