Have been on Effexor or similar medication for 20 yrs. Condition was getting worst, doctor increased medication, finally i have decided to get off the Effexor, doctor had no comment, offered no help. Have been off the Effexor for over 1 month, and suffering various side effects. Would like to find out how long the withdrawal symptoms will last (approx.) and what part of the body will it effect besides the nervous system? Would really appreciate some information, having a pretty hard time of it and nobody to turn to.
Thanks, Vicki
How long does withdrawal symptoms from Effexor last?
Question posted by marathon on 12 Oct 2006
Last updated on 6 March 2022
This question has also been asked and answered here: Effexor withdrawal symptoms?
33 Answers Page 2
becky mitchell
17 Oct 2017
It has taken me seven months to get over Effexor. The first two weeks were the worse. During month five to six I went into a deep depression. Now I am well in to month eight, started taking St. John's Wort and don't know if that is what did it but the depression has lifted. I am finally starting to feel good again.
ditomp4
23 June 2017
I was on Effexor XR for over 20 years. I decided to get off of it and researched all I could because I knew how bad the side effects are. I started over a year ago by taking out of the capsule one or two "beads" every 5 to 6 days. I was on 75 mg. and when I took out enough beads, I went down to 37.5 mg and did the same thing until I was down to 5 beads and stopped. I have been completely off the Effexor for 2 months... but!!! still having mild brain shocks that I notice only when I am not moving around. The shocks are tolerable, just annoying. Now I am trying to find when I can expect the shocks to quit.
ditomp4
24 Dec 2017
I have been off effector for 7 months now. Because I took beads out of the capsule over the course of a year I didn't have the withdrawal symptoms but still having brain shocks just before I go to sleep at night. I got no help from my doctor, I don't think doctors know how bad the withdrawals are. I researched the internet and appreciate others comments. I did tell my doctor how bad effector is and commented she should not prescribe it.
dlashley
13 June 2017
Unfortunately I can't answer your question but I'm also searching for an idea of how long these awful withdrawal side effects will last. I have been on Effexor XR for approximately 7 years, most recent dose 225 mg. I tapered down according to advise of psychiatrist (5 weeks total) and started Viibryd during the tapering of the Effexor. My last day of Effexor was 5/22/17 and I was familiar with the mind zapping and other weird feelings in the head from previously missed doses (if I didn't take my meds at exactly the same time each day). I was not prepared for the uncontrollable crying and fits of anger. I have Xanax to take to try and control the crying but I've just filed for intermittent FMLA for my job because I feel out of control with my emotions.
3 days ago I drove my 14-year-old to town and besides continuing to get extremely sick to my stomach after eating, I had an awful time with the zapping in my head with eye movement and I did not feel comfortable driving. Besides feeling dizzy when doing over-the-shoulder checks I had road-rage and was swearing at another driver and that is WAY out of character for me. So after my daughter left for her dad's house on Sunday I cried for hours because of what an awful mother I have been. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I don't trust myself around people, I don't want to be remembered as this crabby person. I don't want to be taking tons of Xanax each day as I don't see that as a good way of living.
Tpullen
4 June 2017
super tired of ppl flooding with saying they feel the same. how about you give answers instead of stories.
Anyways I've been taking 75.5 mg for 4 years. insurence cancelled and I get the chance to quit. the best thing that's worked for me is omega 3,6,9 and Advil. I take omega every 4 hours I take 2 pills and Advil for headache. I'm on day 4 and I feel the eye zaps brain fog ect. but it's bearable because of the omega. just try it. It shouldn't take more than a couple of weeks depending on the dosage and length but everyone is dif.
LynnP1976
12 April 2017
I am almost 60 yrs old and have been taking this drug for quite a while. About a month ago, I needed to get a refill on my prescription; the pharmacy called and faxed a request to my drs. office, no response. Meanwhile I have been wanting to get off of this med for many years, only to have my dr. give me all of the reasons why I should stay on. I figured this would be a great opportunity to finally break free - looking for a more natural way to help with my depression. I do have the brain zaps, some dizziness, night sweats (which I never experienced before) and blurry vision (didn't know this was a side affect). I feel like I'm getting a cold now, so I'm not sure if this is another symptom of detox. I have no body aches or any other symptom. I read about the fish oil caps and vitamins and will try that. Hope this helps some.
LynnP1976
12 April 2017
I've only ever been at 37.5 dosage.
ughhelp706
2 May 2017
I have been on venlafaxine er for 2 1/2 years. For the first 6 months or so I was on 37.5 mg and then on 75mg. My dr has decided to switch me to bupropion as of last week. He told me to stop taking velafaxine and start bupropion right away. I feel light headed, nauseous, I have diarrhea, and wake up drenched in sweat in the middle of the night. I have a call in to my dr to see what can help or how long I should anticipate experiencing these symptoms. I have not heard back from my dr yet. I am tempted to take one of my lower dose pills that I have from previously but don't want to do so if I am close to the end of my symptoms. Does anyone else have a similar experience?
M Muise
28 Jan 2017
I've been on effexor 2x 150mg per day for years. I asked my doctor to lower the dose. I started on 225mg a day dose 2 days ago and am slightly nauseous, dizzy, tired, shaky. Hopefully my body adjusts soon.
Tonyrea1
19 Jan 2017
Hi, I would also like some advice if any1 can help? Has anybody suffered from an increase or worsening in hyperactivity as a withdrawal side effect? I recently stopped Effexor after a lot of months. It was my first antidepressant since weaning off another in April. I found it made me more settled, but gave me irregular heart rates in the evenings, not to mention the weight gain and couch lock. Due to the heart rate issues, my doc changed me onto another med, but it didn't agree with me even after 1 tab. With my dr's blessing, I have decided to withdraw completely from my meds, so the advice of fish oil will be heeded. However, I have felt intermittently hyper over the last few days, and even though it's not a terrible thing, I would love to know if any1 else has had this response?
2manycats3
11 Feb 2017
Hi! Yes! I can totally relate to the hyperactivity side effect on withdrawing! I have taken Effexor for 9 years. My dose was gradually raised until I was on 300mg a day. In 2010 I decided I wanted to come off them as I felt far more stable mentally. My dr said to reduce my dose by 50%each two weeks. I went from 300 to 150 and within a week I was so manic I couldn't sleep, I couldn't stop moving then I started to hallucinate. I was admitted into a psychiatric hospital and my dose was raised back up. I didn't try coming off them again for another 5 years! Over the past two years I have very gradually come down. I have got to the point now where I have just dropped my last half of a 37.5mg tablet!! I am not suffering the harsh affects of last time but I am getting very hyperactive and forgetful. I feel sick, dizzy and my dreams are weird! But I am coping. I am going to take half a tablet every other day this week until I drop it all together.
I hope you are feeling better!
colleenmac
18 July 2017
you are the first one to mention hyperactivity that I have found as a result of a withdrawal from Effexor! YES... Im ok with that though as I had no activity before... 10yrs on it ughhh. Ive been weaning off it for a month now. The worst side effect for me is the "bobble head" feeling so far. I remember this exact same feeling when I first went on it. I will be trying the fish oil advise as well.
EllaL95
10 Jan 2019
Yep, I was delirious for a day or two, didn’t know where I was, couldn’t work out why there was sunlight coming through the window when I was convinced it was nighttime, sweating, shaking, when that wore off I was intensely manic went outside climbed a tree at three am, then just left the house and had to keep walking until I tired myself out several hours later. Then intense akathisia, restless legs, muscle twitching etc. Thanks Wyeth, thanks psychiatry, what a socially responsible thing to do, pushing this drug as a medicine. Apparently it pays well though.
Alyciann
15 Jan 2017
I was on 150 mg of Effexor for 9 years. I wanted to stop taking it because I had bad side effects. Dizziness, hot flashes, night sweats, I couldn't bear it anymore. I was also on Lamictal and a low dose of Zyprexa, but I always felt it was the Effexor giving me the side effects.
I tapered down very gradually, over 7 months. Thankfully I didn't have any physical withdraw. Only some brain zaps during the first couple days when I began. I was expecting a lot worse, and all the side effects I was experiencing went away. BUT, now it's been 6 months since I've been off it completely and I think I'm experiencing a rebound effect emotionally. When I stopped it completely, there was a good month and a half when I was so irritable. And angry. That didn't last, but then started the crying. I can't stop crying over little things.
Not necessarily sad things, but happy heartfelt things make me cry even more! It's honestly very embarrassing because I can't control it and I don't want people to see.
I don't know definitively if stopping the Effexor is causing this, but it seems to make sense to me.
xxSassafrass
15 Dec 2016
Effexor had a powerful impact on my depression, finally for once giving me a few months without worrying and stressing out. I didn't realize it until just now, but yes, it made me incredibly tired. I was given the 150s as a starting dose, and even taking it with food immediately threw up hard enough to break blood vessels, so just to warn people, it's not a medication to play around on. Dropped down to 37's for a few months before I noticed hives, and after bumping to the 75s for one day, my throat tightened up, and I was immediately put back down to the 37s and told to stop taking it. I have slept... maybe... 16 hours this whole week? My memory is out the window. The muscle aches have just begun in my thighs again. My appetite is gone. Cycling in and out of irritation and aggressive depressive fits and anxiety. Vivid, violent dreams when I /do/ sleep. But hey, no more constipation so you win some you lose some.
I only just now realized that it's only been four, almost five days since I stopped cold. Time doesn't feel real anymore. Things that happened a week ago feel like four weeks ago, things that happened a month ago seem like a year ago. Feels a little bit crazy, honestly. Hang in there, if you're reading this!
leonardofr
27 Dec 2016
Any better now?
I'm in need of good news on quitting Effexor!
Pdgrondin1951
6 March 2018
I’ve been on Effexor for about two years, I seemed to be stable with my depression and mood swings, soooo good. The first time I ran out , by no fault of my own. But I turned into a nervous wreck, crying and super depressed. I figured that out and got back on it. I hate taking these types of drugs!!! So after not refilling my Rx, I've been miserable, insane itching and burning on my skin, back, hands, legs and bottom of feet. Crying jags, feelings of losing myself. Sleeplessness for days, intense anxiety etc and had no answer as to what was happening to my mind and body. My sister in law mentioned being off Effexor and Iimmediatly hugged her... right on with the withdrawal symptoms. I will never let the Md drug gurus put me on another of these drugs. After 11 days, I’ll ride it out. Thanks for the fish oil tips, I took one right away. Our drs want to help, but sometimes make it worse. Good diet, lots of good water exercise and Christ Jesus has worked for me endlessly. God don’t need no help! Love and all good wishes!
Candoit
14 Dec 2016
I too had been on Effexor for over 20 years. 150mg once a day. I have been weening down over about 9 months. I stopped altogether about a week ago and the withdrawals are horrendous. I have had to take time off work. My GP gave me some Valium to try and ease these withdrawals but to be honest I think it has made it worse. I read with interest everyone's comments and I'm going to buy fish oil today to see if that helps. I head is spinning so badly I actually worry about driving.
Breeb30
5 Aug 2016
I have been on and off Effexor XR since I was 19 (I'm currently 35) The first stint on Effexor was 19 to 31, and I honestly didn't have any problems... Then I go pregnant. So I had to do a quick (but safe) step down then off. Was off for the pregnancy, but after I had my son I had very bad post p. depression, so my dr put me back on. It honestly saved my life. I was suicidal. So I stayed on the Effexor for the first 3 years of my sons life, but this time I developed some unpleasant side effects that were not present before. Orthostatic hypotension, stomach issues (ulcer) and more depression. They kept upping it... until i got pretty sick on it. So now, after a year of weaning off slowly... I am on my 5th day without Effexor... my blood pressure is almost back to normal and the classic "zap symptoms" are less as the days go by. YES, this medicine isn't alway a good answer for people, but it helped me when i needed it the most, which i am very grateful.
Porscha28
10 Nov 2016
how are you as of today?
Chickadee33
17 Oct 2012
I have been off for 11 days. I have the floatie brain thing and a little irritable, some insomnia (which is an issue I suffered before taking Effexor). Other than that, it's not too bad. I decided to get off the Effexor after I developed severe muscle pain, joint pain and muscle weakness. I was also extremely tired to the point that I would sleep 22 hours a day if given the opportunity. I would literally sleep my weekends away. Earlier this year I was without the Effexor because of an insurance issue. That time, I thought I was loosing my mind, crying, intense anger, horrible headaches, sleepiness. This time feels completely different. Please don't chastise me for NOT tapering before quitting. The fact that my symptoms are bearable and not severe seems to me to be divine intervention. The only thing I want to know is when the Effexor actually leaves your system and your symptoms cease?
shelbylb
24 Oct 2012
I understand. I felt so sick on the stuff, so confused, sleepy, and therefore depressed.
heartstoyou
9 March 2013
I have been on Zoloft for 17 years and was just recently switched to Effexor 75mg twice a day. I could not stand the side effects of Effexor after only 3 weeks. I was feeling extreme nervousness and felt like I always wanted to sleep on this med. It also gave me a feeling of numbness all over my body. Today, I went off Effexor cold turkey and decided to take a natural supplement instead. I went to the vitamin store and bought GABA calm and a homeopathic medicine called Kali Phos 6X. I felt much better today!!
HappyJilly
3 May 2013
I am currently undergoing withdrawal from Effexor XR. I had only been taking a rather low dose of 75mg maxing out at 112.5 for just a few months of my time on the drug. I was on the drug for an extended period of time - I would estimate for the past 4 years.
Wednesday 23rd April 2013 was the last day I took effexor after discussions with 2 different doctors and a planned reduction/cesation.
I had reduced my 75mg intake to a 1/4 of it's dose to 18.75mg per day over several months. I found that the generic version I was purchasing had 2 small tablets inside the capsule so I first started taking just one of those per day instead of the 2 and stuck with that for a month, then cut each of those in half and took one of those for a month. I suffered few symptoms of withdrawal while doing this.
(I also thought doing it this was was cheaper, I could get medication for the same price on PBS - here in Australia and cut it myself instead of getting my doc to prescribe me a lower dose)
As part of my quit plan my doctor did prescribe me 1 x 2mg tablets per day of Valium (Diazepam/Valpam) to take for 2 weeks in place of the Effexor (not to take at the same time!!) I felt after just a few days that the Valium was not really doing anything for me. It did manage to mask the withdrawal symptoms to a degree for the first few days. I have stopped taking them also after just 1 week. I was very concerned about the adictive nature of this drug and as I was having trouble getting off one I didn't want to replace it with another that was difficult to quit!
I was initially suffering brain shocks, sweats, nausea, stomach pains etc, but am glad to report that after just over a week these symptoms are reduced by more than half. I did read in another entry that Omega 3 oils can help and I have been taking these for the past 4 days (just a couple of capsules) and I have no idea if this has impacted upon my withdrawal period/the severity of the symptoms I have suffered.
For those looking for a light at the end of the withdrawal tunnel: If you plan your withdrawal slowly and with the assistance of a doctor then hopefully you won't have to suffer through too much horror. As I think I might be out the other side of the effects I still have in about another week. (I plan to keep taking the Omega 3 - fish/krill oil for the next month to be sure)
Best of luck to you all. X
sherylanne54
19 May 2013
wow, you sound like me. i have been off for a week now. havent killed anyone yet but my kids are in hiding. (hee hee) i am over the angry outbursts but now am on a crying jag. i go to tell some one something sweet or cute and cry like a baby. i have brain fuzzy's and i ache all over. feel like i am walking under water. this is the main reason i quit taking them. i am 58 yrs old and my 84 yr old dad can run circles around me. i work nights as a nurse and all i do is sleep when i am home. i want a life!!!
JH24
20 March 2017
I stopped 10 days ago I didn't ween off, no judgement please. I started 1x daily10 mg Prozac 3#days ago 2 days ago 1x daily started 1400mg fish oil 1000 mg omega 3 essential Superfoods Greenings 1x daily lots & lots water eating right started 30 min day cardio. Last week was hell week! I had all the withdrawal symptoms listed..: Anxiety, confusion, or agitation.
Crying at times uncontrollably.
Lack of coordination or vertigo.
Nausea, diarrhea,
Sleeping disorders or nightmares.
Headache.
Dry mouth.
Fatigue minus vomiting, suicidal thoughts, brain zaps!!! And over feeling like I'm losing my mind. Saturday I final felt well enough to leave the house however still feeling the brain zaps and feeling like crap. Today is day 11 and I feel better and bad throughout the day moods are jumping brain zaps not so frequent. "But this is better then being on the medication"!!!
So is anyone out there that can tell me how long one might have to suffer withdraws???
MandyMe
18 May 2012
Oh wow, can I identify with this one... I too had been on Effexor (XR, 150mg x2 daily) for nearly 20 yrs up until about two months ago. My doctor gave me Prozac to help with the withdrawal symptoms. After about 2 weeks of taking Prozac only, I stopped the drug completely and began the cold turkey process. In the beginning, it was pure Hell. But each day is a little better. I've found that an unfailing commitment to nutrition and exercise keeps me level enough to still function in society. Meditation has also been useful, as it has allowed me (over time, of course) to change my mindset and control mood swings. I am sorry that you are going through this seemingly alone. I too feel that way most of the time. But I believe in my body's ability to heal, I have seen it overcome so much already. It will definately require assistance during its time of healing, and the process may be slow at times, but stick with it.
Everyone is different, which means that a time table for recovery is nearly impossible to construct. But I'd say that if you are feeling like you simply cannot function after 3 months... talk to a professional (maybe a different dr.; the one you mentioned sounds a bit too aloof on the subject). *What I take that helps: omega-3, all vit. Bs, a multi-vitamin, and herbs like chamomile to control aggitation.*
deason123
27 March 2017
I have taken Effexor 75 mg for 20 years. Decided to try life without it. My MD suggested a 75mg for 2 days, 37 mg for 1 day rotation for two weeks. Then 75 mg for 1 day then 37 mg for 1 day rotation for 2 weeks. Then 75 mg for 1 day then 37 mg for 2 days rotation for two weeks. I then took 37 mg for a week and now I am on my 4th day without any. I am experiencing minor but irritating shocks but nothing that keeps me from work. Although my MD warned me that the Effexor aided in controlling menopausal hot flashes, I was not prepared for that!
I was also told there is no one withdrawal method good for everyone: To use my good sense and if I was uncomfortable at any stage, to back up and try a slightly different rotation and/or add more time. There should be no rush.
dc9
10 July 2011
ANYONE who is coming off antidepressants should STRONGLY consider taking Fish Oil Supplements.. they helped me immensly get over the brain zaps and other side effects. It definitely minimizes the brain zaps.
jrt.me
31 Jan 2012
2 fish oil pills and 1 vitamin c is an effective way to reduce the side effects of effexor withdrawal from personal experience. Good luck, you will make it.
barbara 54
1 Feb 2017
How much? I'm trying to wean myself off of this. I've been taking 3 / 75mg a day for years now so last month I tried taking 2 a day without any side effects as long as I took them and started yesterday with 1 a day today I do have a little something going on in my head. Already take 1,000 mg of fish oil, do I need to take more? Another person on this site also takes vitamin C, have you ever tried this?
Way2funny
28 March 2017
Sounds good, I'll try that one. I literally would count out the little grains daily, to SLOWLY get off this crap. I was on this stuff for 17 years. I went down until I got to my 75mg dose, this is when I started taking granular away, slowly. I will feel a bit off occasionally, it's been almost one month. One thing that helps with the dizzy feeling is to take meclazine, which is just Dramamine for sea sickness. It helps with the dizzy feelings.
Hope this helps. Seems most doctors don't realize how difficult this drug is to get off of.
tryshmatt
30 May 2010
I hate what I feel coming off of this. Sweats, vivid dreams, zzzzz sounds in my head, rushes, tired, tummy issues, cant think, feel like my brain is floating. some of these I had on it too I have blurry vision also. I went off of it slow and am in my 3rd week. I want it to go away. I beg parents to NEVER put a child on this and shame on Dr.s who do. This is scary.
Harksuza
13 Oct 2016
Yes, to all that you said. I was on Effexor for a number of years. Gradually came off it & the dr had put me on Celexa which that did not agree with me either. Thank you for indicating you feel like your head/brain is floating, not sleeping well, ringing in my ears all the time, blurry vision etc... Yes, do not let your dr put you on this medication. Can't get enough chocolate. Hope this goes away soon.
Kaylin04
6 Feb 2017
You just described everything I am feeling-- I can't stand it. This is day 7 of these withdrawal symptoms and i feel like there's no end in sight. This has been a great anti-depressant for me but it has a bad interaction with something else I take. At first my doc had me just stop at 150 thinking I'd be fine... after a week I went back on at 75 and then 37.5 and I can't believe I'm still having such bad withdrawals. And it doesn't sound good for how long it can last.
Gxrman1000
29 March 2017
The symptom that bothers me the most is my head floating. Other than that I feel great. I went from 150mg for two years to 75 in a week then 37.5 for a week then off for good.
Godsleadnlady
31 March 2017
I had to gradually taper myself off. I was at the highest dosage they had and I became numb. I felt as though it was time for me to feel normal again, so I decided to taper off gradually. I went from 225 milligrams to 150 to 75 and then to 37.5. Once I got to 37.5 I had to call my Dr. And get the pill prescribed, so that I could score it and only take half of the dosage once I adjusted to takimg half a pill daily I came off! My best advice to you is to trust how your body feels, don't force it yo come off faster than it can handel, if you have to be on 150 or 75 or 37.5 for two to three weeks before you can decrease, then do that, because that is the only way that has worked for me so far. As soon as my body got accustomed to the dosage that I was on, I felt safe to decrease again, until I got to the smallest dosage and then came off, as of right now I am on day 6 of no Effexor at all.
The dizziness still occurs But it's getting lighter everyday and I have days that I am very fatigue, but I am pushing through this and I will not allow this drug to defeat me. You can do this!
Inactive
9 July 2017
How are you all doing now? I took one pill and had all of the side effects, now these same symptoms! It's been 60 hours. I'm concerned about recovering.
peachb
24 July 2017
I totally agree this is a good drug for depression but it is horrible to get off of
Mosal
14 May 2018
You have just explained every symptom I am feeling. I was on Effexor for 18 years and feel like I am dying since my dr has weaned me off of it.
cpm
2 Jan 2019
I was only on 37.5 mg a day. Discontinued from fatigue and no relief from pain. Was only on it 1 month. I just goggled because suddenly break out in intense sweats, feel like staying in bed, have that sound in my head, head rushes. It's been over 10 days now. Should I resume with 1/2 dose and taper off? I'm super sensitive to medications. Also I almost have pain when I eat kiwi from salivary gland initial reaction. Anyone else?
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Further information
- Effexor prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Effexor (detailed)
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