It's only been day 2 (insurance cancelled) of withdrawal & so far I've been feeling as though when I'm walking to whatever destination, my body arrives but my brain delays its arrival. I feel extremely anxious, nauseous, short-tempered, dizzy, sensitive & confused. I like how I felt while taking Effexor but these withdrawals are unbearable... how much longer can I expect to have them?
How long do Effexor withdrawal symptoms last?
Question posted by ambudai on 9 Feb 2014
Last updated on 3 August 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
170 Answers Page 10
Ibsen75
29 June 2015
I was on venlafaxine for 8 years, dose getting higher but less effective. No insurance, money, etc. told me it was time to be done with these horribly controlling meds, so I did some research. Did you know long term use can cause amnesia?! This is by far one of the worst drugs to stop. Been off for two weeks and changes are happening for the good! My energy is increasing, my mood is lifting. I'm starting to feel like myself again, and I missed her : ). Of course it's been a very hard two weeks; emotional roller coaster, LOTS of crying, no sleep, no appetite; and I'm not done by any means, but I finally see a bright light which makes it all worth while.
Check out the website dominatedepression.com. 5-htp, L-tyrosine, and B vitamins are your new best friends in relief from withdrawal symptoms. A little kratom for pain and relaxation, a little space for private outbursts. If you believe in the cure, the cure will work. Venlafaxine REPLACES your naturally producing serotonin (I hope we all know this), so when you have no venlafaxine in your system you have no serotonin. I believe that's why it's so hard to stop. How can you start a positive change when you feel like sludge? I am the biggest wimp at overcoming obstacles, tried many times to quit only to decide it was easier with the pill than without. Then I read dominatedepression.com's personal experience and I knew I found help.
So if I can proudly say today is two weeks venlafaxine free, you can to.
sue gee
29 June 2015
Hi, thanks for your response. This has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to undergo, medically speaking, and I'm no wimp. I finally got my MD's PA to listen to me a week ago, and she prescribed a low dose of Prozac with a taper for the next month. So far so good. I did the fish oil and B vitamins and while they helped, I was still having horrible paresthesia symptoms to the point where I couldn't function. Between that and the meltdowns, well, I was taking the venlafaxine every five days just to keep that stuff at bay. I'm happy to say I haven't had a dose of it in well over a week. I wound up writing to Pfizer because I was so frustrated and they sent me some research regarding taper that included Prozac. By the end of the month long taper I should be off all SSRI therapy. This has been brutal. I'll tell anyone who'll listen to me to stay away from this stuff. It's horrible.
Ibsen75
3 July 2015
Sue gee, did you get a chance to look at dominatedepression.com? So much good advice and ideas, at least for me. I'm sorry you're still having to use other meds to ween off, but you do what you must to get through it. My doctor suggested the same, another antidepressant to transition off effexor, but I didn't have the money or will to use any more meds. Fish oil hasn't worked to well for me, but the 5-htp, L-tyrosine, and B vitamins twice a day with a dose of kratom (natural plant pain reliever) in the middle have been amazing! Almost through week 3 and I'm starting to function like a healthy person again. Most importantly, the brain zaps are fading!! I live in Portland, OR and it's been around 100° the last few weeks, yet I'm still improving as I sit here and sweat. It's amazing how you can heal yourself when you believe it will work.
Kristy8668
10 June 2015
I don't think people realize the generic brand venlafaxine is $150 for 30pills. Still making that too expensive for people like me without insurance
tracieaw
10 June 2015
There is help out there for rx. Try calling the manufacturer. I just bought a 30 supply for $38. I live inTexas.
acwaters24
10 June 2015
I was on Effexor for 8 years and was up to 225mgs the last two or three years. This past December I decided I wanted to go off and the schedule my doctor made me for tapering me off would have me off Effexor in a month or six weeks. Getting down to 75 mgs wasn't horrific but the three months that followed were. First of all there is no way you can go off Effexor as quickly as my doctor said. Omega 3s do help symptoms which were fatigue, headaches, vomiting everyday, stopped my menstrual cycle, shivering, brain zaps, sweats. I was so terrible. This is the first year of my marriage and it's supposed fun and romantic. There was nothing fun about the last 3 months. My husband was amazing but it definitely affected our relationship. First of all forget sex, no one wants to have sex with a sick person and I had zero desire to have sex and now that I'm on my second week no Effexor we are trying to get back to where we were before all this happened.
What I mean is he is so used to taking care of me and helping me he doesn't even remember what it is like to have me take care of him and cook him dinner or anything so it's actually been a little hard on us. I don't know if anyone else has experienced that at all. Back to weaning off Effexor because I did do it differently then most of you. After I was at 37.5. I started to take the little balls out 2 at a time per week. I went to 30 mgs the first week and then 2mgs or 3 mgs a week from there. Ever week I would take two little balls out and when I was at 10mgs I stopped using capsule and just put the mgs straight in my mouth. It's beenhard the first three days of every week I went down was terrible horrible symptoms as I mentioned before. Then the last part of the week I would feel a little better and it took four days off Effexor completely that I started feeling like my old self again. I have headaches but eating well had helped a lot. Go on Dr.Oz and get some of his smoothie recipes they are so good and make you feel better. I'm just taking it day by day, today I have had a pounding headache but I'm doing my best and I feel a million times better then I did a month ago. I really do wish everyone the best of luck with this horrible process. You can do it!! The symptoms will subside I promise and you will be really proud of yourself in the end for fighting through it!
Astro13
21 May 2015
I have been taking 450mg of Effexor for the past few years. Over the last few months I have been weaning off under the guidance of my
Psych. For the past week I changed from 37.5mg to nothing at all. I have had nausea, diarrhoea and relentless sweating day and night. I have never felt so sick. I have tried taking Maxalon and it does little to lessen the side effects of withdrawals. So only a few days for me completely off Effexor and I'm in a world of pain. I would NEVER have started taking this medication had I known the side effects that I am experiencing now. I would honestly rather be dead.
JudiS1016
21 May 2015
The last bit it the hardest. 37.5 down to nothing, is too fast... I would go back on 37.5, stabilize, and the try it again, over a period of a few months. I assume you're on XR. Open them up and count beads. Listen to your body and cut back slowly!!
cuteandfluffybunny
21 May 2015
If it makes you feel any better about it after day 6 of no effexor things do improve a lot. You will still have vertigo and dizziness for about 10 days after that, but it's not nearly as bad as the first 6 days without. I tapered off more gradually... I did 37.5 every other day and then once every two days over a 2 week time period before I went to zero, but regardless of how you do it, it's still rough. It will get better I swear. I have been at zero for 2 and a half weeks and I feel amost completely normal.
sue gee
24 May 2015
Hi all. I've been on Effexor 75 mg for about ten years, and recently decided to go off because I can't lose any weight (I need to lose about 70 lbs and didn't want to do gastric sleeve surgery). I was started on Wellbutrin by a weight loss specialist with an ongoing wean off the Effexor at 75 every other day, then 37.5 every day, then every other day. This is pure hell. The brain zaps are horrible, I'm having mood swings, headaches, and feel out of control at times. I've been trying to go every three days on the 37.5 in the hope that this will end, but after reading all the posts on this site, I'm feeling less hopeful. On the upside, I've lost 12 lbs in the past month since beginning the taper. I don't want to be on this stuff anymore, but I'm starting to wonder if I'll need a low dose forever. This stuff should be taken off the market.
sue gee
24 May 2015
And, I forgot to mention, I'm diabetic and since reducing the dose of this horrible drug my blood sugar has improved dramatically. My diet isn't all that different from where it was before -- it doesn't seem as though this dramatic a change can be completely attributed to the diet. Anyone else have a similar experience with blood sugar?
cuteandfluffybunny
27 May 2015
I'm not diabetic, but I did notice that my blood sugar was a lot harder to maintain while I was on Effexor and I craved sugar all the time obsessively. Now I can pass up on dessert and I don't get dizzy between meals. Huge difference.
Imlobosmommy
23 Sep 2015
You said you would never have started the drug had you known about the withdrawal effects. In my case, I had been suffering from severe panic attacks and depression that were so debilitating I could not function. So to me the meds were a life saver. I only take 37.5 mg and that works for me. But without it my panic attacks return. I have been taking it for 11 years. The first week I was numb but then that disappeared after the first week. I think some people are taking too high of a dose, and withdrawal has to be very gradual. When you get down to the lowest dose, open up the capsules and count them and take half of that for a while and then 1/4, Etc. But if it helps you, maybe you should stay on it.
cuteandfluffybunny
24 Sep 2015
I was on 75mg for about 10 years to take away the anxiety and kept me from losing my job. I had really bad panic attacks prior to that point. I think people aren't patient enough for the lower doses to take effect, it takes more patience than other anti-depressants. I don't think I fully alleviated my anxiety until I was on Effexor for 2 or 3 months. Over that last two years however I started feeling over sedated and tired and my doctor told me that my body had learned how to correctly regulate serotonin and that I likely no longer needed to take the medication. Every now and then I still have anxiety attacks but I have Klinopin to take on those rare occasions. Knowing I have the ability to do something when I feel bad helps a lot. But I currently don't feel the need for a daily medication. I'm hoping I continue to feel well during the winter months, but if the anxiety comes back full force I will consider a low dose Effexor as an option.
I have seen a lot more people have issues at the higher doses on these forums with feeling completely numb. I did not feel like that on 75 mg.
Valpo99
5 Oct 2015
It probably doesn't help, but a class action lawsuit was initiated against Eli Lilly a couple years ago for not properly warning consumers of Paxil (similar to Effexor). Not sure of the status, but I'd love to get a piece of the action against the makers of Effexor for all the same reasons you mentioned.
Shere1
9 Oct 2015
I've checked into filing a lawsuit against them and unless a lot of people join in, most won't take on the case.
HopefulOff
10 Oct 2015
How are you doing now, Astro13?
Etter
12 Oct 2015
I was taking 4 75 mg. capsules for about 2 1\2 years. In a period of about two months I weaned myself to 1 every other day. Today I decided to go down to every two days. Although I'm struggling with the zaps in my brain, I'm feeling confident now that I have read your comment that I will not have withdrawals forever. Thank you
Etter
12 Oct 2015
I was taking 4 75 mg. capsules for about 2 1\2 years. In a period of about two months I weaned myself to 1 every other day. Today I decided to go down to every two days. Although I'm struggling with the zaps in my brain, I'm feeling confident now that I have read your comment that I will not have withdrawals forever. Thank you
HopefulOff
12 Oct 2015
Etter,
I have been taking effexor for about 8 years. 150 mg stopped helping my severe anxiety and depression, so the doctor made it 2 150 capsules. I tapered very easily from 300 mg to 150 and then to 75 mg. I had no side effects. I took half the beads (about 37.5) in the 75 capsule for about a week. Then I went to zero. On the second day, I had all the trouble described on this page. Severe migraine, a loud whoosh in my brain, electrical zapping, fear and anxiety, hopelessness. When I became afraid of my 11 year old little dog, I got online and researched Effexor withdrawal. I adore my dog! This was Not me! I went back up to 37.5 and after a week, I am better, although I need to go on very long walks in the late afternoon to prevent anxiety. I am hoping to stabilize quickly so that I can begin removing beads or perhaps trying the taper advice of cuteandfuzzybunny.
Will you tell me how you are doing? This reminds me of the dread I felt before delivering each of my 3 children: I know I must do it, but if going to zero cannot be accomplished without going through a week or two of the hell I experienced, I am really dreading it! Nonetheless, I am determined to get fully OFF this medication. I have been tired, sweaty, and not very sharp for many years. My blood pressure went from very low to high and I gained 20 pounds which I truly hope will come off. Best wishes to you!
rbmarrero
13 Dec 2015
I have been taking Effexor for over 15 years and have decided to get away from it. I have all the symptoms everyone else is feeling. Will it stop and will I feel myself ever again? I don't like this feeling at all. Is there something I can do to get rid of the nausea? Someone please answer ASAP its only the 3rd day. How long do I need to feel like this before its gets better? Thanks!
Caden1
19 April 2016
I have been on Effexor for 10 years was on 75 then Dropped down to 37 I was on a cruise in Indonesia lost my pills went a couple of days without because they did not have any on the boat. Went into port in Singapore, went to a couple of Dr they suggest hospital. I finally go my pill had to be The day of leaving the country. I don't want to ever be so dependent on something again it was a terrible experience. Now I want someone to help me to get off this the best way possible. HELP
mmenchaca1
17 May 2015
I've only been on effexor for like 2.5 months. I have ptsd (o.i.f/o.e.f) with anxiety and insomnia issues. I'm coming off of it cold turkey. It's Saturday night and I haven't taken it since Wednesday morning. Today is probably the worse day. Nausea and dizziness has been a mf. But Im Fighting this. Wish me luck.
Aliciapaul357
15 March 2016
How many milligrams were you taking I have been on it for 3 months I was at 150 now 75 for 4 weeks and tomorrow 37.5. How are you doing. I'm scared I have serotonin syndrome cause I am nervous , agitated and a low fever 99.2 heart rate stays at 100-120 when I'm upset but 100 when I'm sitting!
bella50
29 April 2016
After being fatigue for three years and gaining 30 pounds I am finally trying to come off of effexor. This drug should only be prescribed to severe depressed people. I was prescribed effexor because I was feeling down. My doctor assured me it wouldn't make me gain weight. I am slowly reducing my dose but having horrible withdrawals. Sensitivity to light, nausea, headaches, panic attacks, crying spells, blurred vision is just a few withdrawal symptoms. I am going into my 4th month and still feeling horrible. I really think this drug is toxic.
tlapris
8 May 2015
I was on Effexor for 15 years. A few months ago I decided to discontinue taking them due to a fear of being stuck somewhere without them and having to go through the withdrawals. I tapered my dose over 3 weeks. After totally stopping the med, it took me 10 days to feel semi-"normal", 4 of which I had to stay in my home with no lights and little noise. I missed two days of work (a Monday and a Friday). I felt all the withdrawal symptoms I've read about. What kept me going was knowing it would end.
Now I realize that while on Effexor, I was numb. No crying, when I should have been crying, no anger when anger was warranted, not necessarily happy nor sad. Just numb.
I'm still a little imbalanced with my new found feelings. Each day I see progress toward a balance though. I'm happy to "feel" life again, with all its ups and downs.
Stick with it. See it through. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
tracieaw
17 May 2015
What was your reason for starting Effexor? I had a hystrecomy and when the hormomne pills were not helping with hot flashes and up and down moods. (I had fly off the handle at the least little thing and literally felt like I could choke someone down with my bare hands.) I saw a piece on The Today Show where antidepressants like Effexor could take the place of horomones (not the actually hormones, but the mental part that's take away from hormones) So I decided to give it a try. I started out with the 37.5 and over a 2 or 3 yr period I moved on up to 150. It was amazing when it came to evening out my reactions to certain situations... that before would have sent me over the edge. However, there have been times that I have thought I should have had "feelings" or different reactions instead of feeling numb. I just want normal... Whatever that is. I do not want to be dependent on this drug the rest of my life. Im 42 so I hope I have many years let.
The effects I THINK I have from the drug is tinnitus, dizzines at time, aching body/joints, weight gain, and fatigue. I try to keep extra pills in my purse just in case I forget to pack them for an overnight trip. I know if I didnt have it my trip will be ruined because I will feel awful by noon of the following day. (I take mine at night) I'm so thankful for the site and all of you who post. I hope to start weaning myself off of Effexor early fall. I do not want to ruin my summer. God Bless you all~Tracie
Camsquanch
20 Sep 2015
This is a terrible drug. I have been on it for 8 years and have side effects like earaches, feeling numb, electrical zaps when trying to go off. On and on it goes. I am so fed up that today I vow to quit. I am currently going through withdrawal from trazodone, another tough drug to get off.
Lozziejean
27 Sep 2015
Thanks for the encouragement! I have been on Efexor 15 years and am tapering off mega slowly (over months). I feel very anxious about everything in life right now and at the same time really flat - not really finding enjoyment in anything, but am keen to know myself and life without Efexor.
salvadorpalma
29 Sep 2015
tlapris, I was reading your comment and wondering how are you feeling nowhadays. A person above mentioned still having symptoms after 13 years, which I personally find hard to believe. What about you, do you feel any symptoms?
Beckyjf89
22 Oct 2015
I really appreciate your comment. I am about 6 days off of Effexor after approximately 14 years.
Reading your statement that after 10 days you felt semi-normal just brought me much relief.
ddthistle
28 Dec 2015
I have been on Effexor 75mg since 2003. It was given to me when I was going through radiation for breast cancer. The doctor said it would help alleviate my hot flashes. It did to an extent, but as you experienced, I didn't cry, kept my temper even, more of an "I don't care attitude" and forget any sex life. I was 47 at the time and I felt like my body was dead to any excitement, which of course led to divorce. I have decided that I want to live and feel what life I have left at 57 and stopped taking my Effexor on Thanksgiving 2015. It is now 12/28/15 and I feel like I'm going to die! I ended up in ER because I thought I was having a heart attack, vomiting to the point of dehydration and headaches worse than any migraine I've ever had!
From what I have read, I am determined to hang in there but please, would someone tell me when I can stop walking into walls if I move to fast, having extreme hot facial episodes and headaches!
I would never advise anyone to go on this medication under the age of 70 if that! At least my body is coming alive again, so there is hope!
robink
1 Jan 2016
I am quitting Effexor, pretty much for the same reason you mentioned. I am tapering off for over a month, and thought I could take a day car trip, I started getting sick and I was 4 hours away from home. Alone, no meds on me. I actually considered going to an ER. I felt good when I was taking it, although, I have had my ears checked, I noticed several people complaining of tinnitus, which I experience- it drives me crazy. The weight gain I just attributed to menopause.
What are "brain zaps?" I feel spacey and just "wierd." Kind of out of my body, hard to
explain.
twinmom13
28 March 2016
I went on effexor for symptoms of perimenopause. My doctor said she frequently prescribes this medication for women who are having hormonal fluctuations due to menopause.
TrudyS
8 May 2015
I am sorry for your experiences. I have been off Effexor for 13 years and I still have withdrawals. True, they more infrequent than the beginning but they are still in my life. Yes, I came off it under a doctor's guidance and it took two months but that did NOT lessen any of the symptoms. Just today an ER doctor told me there is no such thing as withdrawal from Effexor. Big lie.
cuteandfluffybunny
11 May 2015
What withdrawals do you still experience? The brain zaps? I've been totally off the medication for 12 days ( weaned off over 6 weeks prior to that)... and some vertigo and brain zaps still get me, especially when I have caffine.
TrudyS
12 May 2015
Thirteen YEARS is a long time for withdrawal from this drug. Yes, I have brain zaps every few weeks and my hearing is being affected. I've come to not believe in the medical profession. When folks talk about a doctor's "practice," I think that's all they do is continually "practice." Maybe the "practice" will cause them to improve but I have my doubts.
Ibsen75
29 June 2015
They're "practicing" making money off big pharmacy. All most doctors today do is push the latest pill for your symptoms instead of getting to the root of the problem 'cause isn't it easier to prescribe a pill for the millions than heal the thousands?
Hila12
13 Sep 2015
Seriously? And I was planning on coming off that drug ( Effexor XR 150mg) after about 13 years of use! So what is these 'zaps' you mentioned?
cuteandfluffybunny
21 Sep 2015
The brain zaps are like quick dizzy spells. They feel like someone is pushing on your forehead and you vision gets fuzzy for about a second. They are most common when you stand up quickly or turn your head . It's disorienting and can make you feel car sick, vertigo sensation. Dramamine helps with the nausea. Also standing up slowly or turning your head slowly helps lessen the effect.
L505
8 Oct 2015
13 years? Please tell me that years is a typo. I just came off of Effexor XR and I feel like I'm dying! This is absolutely horrible!! I cannot function at all. I'm emotional, have a bad headache, dizzy, upset stomach, hot and cold sweats, tired, can't think straight, etc., etc., etc!!! I wish I never went on it and I will never go on another antidepressant ever again! Even though I probably need one because of health issues I'm dealing with and my crazy life.
Kd4u
10 Oct 2015
Not all antidepressants are this horrible. The SNRIs like duloxetine and Effexor are the worst but also considered to be among the most effective. Also the ones with shorter half lives like paroxetine can be very difficult to stop. As I have mentioned before I am clean from Effexor for years now but I think my brain chemistry will never be the same. My ability to think clearly is still compromised. The physical symptoms for the most part are gone. It did save my life but now I am left to deal with the long term after effects. Still better for me to be present than the alternative.
HopefulOff
10 Oct 2015
I have been on 300 mg for about 8 years. I had severe PTSD anxiety attacks and very severe depression. I was thankful to find something that gave me peace, and I didn't feel numb; I felt all my normal emotions. I developed many serious skin rashes that the dermatologist couldn't explain. I gained 20 pounds. My blood pressure went from very low to risky high. Several doctors saw that I was prescribed Topamax for migraine prevention along with Imitrex for when migraines broke through along with the Effexor at 300mg, which is high. I have just read that neither of those meds should be taken with Effexor, due to the possibility of "serotonin syndrome," which is potentially deadly. I went from 300 to 150 for a few weeks then down to 75. When I went down to 37.5 the head ache and zaps along with extreme anxiety and depression came up like a bear. after 3 days I realized I needed to go back up to 75. I am still not normal on day 4 of 75. It has been a week of Hell.
I plan to stabilize at 75 and then try taking out 2 beads per week. I am wondering if what I have read here is true: Do we really have to hit that wall of Hell in order to get completely off? In that case, perhaps it is worth just taking a week or 2 of vacation and getting it over and finished? How many of you have lost weight? I eat very, very healthy, but have gained. I agree this seems to be a very toxic drug.
Kd4u
11 Oct 2015
I definitely bottomed out when I stopped completely as yes I did take 3 weeks off of work during that time. I could have used another week and even then my mentation was compromised. The physical symptoms resolved first and the mental ones took longer and never have returned completely to baseline.
Lanzagirl
11 Oct 2015
I agree with many of you about the horrible side affect of getting off this drug. I feel it should be banned. If doctors took this drug and then tried to go off it I'm sure they would never prescribe it. I went to change.org and started a petition entitled ban venlafaxine/Effexor. If you feel like I do that this drug should be banned then go to change .org find my petition and sign it. Thank
you and good luck to you all. I was on venlafaxine 75 mg for 3 years and just recently got off it. I took Wellbutrin for a couple weeks which wasn't great but it helped me to wean off the venlafaxine. I missed a couple days of work should have taken off more. Anyway I'm completely off of all drugs and doing pretty well. It was a horrible process worse than childbirth by far!
rbmarrero
2 Jan 2016
It's not easy but hang in there
Meller
23 Feb 2016
Yes this is such a flippen lie! My Doctor put me on it to help me "ween" off of CLONAZEPAM. Funny though because I'm still on both!!! I need help!
cuteandfluffybunny
29 Feb 2016
If your dependence on Clonazepam is so bad that you are taking it daily you really do need to be on a different medication. Effexor worked for me when no other anti-anxiety medications worked... but it came with a price because when I was ready to come off of Effexor it was really difficult. But... if you decide to stay on Effexor I can tell you that it doesn't work right away enough for you to get off of Clonazepam... I had to supplement the Effexor with Clonazepam for about 2 months until it was working at full strength. Over time you will find you need Clonazepam less and less until you only need it when you are having a unusually high stress day ( about once a month). There was a time in my life though where taking the Effexor really did help me cope and it worked better than any other type of medication I was ever on... but patience is the key. But I will tell you that avoiding Caffeine is really important , especially when you are having high anxiety... also give yourself quiet time to do deep slow breathing and it will help you feel better.
mrshanes
17 March 2016
I have been on effexor for at least 10 ish years. Have a new Dr. and she is taking me off of it. Just went from 225 to 150 and I am on day 2. So far I have some disorientation, nausea, fatigue and the chills. Hoping I don't have a nightmare situation like some folks. I have too much to do!!! I wasn't aware of the bad side of effexor. I have hypothyroidism and high blood pressure, so this is definitely not the med for me. Both my Dr. and I are hoping to not have to replace it with anything. I am bipolar and also have PTSD. Wish me luck! I am trying to be mindful of what is going on in my body and be easy on myself.
sharri621
4 May 2015
I have only missed 2 pills of effexor xr 150 and I am a wreck. Irritability, and can't stop crying. I've been taking this stuff for over 10 years. The side effects seem to be never ending. Ringing in ears, foggy brain, total lack of sex drive. There has to be a better way.
Janeellendemers
16 April 2016
My doctor withdrew me from 150mg of Effexor xr with Prozac. It took about 2 weeks to get the Prozac. In my system. Then stopped Effexor and didn't have the bad side effects. I did become more depressed but that's to be expected. I also stopped taking Abilify 10 mg.
Janeellendemers
16 April 2016
My doctor withdrew me from 150mg of Effexor xr with Prozac. It took about 2 weeks to get the Prozac. In my system. Then stopped Effexor and didn't have the bad side effects. I did become more depressed but that's to be expected. I also stopped taking Abilify 10 mg.
charlie0007
1 May 2015
I had been on effexor for several years when I suddenly started to suffer badly from hives, nausea, lethargy, loose bowels etc. My doctor assured me that the hives had nothing to do with the drug and prescribed a marvelous concoction of steroids, anti histamines, and antibiotics, none of which helped and only served to make me feel weaker. At this point I was at my wits end. But after having done my own research i decided that I had had enough of being held to ransom by a drug and the constant fear of running out or losing my pills. I found some research suggesting that antibiotics etc affect the internal flora within the gut which in turn affect the natural seratonin levels in the brain. Armed with this information I saw a herbalist who took one look at me and stated what had been staring me in the face... my body was trying to expell anything toxic and I was fighting back by introducing chemicals.
Anyway to cut a long story short I stopped all the medication including the Venlafaxine and started have pre and pro biotics together with healthy food. Heres how it went...
day 1, little bit wizzy between the ears but not too bad
day 2, loose bowels, emotional, insomnia,brain skids but hives fading a little
day 3 nausea, loose bowels insomnia, desperation, brain skids and could hear eyelids opening and shutting... hives still fading
day 4 slept for hours but caved in in the afternoon and in desperation took an effexor but within seconds promptly vomited it back again. ( my body seems to know more than my drug addled brain ) hives almost gone
day 5 felt like death , vomiting, brain skids, sleepy but no hives
day six Oh my god a brand new day, have energy, conversation, and life. Still have moments of tears etc and a very minor flare up of hives but at least I feel human again.
I know the depression will return but it will be my depression and I will ride it out, anything has to be better than slow poison. Maybe the biotics will help there does seem to be a lot of research suggesting a link between gut flora and depression. Either way I will never take another anti depressant because the hell off coming off is just too much to go through again. I feel like the theme from Rocky.
So my advice is ... pre and pro biotics but not a cheap one, this is not the time to cut corners. Do not waste your time coming off effexor while at work because you need time to rest as much as possible. If you have children to look after try to get some help or at least get organised because you will not feel like cooking or doing the ironing and will be irritable. Healthy food... look upon it as ammunition for the fight. And please do not give in as I did on day four, luckily I vomited the pill back up or I would be back to square one.
Its just one week and then sweet freedom. And if the misery comes back this time I will be ready and as healthy as I can be to fight it. and at least it will be real misery and not a drug induced poisonous life raft. After all that I have gained respect for my body, it may not be perfect but it seems that my gut knows more than my brain and went into defence mode. I feel very lucky.
Good luck, it has been horrendous but truly worth it.
AboutJoxie
16 Nov 2015
I appreciate all of your advice. I have been on Effexor 300mg for 10 years, not for depression but for chronic migraines. It is no longer working so I fluctuate between Effexor and steroids. Two months ago I reached the point of "I've HAD it! I no longer want to live like this! Despite trying to decrease the amount twice through my doctor. The results were disastrous - severe headaches, extreme fatigue, and nausea?
This time I am doing it my own way. I started acupuncture 6 weeks ago. Still on 300mg, all of my migraine symptoms disappeared within two weeks. Fatigue went away. I had energy and was happy for the first time in years!
I decreased my dosage by a mere 37.5mg six days ago. Yesterday the headache and fatigue returned. BUT the severity is not that of a migraine. I am hoping this is temporary. I refuse to even take an aspirin. My body is used to a drug every time the symptoms flare up and. That has to stop!
I see my acupuncturist tomorrow - I go once a week. We had mentioned possible herbal assistance so I will bring
that up. Thank you for sharing your success.
Maggie1960
27 Nov 2015
Thank you Charlie! I have been on Venlafaxine 150mg for several years also. I've wanted to quit taking it for over a year because I get dizzy at the end of the day. My gynecologist put me on it to help with mood swings and sleeplessness while going through menopause. She just changed the subject when I tried to discuss it with her so I finally got another doctor to write me a script for 75mg and he wanted to see me in 4 months but I took it for a week and got another script for 37.5mg. I took the 37.5 mg for a week but I can't take the side effects I'm having so today is Thanksgiving and Tues I took my last pill.
I have to work on Monday, that will be the 5th day off of Venlafaxine! I feel horrible, I'm so dizzy, nauseated, chills, confusion, massive headache, irritability and hopeless! I can hardly type this message because I can't focus! I'm determined to quit this drug forever and if I had known what I would be going through I never would have started taking it. I'm going to read your letter every time I think I can't do it! Thank you and say a prayer for me please!
mousie2015
29 Nov 2015
I think some of these posts are recent. I too am going off effexor. I have cut my dose down to 37, and on Thanksgiving I went completely off the drug. I am just tired of the weight gain, lethargy and food/alcohol cravings. It is like taking effexor completely cuts off my self control. I'm fatter than I ever thought possible for me. ONly 2 days off the drug, and I want to eat healthy again... and do not want to drink myself into numbness. It is a crazy drug. I just hope I can do this. Please share any observations or information you might have about this drug.
mousie2015
29 Nov 2015
I think some of these posts are recent. I too am going off effexor. I have cut my dose down to 37, and on Thanksgiving I went completely off the drug. I am just tired of the weight gain, lethargy and food/alcohol cravings. It is like taking effexor completely cuts off my self control. I'm fatter than I ever thought possible for me. ONly 2 days off the drug, and I want to eat healthy again... and do not want to drink myself into numbness. It is a crazy drug. I just hope I can do this. Please share any observations or information you might have about this drug.
charlie0007
30 Nov 2015
Hi everyone, just a quick update, am still off Efexor and am into the 11th month thank God, I have had my moments but the gains outweigh them. For one thing orgasms are now a real possibilty and my thoughts and conversation seem clearer. One point to notice is that my caring doctor who was prescribing my Efexor on repeat prescription for years does not even seemed to have noticed that I no longer pick up the scripts !. For those out there who are struggling please hang on in there. Everything passes in time. It will be worth it.
Katiedee88
4 Dec 2015
I've been on 300mg for 6 yrs. I tapered down about a year ago almost accidentally. I would often forget to take my meds but then just went with it and stayed at the lower dose of 150mg. Now I can't forget... if I make it past 24hrs my brain reminds me. All the good stuff (zaps, vertigo, I get exhausted and can literally sleep for days if I don't have it). I've been through some drug withdrawals but nothing compared to this. Now I'm pregnant! Very happy and excited! I'm terrified of how this will effect my child! My Ob/Gyn is adament I stay on the Effexor. I'm scared the withdrawals will be too much to handle being pregnant. I'm barely stable at the 150 dose so I'm not sure about tapering down either but it's my only option. I still have 6 months before my child is born... I'm open to suggestions and prayers!
Maggie1960
4 Dec 2015
Katiedee88 I urge you to get a second opinion asap!! There are other things you can be on that won't harm your baby but although I'm not a physician I am pretty positive that your baby will experience withdrawal symptoms just like you do! I thought for the last couple of years that I was losing my mind and in a sense I was but never equated it with Effexor/Venlafaxine! The truth is I have lost my short term memory and hope and pray that I get it back! I quit taking that drug on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving this year... I think that was last week... I had to go back to work on Monday and truly don't know how I got through this week.
I'm still nauseated, dizzy, sensitive, can't seem to put sentences together right HOWEVER the intensity is not as severe as it was for the first 6 days! I'm a dental hygienist and my job requires concentration and communication! I administer anesthesia and have to educate my patients with a wide range of solutions to help with their oral health! Going through the horrible, severe mental and physical consequences of taking this drug I want to throw up when I hear that someone is currently taking it. I don't think your body can go through the withdrawal of stopping this drug while your pregnant but please please get another, different drug that you can take while pregnant
krisandjessy
8 Dec 2015
This has helped me so much. I was on Effexor for years at 75 mgs and I found that my withdrawal lasted for about a month. Keep in mind I drank heavily while on Effexor which pretty much counteracts the meds. I did quit drinking completely before I tapered off Effexor. The symptoms that lasted the longest were the Vertigo-like feeling I had for that month. I felt like I was leaning over and spinning around a bunch of times, then tried to go about my day. Also my moods were so manic. I was energized, happy and motivated for an hour and then a switch would flip and I was irritable and down for a few hours. I yoyo-ed with those moods and still do. I was afraid I might go crazy (what ever that looks like or means) I understand with my depression and anxiety that this will be my battle forever. A silver lining is that it does get better and you are 100% right that eating right, supplements and exercise are key to a mental well being as well as physical.
I'm not trying to minimize a mans depression, but I can say it was difficult for me as a woman, to pin point if I was truly depressed off the meds or if PMS was making me manic. So us lucky women have that to take into consideration while getting off of this drug. Either way Effexor seemed like a blessing but turned out to be probably the worst thing I could do to my body. I have so much respect for those of us that try to help ourselves by taking care of our mental state. However one chooses to do that is up to them, but prescription drugs aren't a cure-all.
Onlyp74
10 Dec 2015
I took 37.5 mg of Effexor XR for 8 days. I am on day 4 of not taking it, and I am shocked at how bad the withdrawal symptoms are. It didn't really start until the end of day 2 and into day 3. My head feels cloudy, my right ear feels full and makes me a little dizzy(vertigo like). I am not happy that it is so easy to prescribe this medicine without telling you how hard it is to come off of this drug. I have also had strep while coming off ao I haven't felt well and I'm on an antibiotic too. I have missed 4 days of work now between all of this. I wish I had never ever taken one pill.
twinpeaksfff
11 Dec 2015
Thank you so much for putting into words what I couldn't. I was wondering what I was going to go thru. Doctor just put me to .75
I would love to hear how your doing and if you have found a good replacement.
vanna1020
8 Jan 2016
I'm glad I'm not alone in this! I have been on 75mg for about 9 months to control night sweats and hot flashes caused by chemo & menopause. About 2 months ago, I started acupuncture & pro-biotics (Plexus) to control these symptoms. I want to be off effexor because I do not like some of the side effects (mostly the sexual ones) and, in general, I do not like to rely on chemicals long-term.
I stopped taking effexor 3 days ago. I am dizzy, sometimes to the point of being nauseous, as well as experiencing brain zaps, loose bowels, sudden urges to cry (I was not depressed at all before starting effexor), and difficulty concentrating. I have been trying to work this week but haven't been able to stay on task long enough to comprehend complex projects. But, if I can make it through the weekend, I think I'll be ok!
I was temped to get a prescription for 37.5 to taper down my dose. But, I know I will still have to experience the withdrawal symptoms at some point. Since I'm already 3 days in, I might as well ride this out.
jenneasterling
2 Feb 2016
I had a really bad gut flora inbalance that took a year to identify as the cause if nervousness, anxiety, & depression. After taking a really good quality pre & probiotic my doctor had me stop taking the probiotic and switch to eating one cultured Bubbies dill pickle with a half of a green/ granny smith apple on an empty stomach daily. After 5 days, I felt better than I had in two years. As crazy as it sounds the pickle apple combo is restoring my gut flora better than anything else I have tried. I also recommend a low sugar, low carb diet since bad bacteria and candida/yeast thrive on sugars and carbs. Publix has the pickles in the cooler section. It has to be the dill. The pickles in the 32 oz jar are larger than the 16 oz jar and can be cut in half. Good luck and God bless you.
jenneasterling
2 Feb 2016
I had a really bad gut flora inbalance that took a year to identify as the cause if nervousness, anxiety, & depression. After taking a really good quality pre & probiotic my doctor had me stop taking the probiotic and switch to eating one cultured Bubbies dill pickle with a half of a green/ granny smith apple on an empty stomach daily. After 5 days, I felt better than I had in two years. As crazy as it sounds the pickle apple combo is restoring my gut flora better than anything else I have tried. I also recommend a low sugar, low carb diet since bad bacteria and candida/yeast thrive on sugars and carbs. Publix has the pickles in the cooler section. It has to be the dill. The pickles in the 32 oz jar are larger than the 16 oz jar and can be cut in half. Good luck and God bless you.
Chrissylbi
4 Feb 2016
I just saw a comment from 2016 with almost the same symptoms as me. I was given this drug post chemo for menopause sweats & depressive symptoms. I've been depressed before in life and never needed medication.
I've been on 37.5 mg for about a year now. I've experienced the dizziness, ear fullness, vertigo, & migraines like never before. 7 of them in the last 6 weeks. The sweats are also worse now.
I have the doctors next week. I desperately want to get off this s**t. From everything I've read it just doesn't look good. I tried going off myself, like just made me so sick.
Next week going to the acupuncturist for the first time for the migraines. This whole situation sucks. I have been migraine free for over 4 years, and I feel as though this crap is doing it to me. Which can not be good for my brain! Happy to have found this site and able to read & share.
Addi-82
17 March 2016
Hi Charlie, I just realised that your comment was back in 2014. I'd love to chat with you even if via email. I'm wanting to come off 450mg of Venlafaxine and my psyc is suggesting a gradual reduction.
singhdoris
20 March 2016
Good day happy new SONday, peace, joy and increased wisdom...
charlie0007, you may never know what a blessings this reading have been for me. I was discussing with my 14yr. old son, my desire to come off all mediations. Presently I'm being weaned off Effexor, and the process has been a living HELL for me, to say the least... which didn't start right away. I've been on Effexor since 2014, I'm 52yrs.young, my present dose is 125mg. I've been taken down to 5days instead of 7days since Feb10,2016.
My question for you, how long were you on Effexor, what was your dose and how immediate were your 100% normalcy. BTW, charlie0007 I'm totally into the HOLISTIC way of life. Aside from the meds EVERYthing is natural...
Thank you so much in advace. Shalom
singhdoris
20 March 2016
Good day happy new SONday, peace, joy and increased wisdom...
charlie0007, you may never know what a blessings this reading have been for me. I was discussing with my 14yr. old son, my desire to come off all mediations. Presently I'm being weaned off Effexor, and the process has been a living HELL for me, to say the least... which didn't start right away. I've been on Effexor since 2014, I'm 52yrs.young, my present dose is 125mg. I've been taken down to 5days instead of 7days since Feb10,2016.
My question for you, how long were you on Effexor, what was your dose and how immediate were your 100% normalcy. BTW, charlie0007 I'm totally into the HOLISTIC way of life. Aside from the meds EVERYthing is natural...
Thank you so much in advace. Shalom
cuteandfluffybunny
29 April 2015
About 2 months to taper off the medicine and then about 4 to 6 weeks after that before you don't feel dizzy at all. It's a long process that should be done at the time of the year where you usually have the least amount of anxiety... like late spring into summer.
emily13108
27 April 2015
I was having those horrible brain zaps and I took Dramamine (the less drowsy kind) as well as 2 fish oil (odorless and burpless) twice a day and a vitamin C tab once a day and my symptoms are non existent.
emily13108
27 April 2015
On day 4 without Effexor. I was on 150mg a day (2 75mg caps a day) and have weaned from 150 to 75 to 37.5 then for 3 days removed some of the beads from the 37.5 cap into smaller doses while taking Prozac 20mg. The brain zaps were about to drive me insane, but someone mentioned taking the Dramamine and I have to say it has helped tremendously.
Needclarity88
23 April 2015
I am so glad people are still posting.
I read this forum a couple years ago and swore I would kick Effexor, but no luck so far. I gave up. I kept running back to it because I just simply couldn't handle the withdrawals any more.
I am determined now to finally stop taking Effexor and regain my sanity!
Not to say that I'm not nervous but I'm sure with all the useful information in this forum I can concur it.
I read a post where somebody said they regained their motivation and energy. Hell ya bring it on! :)
Royvan
15 April 2015
I have been on venlafaxine for about 4 yrs 75mg. To come off it, my Dr started me on 37.5 2 wks ago. After 30 days I will come off.
My only side affects are constant head, neck & shoulder aches. Is anyone else having these affects?
cuteandfluffybunny
29 April 2015
Yep neck aches, headaches , dizziness and vertigo. Try some dramamine for the vertigo and some ibuprofin for the neck aches/headaches. It helps. Drink lots of water.
ladouce
1 May 2016
I've only been on 75mg venlafaxine 1 1/2 mths but already I'm ready to get off it. I missed a dose yesterday and and had wicked vomiting which I assumed was the food I had eaten... maybe it was maybe it wasn't. The drug gives me a dull headache, neck aches, lethargia and basically no feeling at all, just dull. Spring is finally here and I feel no joy with it. Time to get off all anti-depressants and get my life back. I was put on this drug to deal with depression, but the depression is better than this!
carolinabass
14 Sep 2017
I have been on Effexor for 16 days and I am reading all these horrible things! I have lost 10 pounds since taking this it takes my cravings totally away, the doctor put me on 37.5. SHOULD I GET OFF NOW! I am afraid to keep taking them, she gave me 1 month supply. Need your advice???
angie84
27 March 2015
I can completely agree with all your symptoms. I am also on day 2 withdrawals and feel I'm going to jump out of my body I feel so uncomfortable. I am going off efexor for good because it hasn't helped much the past 2 yrs being on it and I want to go natural now. This is tough I hope you have family support or a friend to help u. I wish u the best and keep me updated
brainzapped
27 March 2015
I have never reached out on the internet... but this is hell!! Day 3, off of generic Effexor. Yesterday I couldn't get off the sofa. So much nausea & dizziness.. I've been on the drug for 10 years. I weaned down to 37.5. Taking a ton of vitamins and fish oil. Trying to eat better as well. Dizziness better today because I put one of those "motion sick" patches behind my ear. I don't know what this side effect is called. I will look somewhere, but then my eyes move back & forth?! To all of you out there that are getting off this or who have. A big internet hug to you all! This is horrible!
JudiS1016
27 March 2015
Cut back slower!! It's not worth all of that agony and you'll more than likely have symptoms for a longer period of time. if you wean slower, the symptoms will be less harsh and you'll recover more quickly.
Bobbi Cee
1 April 2015
I had been on Effexor ER for 5 years and over the course of the last 16 months gradually reduced my dosage from 225mg a day down to 10mg a day. After drastically changing my eating habits (1600 cals a day, no packaged foods, no gluten (but carbs) and lean proteins, fruits and veggies for 2 weeks, I decided to drop the Effexor from 5mg to 0.
Two weeks now and I'm in a constant battle with head zaps but thankfully they are receding, but very slowly. Diligent to be mindful to reduce the effects of my anger/anxiety/brain lag which I'm attempting to pair them with lifelong personal challenges.
I do believe when this is said and done I will be the wiser and stronger, I just hope not too much damage will have been done during the interim.
maran77
22 March 2015
I have been on Effexor for years and just want to get off it. I am on 225mg and will cut to 150mg tomorrow, 75mg the next day then just go off it. I'm asking the doctor for a week off work tomorrow to do it. I will be starting valdoxan the day I cut to 75mg. I just want to get it over with but the symptoms I'm reading about freak me out a bit. If I am a couple of hours late taking a dose I start to get body/brain zaps so I hope it won't get the more severe symptoms. But it just want to get off it due to side effects. Hoping the valdoxan may help me get off it. Has anyone done something similar and been okay? The doctors always write you out a regime of cutting down over a few weeks but I don't want the symptoms for that length of time because I don't want this to affect me at work.
JudiS1016
22 March 2015
I don't recommend doing it that fast. I tapered slowly over a few year and the most I was ever on was 75mg. It may be easier using the Valdoxan, but I haven't heard any feedback from anyone who has used that as a bridge. I pray for all the best for you. Please update. Also, if you are on Facebook, there's a closed group called "Effexor". There are some great people, support and info in that group and it's very active. You'll get responses quickly.
megg3879
11 March 2015
I seriously need help. My last dose of Venlafaxine was February 3, 2015. It is March 11 and I am still suffering. I am exhausted, weepy, cry over anything and everything. I still have brain zaps, headaches that are severe. How long is this awful stuff going to last??? Help!!!
JudiS1016
11 March 2015
What were the symptoms that originally prompted you to take Venlafaxine and were those issues chronic? What dose were you originally on? Describe your weaning process. What dose were you on when you came completely off? If I know details, I may be able to help.
Kate4
12 March 2015
My withdrawal lasted about one month. Brain zaps lasted for months afterwards although decreased in frequency. See your doctor to get evaluated if things don't improve soon. Mine told me to restart the med but I persisted and won but it was not easy. Hope things turn around quickly and your suffering stops. Hang in there.
megg3879
12 March 2015
I was prescribed Pristiq four years ago to help with menopausal hotflashes and chronic pain associated with a bladder disorder, Interstitial Cystitis. Went to a psychiatrist who upped the med generic to a whopping 300 milligrams! So I have been taking venlafaxine for probably two years. I have been so sick since I went off it. :(. Can't work.
JudiS1016
12 March 2015
You need to cut back very, very slowly. The most I was ever on was 75mg. It took me a couple of years to get down to around 3 mg. Every time you cut it back you need to do it a very little at a time and stay on that amount until you're completely stable for at least a month, before you make the next cut back.
brainzapped
27 March 2015
How are you? Get tons of vitamins, fish oil, eat walnuts etc. Day 3 for me. This is really hard but we can do it!!
SuezeeQ
6 April 2015
I am going through the same withdrawal symptoms and they are getting worse.I am getting ready to start a 7 day program that is recommended in a book I purchased through Amazon. I highly recommend buying this book named "DRUG MUGGERS" by SUZY COHEN. RPh.. She has been a licensed pharmacist for more than 22 years and is America's Most Trusted Pharmacist.
Chapter 28 is "The Total Body Tune Up". It's a 7 day program meant first to sweep your cells clean of all the chemical gunk that has been stuck in there, then to replenish healthy vital nutrients to those same cells so that you feel well again.
Suzy's book can be bought on Amazon for as little as $6.66 in the used books. This book is a God send and is full of wonderful easy to understand and useful information for various health issues.
I hope you will give this a try and I wish you the best.
God Bless!
JudiS1016
6 April 2015
Sue, why are you recommending something you haven't tried yet?
AntonF
29 Sep 2015
I agree with Judi, don't recommend something you have no experience in. That's like saying "Hey, you should go cliff diving! I've never been but I heard it's great!" Why would you say do that?
Related topics
effexor, withdrawal, insurance, brain, symptom
Further information
- Effexor prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Effexor (detailed)
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