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 8
duanehunt
26 Nov 2015
Hang on with me while I ramble a bit, please. You've all helped me by your participation because its made me realize for certain that it's the drug, not me. I know you all know what I mean. Like you all, me and my world previously thought it would be a good idea for me to take this drug. Maybe it helped me at the time and place. That was in 2001, so 14 years. 75 mg a day. In the last year or so, me and my world have eventually decided (became aware) that I dont want to take this drug anymore. So, after discussing this with my doctor (who knows less than you all), I began to taper off recently and today I'm on day 4 of no pill. This isnt the first time I hit day 4. The zapping symptom always made me eventually cave in. No more. Not a drop. No way. Today it means I had to take the day off. Don't know what it will mean tomorrow. Your friend, Duane. Btw I'm 59 yr old male.(if that matters)
carrotstick
30 Nov 2015
Hello, I've been tapering off this drug for 197 days. I'm down to the last 1 milligram and have been on this dosage for weeks. I'm so afraid to not take that last seed. I've been taking 37.5 mil for the past 7 years. I went through a terrible 20 year relationship breakup and my Dr. put me on this drug. I've decided I didn't want to take this pill any longer mainly because I've gained 10 pounds and with diet and exercise I can't lose an ounce. Also my short term memory has been effected. I'm so afraid to stop the last seed due to the added stress of the holidays. I feel sad, anger, high anxiety, negative taps playing in my head and picking emotional fights with family members. Plus I cry all the time. I have been numb for 7 years I guess all those emotions have been storing up and now I have opened the flood gates. I know I will survive this but it's not going to be easy. Hang in there everyone!!!
karlysteedman
19 Nov 2015
I wish I would have known the withdrawal symptoms of Effexor before I started taking it. I feel like a druggie that has to be on something to function! It's the worst feeling!! I have flashes, and I'm so dizzy. I have flu like symptoms too. My doctor had me wean off it. I was on 150 mg and got down to half pill of 75 mg and stopped after a while of taking the half pill. It's day two and I'm getting the flashes, I vomited at work and I feel like total crap! After doing some research, I am going to get down to an eighth of a pill before I stop again. This drug is the absolute worst and I would not wish the withdrawal symptoms on my worst enemy. Cant wait until this is all over.
lacey-jade-1
15 Nov 2015
I have been off effexor for three days now. I was one 225mg and I tapered down over the last few weeks. Day three though, and I can barely lift my head off the pillow because of the dizziness. Everything else is ok, its just the dizziness. Im lucky that I've had some time off but I have to go to work tomorrow and I don't think I can drive my car. Im going to have to call in sick.
MelLR
14 Nov 2015
I am on day 1 of no 150mg ... I called in a refill yesterday and when I went to pick it up today they told me that it was on backorder from the manufacturer. WTH?! They offered to call my Dr and see if there was an alternative. That was at 5:30pm on a Friday. Then my anxiety level went straight through the roof knowing that this is probably not going to be resolved until after the weekend. I have read about the withdrawal issues and I am quite frankly scared to death of what this weekend will be like.
Maggie1960
27 Nov 2015
Wow on back Order?? I'm sorry that happened to you MelLR! How are you now? I'm going through hell right now and I'm scared! I have to be ok to work on Monday, today is thanksgiving and I've isolated myself because I knew the withdrawals were not going to be pretty and I don't think anyone I know will understand. I'm going to try to sleep now and tomorrow is another day! I took my last 37.5 mg on Tues. night. I'm experiencing everything that everyone has mentioned and I can't wait until this is over. I hope you are ok! Thanks to everyone for letting me know that I'm not alone or losing my mind!
MelLR
27 Nov 2015
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks with no dose. The blinding headaches have stopped and the crying has begun. At least crying does not hurt! I still feel like i am just not all "here" sometimes. I couldn't find my keys and bawled like a baby until I found them ... in my bag where they were supposed to be. I have found that drinking lots of water and eating protein helps. I am NEVER taking that crap again.
MelLR
27 Feb 2016
Update: I have made it 3 1/2 months without Effexor XR. It has not been easy but it definitely is possible to make it. The crying at everything has lessened. Now it only seems to happen when it is appropriate to have a strong emotional response to a situation. It isn't always the correct response but it is easier to understand. I can tell that the depression that was the original reason for starting the drug is lurking in the corner but it does not seem as unmanageable as it once was. Actively managing depression is definitely the better option than relying on taking that poison everyday. I have cut back the constant caffeine intake that I used to "need". I don't crave sugar (cakes, cookies, candy) as I once did. I have found that I am listening to my body more and not just operating like an unfeeling robot stuck in a routine everyday. It is not easy. But I do feel that I am really in a better place overall.
sabrael
2 Nov 2015
i've been on effexor for a couple years and have been gradually tapering off. I haven't had problems with this, but i'm going off of the medication and last night was my first day without the lowest dose of 37mg. I've gone off this before by accident when i was on a higher dose of it, like 75-100mg
honestly withdrawals for this med are *awful*. i've gotten similar symptoms, the worst for me is the dizziness/lightheadedness and the tingling feeling going up and down my body, as well as the sensory sensitivity. (i tend to have either a terrible reaction to side effects or the meds do nothing so i've been on a lot of them and this is by far the worst withdrawal process i've been through)
i haven't ever gone off it all the way before, but according to other forums, people have said that this med (depending on how long you've been taking it) withdrawals can last anywhere from a month to seven months :'(
im sorry that you've had to deal with this and i hope u can get some relief soon. sorry for the long answer but hopefully that info will help you some.
Shere1
2 Nov 2015
I had to start biting the 37.5 in half, just to get a little bit in my system. I'm now taking that amount everyday and the side effects are too bad yet.
ejpart
1 Nov 2015
I see that that you posted about having withdraw symptoms from Effexor and everything you state is what I'm experiencing I just started coming off of the medication 4 days ago. Your post shows you posted back in Feb 2014. How long did the symptoms last. I really do not know what to do. My physiologist said oh you will have some flu symptoms when coming off and nothing else about it. Yeah right, more like emotional outburst, brain and ears zapping dizziness, and completely miserable. I start a new job Monday, I was looking forward to doing this now I am really scarred in doing so. The dr stated I was on the highest dose of effexor and I had gain a lot of weight in one year. I was taking a lower dose with a new medication and he had to stop the effexor because of suffer heart palpation and getting really sick with that. Hope you will answer this post back to tell me how your situation worked out and what I can expect when this withdraw symptoms might end . Thanks.
Shere1
1 Nov 2015
I'm on the long process of weaning off. I'm now taking half of 37.5, once a day with 300mg of time released Wellbutrin and 10mg of lexapro. I've heard that most people are really sick for about a week or so after completely stopping it. It's so worth it though! I actually have my short term memory back! I didn't know what to do with that at first because it had been about 7 years since I've had short term memory! I hope this passes quickly for you and that they can find something that works. My doctor also put me on phenagren for the nausea and dizziness. That help a lot. Zofran did absolutely nothing!
Jennsir
1 Nov 2015
I've forgotten to take my effexor in the past and hated the withdrawal. This time I have no choice. I have no insurance because my husband lost his job . The side effects of withdrawal are horrible. I went off on my husband yesterday. I probably looked as crazy as I feel in the grocery yesterday for the auditory whirring. I covered my ears multiple times and was like I hate this. I'm vomiting and crying and angry. I can't even work because of all the side effects. I wish I would have never started this drug. I have bipolar with severe depression. I was given this one to go with two other drugs because I had reached their maximum dose. I am like everyone else I was emotionless on this drug. I can't even take my kids trick or treating because of my withdrawal. I hope this ends soon .
ejpart
1 Nov 2015
Hello, I'm so glad I'm not alone. I thought I have been a really horrible person for acting like this also. I have been off of Effexor for 4 days after the first day after stopping the lower dose the brain zaps and the dizziness was kicking in. (because the new med Fetzima and Effexor was causing really bad heart palpitations. So phyc took me completely off of effexor.) Moving is unbearable and The dizziness and the brain zaps are horrible. I start a new job Monday. My other job the boss understood the problem. How long does this last, the physc said " oh you will just of some flu symptoms. However, I do feel some emotions I haven't felt in a long time. But do I have to be so mean in the brunt of this. I hope some one might know. You have a rougher time then I do I just have clinical depression with ptsd. I also reached the max dose. I too hope you feel better soon.
UPANDDOWNN
27 Feb 2016
I have severe depression coupled with bi polar and tourettes with very mimimal ticking that I can control. I take 450 mg of XR and if I miss a dose or when its late in the evening and I have forgotten the zaps and light headiness tell me otherwise. I am scaling back to 75mg and its ok for a few days as I get a rush of adrenalin which triggers my bi polar and im riding the roller coaster if I don't take my lithium. On the plus side, the panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and crying about stuff is gone and I do get some good sleep, but the down side with all of those side effects its probably best if I stay on them but I know im not my same old self but not being around for my children who are young adults would be worse.
Olly1970
19 March 2016
I started on this drug on the advice of a psych due to work cover pulling out complete responsibility for a prolapsed disc in my neck. An injury caused at my workplace. Them stating I had a pre existing condition of scoliosis.
Starting off on 75 mg twice a day I wasn't able to sleep for 6 days or nights. It was like I was on speed. Getting suicial through anxiety to sleep.
Countless phone calls to the psych's receptionist for help and finally a reply on day 6. Valium prescribed. Slept finally. Upped to 300mg.
That was 3 years ago. I've been my father's carer last year until he died of cancer last November - I didn't even cry at his funeral. That was when I decided - no more!! So I've been weining myself off slowly by 75mg as my Drs told me that was the lowest dose. Yesterday was my 1st day of none and today I'm a crying emotional wreck and feel as though I could have a seizure at any moment. Head is flickering, brain is bouncing, last night I was so itchy all over - no rash but unbearable. Took a Valium 2mg finally slept but with body chills and woke up drenched in sweat.
Today I'm all over the place can't focus, crying constantly, feel like fainting, brain zaps are horrendous. Called chemist freaking out thinking I should ring an ambulance. She told me about 37.5mg which Drs don't seem to know exist. She told me to take 75 alternate days til I see a dr. That was 1 1/2 hrs ago already feeling better. Can't wait to feel emotion again. Can't wait to be myself again.
Hate this drug with a passion and will never ever go on anti depressants again!! Off to the Drs to get 37.5mg script on Monday - 2 weeks off that and I will be free - bring it on!!
chrisdykes
27 Oct 2015
I have been on Effexor XR either 150 or 225 for 10 years. Currently at 150. I want off of this drug so badly. Yes, it takes care of mood swings and erases feelings of despair, etc. But it has erased everything. I have no real emotions at all. One time, I filled a generic RX, and although I didn't link the two immediately, about 2 weeks afterwards, I suddenly had a day like one of the worst days I ever had prior to taking Effexor. It was awful. Only after a couple days did we deduce that it had something to do wiht the new generic brand. I immediately had name brand filled, took one, and started feeling better within 24 hours. So, I know what it masks for me. But, I have digestive issues, weight issues, and am starting to have hearing problems. I worry this drug is part of all that. I tried once to taper, but couldn't get passed 37.5 without horrific electrical currents through my face and head, shaking, extreme sensitity to noise, etc.
Has anyone found another (less withdrawal symptom laden) drug that one can take while trying to taper the Effexor? Anything to help the physical effects, as well as to keep you from crashing emotionally? Thanks!
Shere1
27 Oct 2015
I am currently on 37.5 once a day and half of that the next. Then back to 37.5, then half and so on. My doctor has me taking 150mg of Wellbutrin a day along with 10mg of Lexapro. It's really doing the trick. I'm getting off the Effexor very slowly, but it's going so much better at this point, that I can see the light at the end.
YoungSally
27 Oct 2015
Work with your physician (or perhaps if you can a psychopharmacologist ) to see about tapering off. For many people it is really tough. But you are ABSOLUTELY correct on the likelihood that the generic brand change probably caused the withdrawal symptoms. If it's not the inactive ingredients in the different generic brands then it is the acceptable therapeutic difference between the generic and the brand that may be causing your problem. If cost is a reason for switching to the generic... look into Pfizer's co-pay assistance card for Effexor. If that doesn't work, see if your pharmacist can request an authorized generic (in this case probably made by Greystone... which is the private label manufacturer for all pfizer drugs that have gone off patent)... the generic made by the original manufacturer is likely to be closest (or identical to) the original brand.
chrisdykes
28 Oct 2015
Thanks. The Effexor card for a $30 co-pay is exactly what I did. I know only take the name brand. I'm going to talk to my Dr. about the possibility of tapering, and perhaps discuss the Wellbutrin and Lexapro. Although, I don't know what side effects come with those :) I do wish I didn't need at all, but I know that I need some form of pharmacological assistance to stay even...
Shere1
28 Oct 2015
Ah, I asked bout the added side effects of the added drugs, but there really aren't any other than added depression. I will be on these kinds of drugs forever though. I'm ok with that, but the Effexor was making me lose my short term memory. Wellbutrin doesn't really have any negative side effects but I'm not too sure about the lexapro. She put me on the Wellbutrin because it intensifies the Effexor which tricks your body into thinking it has more Effexor in it than it really does. The lexapro was prescribed later, to help with the crying spells. Those were ridiculous! I would see something funny and start crying from laughing!
Sam1101
21 Oct 2015
Has anyone had symptoms of anxiety when they're going through withdrawal?
I am having some of the physical symptoms, but what is actually bothering me the most is that it seems like my general level of anxiety is higher now that I have gone down in dosage. (I was originally taking 150 mg of the XR, I went down to 75 mg and stayed there for about 3-4 weeks, and nine days ago I went down to 37.5). Since going down to 37.5, I have very bad mind chatter, sometimes I have derealization symptoms, I am just generally in a more anxious state, sensitive to sound and light and other stimuli, etc.
I'm curious if anyone else here has had any of these symptoms when they are withdrawing. It seems like the worst anxiety came on after going down to 37.5. Now, of course I'm worried about going down further. I'm just praying and hoping that my body and brain will soon adjust and start producing the proper chemicals to balance me out.
Good luck to everybody here – this medication is evil!!!
cuteandfluffybunny
22 Oct 2015
Yes, I definitely noticed anxiety and all the other symptoms you mentioned. I wish I could tell you it gets better... but with each decrease in dose you feel these symptoms. The best advice I could give you is take your time getting off the medicine. Go to after you feel relatively functional at 37.5 ( give it a couple weeks since you dropped abruptly from 75) Then when you decide to drop down another level do 37.5 every other day for a week, then 37.5 once every two days for a week. You can take the capsules out of the medication if you want to go down another step before doing zero. But I have to tell you the 75 mg to zero are the hardest to cope with. In a different post I listed how I went from 75 mg to zero. No matter what you do it's going to be an emotional challenge and you will feel out of balance and not yourself for months. Get a good support network of friends and family so they can help you through it. I got off this medication twice successfully but it wasn't easy.
Sam1101
22 Oct 2015
Thank you so much for that information - I really appreciate it. This whole thing is so upsetting and it's just good to know that there are people who have successfully gotten off and who are there to support one another. Thank you so much!
cuteandfluffybunny
22 Oct 2015
I'm glad I could help. It will get better. Be strong.
Lozziejean
23 Oct 2015
Hi Sam1101
I'm down from 300mg/day to 75mg and am now trying to drop to 37.5mg
I have also been having extreme anxiety - keep trying to reassure myself that it will settle eventually.
jjeffers8n
23 Oct 2015
I have been on Effexor for about 15 years. Recently a new Doctor suggested the drug was elevating my blood pressure, which I found out is a typical risk. Dr. advised I quite Effexor (75 mg per day) for five days then go onto new prescrip. I am on day four of withdrawal and am worse each day, especially with dizziness, nausea for three days, excruciating migraine-like headaches, and definite brain zaps which have worsened each day. I have been holding it all together at work, except for having to run to the bathroom many times with diarrhea, and after work at home, can hardly tolerate my spouse, am short-tempered and cry until I go to bed. I hate this so much and have always been so afraid of the withdrawal, but after four days of this now, I am bound and determined to go the distance and not go onto the new prescrip for something else. Why try to kill yourself with yet another withdrawal from another drug.
Effexor made me emotionally numb, but over the years have had many suicidal tendencies, so I feel would be better off without this horrible drug. I am taking a liquid multi-B complex, & liquid Calcium & Vitamin D, so think this is helping ease the pains that others are going through.
franksull
2 Nov 2015
I was on 300 mg of effexor for 3 years. I should never have been on it as I had an undiagnosed brain tumour that was causing all the symptoms of depression and anxiety. I had surgery July 2015 and the symptoms of anxiety and depression just disappeared almost over night post surgery. I began tapering off effexor straight after surgery reducing by 37.5 mg per fortnight. I had all the withdrawal symptoms described by other people in this forum. The more I reduced the amount the worse the withdrawal got. I was determined to get off this stuff. I took my last effexor pill 15 December 2014. It is now November 2015, 11 months since I took the last pill. It was hell but I did it. I am sure I am still getting some side effects from the withdrawal but it has certainly improved in the past 6 months. I do get acute myalgia which I never had in my life before taking effexor. I am sure it is the medication that has caused it. I was also on Olanzapine and lthium 750 mg while taking the exffexor.
I have withdrawn from these medications also since surgery. I am sure the concoction of medication has given me the myalgia. I was also on 7.5 mg of zopiclone for about 4 years for insomnia and I have managed to kick it also. It was not easy. I am now drug free for almost 12 months and feel great except for the myalgia. My brain tumour was benign and I have made a full recovery from it also. I had never suffered from anxiety and depression in my life and I am now taking legal action against the clinician that prescribed me all the medication when in actual fact I should have had an MRI to look for biological problems as none of the medication worked for me. I am now back to who I use to be and it's great.
Gnana2
15 Nov 2015
I ran out of this medication 2 days ago and feel horrible, dizzy, headache, tingling arms/feet. This drug is evil and I've been on it for about 2 years. It pisses me off that my Dr. Never gave me any indication of these type of side affects, and what I am reading from other people is that I'll never be myself again... This is the first time in my life I've been on anti- anxiety medication, I've always gone the alternative health care route and wish to God I had this time as well. Now I guess I get to pay with my sanity... good luck to all of you... we're going to need it!
Worriedmom16
28 Nov 2015
Hi, my 16 yr old daughter isin the process of tapering off of Effexor XR . It has taken 4 months to taper from 150 mg to about 14. She became so sick that we had to open up the capsule and count out the beads, decreasing by 1 bead a day. She had to quit cross country because she was vomiting daily and was dizzy, nauseous and was having random panic attacks. She would start to cry at school for no reason, and was exhausted and fatigued all the time. We were not prepared for the horrific withdrawal side effects. It has been awful for her. This has been way worse than the anxiety she was being treated for. Can anyone tell me what it might be like in the weeks after she tapers off completely? How soon before she starts feeling like herself again. I read that the side effects are sometimes the worst in the weeks after . Her psychiatrist did not prepare us for any of this. I wish it was never prescribed for her. I would be grateful for any advice!! Thanks
cuteandfluffybunny
2 Dec 2015
The best advice I can give you is to get some Dramamine for the dizziness, have her stand up or turn her head slowly. AVIOD CAFFINE entirely during this time because it makes the dizziness and head zaps worse. My doctor gave me Klinopin for really bad anxiety breakouts to take as needed as I tapered off and it helped. Other people have commented that their doctor put them on Wellbutrin to help ease the withdrawal anxiety and it helped them. The first week at zero is the absolute worse. From there each week gets a little better. The dizziness and brain zaps gets to the point where I didn't want to lay down all day from being tired after about 2 months... at 4 months I got better at dealing with emotions... after about 6 months I felt really close to normal but still have occasional anxiety attacks. This is my experience... I went through it twice(the anxiety came back full force after 10 months the first time and I foolishly went back on Effexor). I was at 75mg... but the withdrawal experience has sounded similar for people at the higher doses. Hopefully this helps.
ruby9899
20 Oct 2015
hi. igot removed from a rehab and they forgot to give me my drugs back. i should say i am an alcoholic- the reason for my use of effexor. been on it for 4 months after 10 years of escitalopram. anyway with no meds and unable to get to a doctor, i drank to mask the effects of withdrawal because i have NEVER heard of anyone having a good experience coming off effexor. after two days i stopped drinking and i have never gone through such bad withdrawals. i am home alone with diarrhoea, audial and visual hallucinations (i can hear my deceased dog on the couch next to me), i havent slept in three days, not even for an hour, im dizzy, cannot eat because it immediately comes up aand i have pulled a muscle in neck from vomiting.
i am day 6 now and i want to know what to take to help me with these symptoms. all i can research is "taper" it off. which is such retroactive advice. like advising a pregnant woman to use condoms next time... i would have but i need to know what to do NOW that i missed the tapering window. will valium help? thats how we alkies get thru alcohol withdrawal. Panadol, Stemitil? i,m starving, sweating and sleep deprived. will taking a dose of escitalopram help- i have some of that in a drawer here. please help... sorry if there are spelling mistakes. my eyes wont focus properly- another wierd symptom... and no im not driving anywhere.
Starry Eyed
18 Oct 2015
I'm on day 2 of no Effexor after tapering off VERY SLOWLY. I was originally taking 225 mg a day and had been taking it since September of last year. I started tapering in July after having a manic episode, which had never happened to me before. Previous to the manic episode, I kept telling my psychiatrist that it didn't work and I didn't like it, but instead of taking me off of the drug, he kept increasing the dose. The manic episode was awful- I stopped sleeping, I went off on my boss and one of my coworkers, I spent exorbitant amounts of money, and did other things that my judgement would have normally stopped me from doing. I'd rather not go into that here. Anyway, I went to a different psychiatrist, and she diagnosed me with Bipolar II (depression predominant), and put me on a mood stabilizer and Buspar for my anxiety. She told me to taper off the Effexor as slowly as possible. When I got down to 37.5 mg, I got violently sick.
I was lightheaded, nauseated, and couldn't turn my head without feeling like I was going to pass out. I started having really vivid dreams. I was finally down to half of a 25 mg pill, which I stopped taking 2 days ago. Right now I can't even get out of bed. Every time I stand up I feel like I'm going to faint. I can't eat because I can't keep anything down.
I don't care WHAT the drug companies say, the withdrawals are real! This drug is pure evil and I'll tell anyone who is willing to listen. Never EVER continue seeing a psychiatrist who won't listen to you the very first time you tell them a drug they prescribed isn't making you feel right. If you do, you'll end up regretting it later.
HopefulOff
19 Oct 2015
These are the same physical side effects I had when I went to zero from 37.5. I also had extreme anxiety and depression and the vivid very bizarre dreams. I am about to begin tapering down from 37.5 with the addition of prozac. I truly hope you begin to feel better very soon! Hold on. There is hope!
HopefulOff
19 Oct 2015
Starry Eyed, how did you taper down from 37.5? You said "very slowly." I am wondering if I should just bite the bullet and go to zero since going slowly doesn't seem to make the first week or so off it any better. What do you think?
kjl9165
19 Oct 2015
I had no idea how bad this would be!! I've been venlafaxine-free for about 3 weeks (tapered from 150mg to 75 to 37.5 at the rec of my doc). I would have never gotten on a drug like this had I known it would dictate my life like this. The withdrawals are horrendous and now that I'm "drug-free" I keep getting teary and feel like I can't control my emotions. Do I need to get back on something or does this get better!!!
Starry Eyed
19 Oct 2015
Hi HopefulOff, thank you! When I tried switching from 37.5 down to 0, the withdrawal symptoms were MUCH worse than they are now, so I don't recommend it. I called my new doctor and she gave me some 25 mg tabs that are immediate release. They're scored so you can split them in half. I took 25 mg once a day for 2 weeks, then split them in half and took that once a day for the next two weeks. It helps with the withdrawal symptoms, but unfortunately you're on it longer that way. Day 3 has been about the same as day 2 but I took something for the nausea so that hasn't been as bad. It's much easier to go from 12.5 mg to 0, so see if you can try that if you don't mind it taking longer to come off.
HopefulOff
19 Oct 2015
Today I am doing very well. It is the 3rd or 4th day of taking prozac 20mg, and today I cut in half my 37.5 pill. I felt good enough to go to Yoga and by 2 p.m. was starting to feel anxious and a little dizzy. I took a benadryl (many sites have said it combats dizziness,) and .5 mg Klonopin to calm the anxiety a bit. What a difference! I think these other medications ease the pain and anxiety. Prozac has a half life of 2-3 days, so the withdrawal is very smooth. Effexor has a half life (the time it takes to leave your system,) of 5 hours! This is what makes Effexor so difficult to get off! Here is a link to a very encouraging blog post on The Prozac Bridge method of tapering off Effexor. She used it starting at 37.5 and took 12 days to get off and then tapered off the prozac. I hope it helps some of you!
EcstaticCling
13 Oct 2015
I have been having all of the "typical" (AKA terrible) withdrawal symptoms after having been on 225 mg of Effexor for a year as a treatment for fibromyalgia. I have now been completely off of Effexor for two weeks and I'm now feeling almost totally back to normal -- the first week was awful, and then I started to feel much better over the past week. In short, there is hope and this isn't forever (though I know it varies with the person).
I am fortunate enough to be working with a very responsive doctor who really worked with me to ease my withdrawal symptoms. Because I know that often with doctors you really need to be an advocate for yourself to get the best care (sadly), I wanted to share things that my doctor recommended so that they may be of help to anyone dealing with a skeptical or uncooperative doctor. The most unbearable symptom for me was the constant dizziness/vertigo, and my Dr.
initially suggested Antivert (Meclizine) (which I got as a prescription but it's the same active ingredient as Dramamine) and basic Benadryl to control the dizziness. The Antivert didn't help with the dizziness and just upset my stomach even more, but the Benadryl did help (though I had to take two 25 mg tablets). When I wasn't satisfied with how the "first line" of treatments was working my doctor prescribed a really low dosage (0.5 mg) of Klonopin (Clonazepam) and that made a HUGE difference for the dizziness. My Dr. had told me that benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax can be extremely effective in dealing with dizziness -- if you take them at very low doses AND only for very short periods of time, otherwise they have high potential for abuse and for withdrawal symptoms of their own. I ended up taking Klonopin for 4 days and then stopping it, and had no negative effects when I did stop it. I personally didn't get sleepy from either the Antivert, the Benadryl, or the Klonopin, but that's known to be their downside -- though as sick as I was I would've been MORE than happy to sleep through it rather than being awake the whole time.
Hope this can be of help to anyone who isn't having productive conversations with their doctor. Best of luck to everyone!
HopefulOff
13 Oct 2015
This is very encouraging! I was at 300 mg for many years. It was great for my depression. Now that I am ready to be off, I tried titrating but when I went below 37.5 for 2 days, every single symptom hit. I am finally stable on 37.5, but dread the effects that I had before when I went from 37.5 down to zero.
May I ask how exactly you went from 37.5 to zero, and how long the negative effects lasted? Thank you so very much!
EcstaticCling
14 Oct 2015
I went down by 75 mg once a week for three weeks. I didn't have any issues until I went from 75 to 0, though.
HopefulOff
14 Oct 2015
I have been on 37.5 for a while after having a bad crash when I went to zero for 2 days. Did you go directly from 75 to zero? I am trying to decide if perhaps it is worth going to zero now, and experiencing what everyone says is an inevitable 6 days or more of hell for the sake of getting through the tunnel. Some people took out beads from the 37.5 capsule 2 at a time but said it was still rough at zero. Advice? Thank you!
Kd4u
15 Oct 2015
I went from 37.5 mg xr to nothing. I thought it would be better to do it that way than prolong it but everyone is different. I just crossed off the days as I went and although it was terrible , I knew I was one day closer to being well and that kept me going. Took 3 weeks to feel physically better. Do it your way. Best of luck keep us posted.
EcstaticCling
17 Oct 2015
I went from 75 to 0, but from what I read the people who went from 37.5 to 0 also had the same problems I did. If I could go back in time then I'd have asked my doctor about the "Prozac bridge" that some people say is helpful. I've used a bridging method to get off of another antidepressant (Cymbalta) that was giving me a lot of withdrawal issues and it allowed me to get off of it without issues. If it were me I'd look into it.
HopefulOff
17 Oct 2015
Thank you! I am still stabilizing at 37.5 (It is difficult,) and my doctor just gave me a prescription for prozac to begin taking for the time I titrate down. Your suggestion gives me hope that I may not have to hit the rocky place that I visited for a few days on zero. The thought of more than a few days of it is daunting, but I will do it to get through. I will definitely try the Prozac "bridge." Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
withdrawing
18 Oct 2015
Thank you too, "hopeful". I am just starting the prozac bridge and i have already experienced some harsh discontinuation effects going from 350 to 225. I went down from 350 to 300 that was OK but 300-250 was hell and I couldn't drive, felt drunk/ dizzy... Feels like the bottom back part of my skull is in a vice and many of the other things people have described. Did your problems only start towards the end of your titration off or did you have issues during the whole process? Now I am going down 25 mg every 2 weeks and taking a low dose of prozac. I'm still in pain but I can at least baseline function
EcstaticCling
18 Oct 2015
"Withdrawing," I think people's experiences tapering off depends a lot on the dosage they were taking and how long they were on the Effexor. I experienced a return of the underlying problems (fibromyalgia pain) that I was treating with the Effexor as I went from 225 to 150 and then 150 to 75, but did not have any of the actual withdrawal symptoms until I went to 0. Going really slowly is smart, and keep in mind that if you're taking the Prozac, too, then it will take time to build up in your system -- though I don't pretend to know how long it will take to get to a level that will reduce withdrawal symptoms. Hang in there!
HopefulOff
18 Oct 2015
Withdrawing and EcstaticCling:
I am so comforted to have you both to talk with about this bumpy ride! It sure does seem to differ amongst us, but the process of getting off seems to have some of the same difficulties. I was on 300 mg for depression and anxiety for over 8 years. Before that, for about 5 years I tried 3 other anti-depressants which either stopped working or gave me terrible skin rashes. I started on 150 mg of effexor and the instant relief from grief-like physical depression was a God-send. At some point, it "Stopped working," and the tears returned, so the doctor upped me to 300 mg. 2 months ago I went from 300 to 150 with absolutely NO symptoms, and then to 75 with no symptoms. I think we all differ in our responses; perhaps you, Withdrawing, will not have such a severe drop as I did when I got to 37.5 and below if you are starting the difficulty now, and your body may be adjusting earlier. I was on 37.5 for about a week and then I stopped completely.
The back of my skull/ base of my neck indeed felt in the afternoon as if it is in a vice. The migraine was terrible, and the levels of anxiety and depression were very high (bad.) Feeling confused and beating myself up... feeling disassociated--all things that were familiar before the anti-depressants, and therefore frightened me into thinking, "Is this the base-line "me," without an anti-depressant? So I stabilized back onto 37.5, and had a few good days followed by 2 days on 37.5 that were pain and angst-filled. Then out of the blue I just experienced 2 days (yesterday and the day before,) without pain or any of the emotional/mind pain... Today was a little tough. I am on day 3 of Prozac, and taking 37.5. My guess is these chemicals do things on a daily basis according to my own hormonal fluctuations (I seem to be entering menopause... ugh!) and the level of effexor and now prozac in my system. I am trying to remind myself that yesterday and the day before are evidence that it is the medicine and not my base-line state, since when I was depressed, I never had 2 days out of the blue that were peaceful and happy. I will keep you updated on what happens for me. I am determined to get off this, and also the prozac. Question for you both: Did your blood pressure go up or did you gain weight on the effexor? Both happened for me: from very low to high, and I gained 20 pounds, even though I eat vegetables and fish nearly exclusively. God Bless all of us! There is a good life waiting just ahead!
Shere1
21 Oct 2015
I've been down to 37.5 for a few weeks now, from 300. I've started biting the 37.5 in half, every other day. So far, I only have a spell of dizziness for a few seconds, once a day. Nothing I can't deal with. I will start taking just that half of the 37.5 everyday in about a week and see how that goes. If I have the nasty symptoms again, I will try 37.5, then half of that, then the other half, then 37.5 on the 3rd day, I find myself actually licking the remaining amount from my fingers when I bite it in half. It's just awful!!! I'm taking 150mg of Wellbutrin twice a day and 10mg of lexapro once a day. It's helped tremendously!
jleighedwards
8 Oct 2015
I am day 2 of being off completely effexor after 2 years at 150mg. I went down to 37.5mg for 2 weeks then went to nothing.
I am having a hard time not going back to it. My work feels overwhelming and never ending. I feel out of it and agitated and emotional. I am concerned about driving as I don't feel present so I am trying to keep that to a minimum.
Its just difficult and I am having a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Kd4u
8 Oct 2015
Give it time. I saw the physical withdrawal symptoms greatly reduce at 2 to 3 weeks. The mental symptoms took longer and although it is much much better I am not sure I will ever be the same. It was difficult to concentrate at work for awhile. I still much prefer feeling the emotions to being numb and dependent on that drug. Good luck.
Hila12
8 Oct 2015
I am with you. . After years of taking that poison on 150mg, I went down to 37.5 for 2 weeks and today is day 12 completely off that drug. I'm still a wreck. physically and emotionally.. I do believe though now that it could be done and that our body.. brain, will know how to handle itself without that horrible drug.. best of hope and success to us all!
Even if you don't see the light, I know it's there. It must be!
TNK79
9 Oct 2015
I'm on 225mg xl venlafaxine. Can I just stop taking them?I've been on them for 4 years now.
hillwalker
15 Oct 2015
Hi. I am on day five of my withdrawal of venlavaxine 37.5. I had originally been on citalipram 40 for anxiety but i started to have severe negative thoughts, my GP put me onto venalavaxine 37.5 slow release but after a couple of weeks the thoughts returned, my GP decided to put me on fast release venalavaxine 37.5 and yes you guessed it again the thoughts returned. I couldnt understand why i kept getting negative thoughts as i had no worries in my life personally or financially. I read the leaftet that comes in the box and was surprisef to see that negative thoughts was a side effect of all these tablets that i had taken. I begged my phychiatrist last week to take me off venalavaxine and she agreed to let me stop it for two weeks. I hadnt had a tablet since the saturday and by sunday i started to feel the effects of withdrawal. I have disturbed vision, dizziness, sweating day and night and brian zaps.
There are all scary but if being of this tablet stops my negative thoughts i can deal with them. My phychiatrist phoned me two days ago and when i told her about the symptons she said it was normal for these in the first few weeks. I am treating these symptons the same as stopping smoking, they will eventually subside. I have no intention of going back onto venalavaxine after my two weeks and i know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have been invited to go to canada for 10 days next year and this is my goal to stay venalavaxine clean. Having read other peoples comments i know that i am not alone and that i have a stuggle on my hands but i will do this. Just stay positive. Good luck to all you people out there dealing with the same stuggle.
beeliever2000
19 Oct 2015
How is everyone doing now? I went from 150 mg for several years, down to 75 for 2 weeks, down to 37.5 for 2 weeks, then 37.5mg every other day for 2 weeks. I am on the 4th day off. Day 2 was awful and like an out of body experience. My appetite is minimal and seem to get sick within 10-30 mins after eating. I am glad you all have shared. I thought maybe this was a virus, but I just had a virus 2 weeks ago that lasted for 4-5 days (however, now I wonder if it was the weaning off). Has anyone had chills as a side effect too? I am going to try to omega 3's and vit C. If fish oil is an issue, I know that flax seed is also a great omega 3 that was recommended for our son. Someone suggested ZemBright Mood Plus. I researched the safety, possible side effects, and withdrawal... really to find none. Some valid and reliable research studies about zembrin did not indicate negatives and most research was to validate that it was effective compared to a placebo.
I know I should have started it about 30 days prior/during weaning off Effexor XR, but I didn't. Can't wait to feel better!
Jboz217
2 Oct 2015
I just started taking 37.5 a day, 3 days ago for anxiety. After reading many threads etc, I've decided this medicine isn't for me. Not sure how active this thread still is, but my psychiatrist isn't in until tomorrow at 9, have been taking it at 7am.
Do you think this will have been enough doses to feel these withdrawal symptoms and/or need to wean off?
carrotstick
2 Oct 2015
I have been on this drug for 7 years and was taking 35.7 mil. I'm a very active person I try to walk 4 miles a day and do weights. I have an A personality and never stop moving once my feet hit the floor in the morning. I have gained 10 pounds and have tried dieting, stopped drinking my evening glass of wine, I can't drop the weight not even an ounce!!! I was told this drug will put weight on you so I went on line and watched a video on how to wean myself off, this video was a life savor. I open the capsule and take a seed out a week. I started 143 days, twenty-three weeks ago. I'm down to seed number 6!!!
The first 2 nights after taking the first seed away, when I tried to sleep I felt like bugs were crawling all over my body. Now I cry over everything, I get confused and can't concentrate and experience brain zaps. My fear is when I take that last seed. THIS DRUG SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET!!!
MIDDLEJ
3 Oct 2015
Three years ago my internist prescribed Venlafaxine 37.5MG, a generic form of EFFEXOR. I was going to have surgery to remove a small estrogen induced cancerous breast lump. The drug was thought to lessen the possibility of sweating for some patients. For awhile it appeared to be helping, but now I realize the crazy itching, "brain zaps", sleep issues, etc. over the past 2 1/2 years were probably caused by this drug. A few of weeks ago my doctor and I agreed to cut the pill in half. He saw nothing wrong with that. A couple of days ago, I stopped taking the 1/2 pill dose. The crying had begun and I kept asking myself why. That's when I realized I was feeling the effects of withdrawal. I know it will take some time, but I'm looking forward to a time when the almost constant itching finally will be a thing of the past.
Many years ago I was convinced I was depressed. After a few doctors and many different medications, I was able to make the best of my life without drugs. We each have to make out way through life as best we can. All those weird effects I'm experiencing are not in my head. I'm so glad I found this site today. Thank you.
to help with the sweats
MzTotm93
3 Oct 2015
Hi Jboz217, you are very fresh on this med and personally I don't think you would have a problem tapering. You might feel a bit woozy but I think you're safe and smart for running the other way. Unlike myself, I've been taking it for several months now and it's gotten in my system very deeply. But don't quote me because everyone's body is different... good luck!
Shere1
4 Oct 2015
I think maybe it's worth a try to just stop it after only 3 days. Please, please, please, don't get mixed up with this drug. I am weaning off of it right now, and have never been so sick in my life. I can't really see straight, am constantly nauseated, feel like my body is walking into a room before my mind gets there, and feel like I could literally peel the skin off my body and feel better than I do right now. Good luck!
Kd4u
6 Oct 2015
Try not taking it. You could always take it if you become uncomfortable. I am sorry for your struggles. Anxiety is worse than depression. I had both. Starting this drug again would be a last resort for me. It was of great help initially but I ended up taking it only to avoid withdrawal. Stopping it was horrible. Consider investigating other options. Best of luck.
Onlyp74
10 Dec 2015
I only took 37.5mg of Effexor XR for 8 days. I have now been off for four days and today I think is the worst. My head doesn't seem too hurt too bad, but the ringing in my ears/head and just feeling so cloudy and tired is awful!! I am quite upset that it's so easy to prescribe this medicine and have no one tell you what the effects of coming off of it are. I only took 8 pills and I regret taking even one!!! Does fish oil really help?? If so, I need to take this ASAP!! I've also had strep and I've been out of work for 4 days with all of this going on. This medicine is horrible!!!
heatherql
24 Sep 2015
Unfortunately the best thing would be to ween off the medication. I would pay out of pocket for next prescription if the withdrawal symptoms become too difficult. The cost would be worth it.
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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