I know this has been asked a lot as i have read forum after forum. I don't seem to find a clear answer. Is there anyone who has successfully quit Effexor cold turkey? I am very brand new to antidepressants. A brief stint with Paxil 17 yrs ago with no noticeable change. I began Celexa in march for 6 weeks with no noticeable change so was switched to Effexor XR. I did read about it and questioned my doc about side effects which she made seem like no big deal. 6 weeks on 75mg not really any improvement so increased to 150mg. Still no improvement so via phone i asked to try 225. That caused a nervous break down and i wanted to kill myself. I was put immediately down to 75mg. I probably stayed there for a couple weeks. Found a new doc. Quit Effexor cold turkey and saw new doc on day 3 of withdrawal. He suggested Wellbutrin and didn't seem concerned with cold turkey stopping. I am on day 4 of withdrawal and i am dizzy, nauseous, foggy and uncontrollably tired. So tired and dizzy i cant function. I don't notice any brain zaps. Since i only took it a couple months does anyone have any idea when i will at least feel somewhat normal? Today is day 2 of Wellbutrin. I'm horrified of even trying it. I think Effexor is a drug that should only be tried in patients with no improvement with other drugs first. This drug should be a last resort.
Quitting Effexor XR 75mg cold turkey! How long for withdrawal to cease?
Question posted by GsxR girl on 30 Aug 2012
Last updated on 26 September 2020
14 Answers
I was on 75mg slow release everyday for 5 years to help with my paranoia and social anxiety. Over the past year, I kind of just realized that the old me wasn’t there anymore. The Effexor definitely helped with the anxiety and worry but I wasn’t having any real ups or downs and I just missed feeling like me. I don’t have any major issues so I think being free of medication will be very freeing.
Today is day three free from Effexor; just stopped because I’ve had enough. I feel fine! Hope it lasts!
Hi I commenting rather than posting answers because I wanted to talk to you . How are you 18 days in today I am skipping my 37.5 mg Effexor rx ( actually is the generic but I always get into trouble spelling that.)
It is not like I have never missed a dose but usually when the headache hits I remember to take it anyhow doing every other for a week then maybe every 3 for a week then I am out and done. I also take 150 mg Wellbutrin and have for slightly over half the time I was on the Effexor 3 1/2 years. I don’t think it will bridge the gap as well as Prozac is supposed to but might help some. The plan is to ditch it about 4 weeks after but maybe more. Have been waiting for spring to do this because winter in Canada is not a good time for anyone to get off antidepressants.
Anyhow how are You.
Today I am taking one of my last few doses of 37.5 mg . Two days off one on this week the I am done no emotional side effects because I am well, but a slight headache on and off that I think isn’t my sinuses. That’s it !!!
Hope next week is this easy.
Info; on Wellbutrin 150mg (smallest pill) as well so I am stopping it second.
And I have take a long time to ween off.
With every dose reduction I have; reduced ever third day for a while, then ever second, then two out of three days, then everyday remaining at that dose for a while. And repeat with the next. I spent the whole winter on 37.5 because I find hard winter. So almost Effexor free and not too terrible !!!
Will post next week to see if I was able to stop at 37.5 or if I crack some of my 75 stash for a few gains every few days. ( also I did have to have my doctor write scripts for 37.5 mg for all my reductions and the pharmacist had to tell the insurance company that I needed more than one size of pill so I could go off them.
So I took that last 37.5 mg after three days. Well was worse taking it than not . I felt ick for at least 24 hours.
So I figured I was done, have so dizziness but I cannot tell if is sinus infection neck pain I had this week or withdrawal.
The weirdest thing is that tv shows or radio programming the news, keep making me cry I am not depressed just feeling a lot or strongly. Kinda weird to feel so much.
So the feeling extra sensitive lasted the whole three weeks that I took the Wellbutrin as well and a few more days . And the pms was pretty bad that month ( think wanting to yell a lot) . But I am off both no brain zaps but as I also have had sinus problems the whole time I cannot say no headaches. Anyhow I am off and feel ok and ok is about all I can expect given the stress that life has been thrown my way this year too.
Just thought I let folks know!
I was on Effexor XR for PMS and anxiety. Due to an error on several levels I was not able to get my medicine. I went 7 days without it and the withdrawal was hell. I went to the ER when it got unbearable. The ER doctor figured up in his head that the drugs were fully out of my system by day 4. Then he looked at me and said "You haven't seen anything yet". In reference to the withdrawal symptoms I was having.The Dr. wanted me to go back to my PCP and get more medicine so I could wean off the medication or go over to the rehab center around the corner from the hospital. His exact words to me were his job was to see that I walked out of the ER alive. He offered me a prescription for Ativan. I waited 45 minutes for the prescription and walked telling the nurses what he could do with the RX. I sat sobbing in my car trying to decide what to do. I called the rehab center who has a phone system with major issues. Made trying to get help hell.
The person I spoke to told me to come and get an assessment. I told them I could not do inpatient treatment. She said no problem, I could get an assessment and they would figure out how to help me from there. I walked in spoke to the security guard who was more sympathetic than anyone else I had dealt with so far. A woman walks in with a bag over her shoulder like she is just passing through. The guard tells her I am her walk-in. She looks at me and says do you have any questions or know about the facility. I said I know nothing. She proceeded to keep walking towards the door leading into the patient area and tells me they are inpatient and that's all they do. I said I was told differently on the phone. She said after the assessment they would give me resources once I was able to leave. They tried to get me into this place against my will. I wholeheartedly believe. The entire time this women is looking at me like something stuck to the bottom of her shoe. I left once again sobbing. I kept telling my husband that these people knew nothing about me. They didn't know my story. My sister Christie said those same words to me repeatedly. Yes there is a difference between us. My medication was prescribed..the doses have been increased over the years. I was on that stuff legally for 15years. I will not ever go on it again. I sat in my car sobbing for hours trying to get help. I decided to try homeopathic remedies. Fish oil to stop the " brain Sparks". And yes that is a thing. Magnesium for the muscle cramps and chocolate for everything else. I have a long way to go. But hopefully only up hill from here. I see what my sister and a couple of other family members have been through. And I have once again seen how the health care system is majorly flawed. I am majorly on a crusade to make changes.
I agree that should be a last resort medication. I started taking this drug when my son died 3 years ago. My doctor kept increasing my dosage. However, I never would go any higher than 150mg a day. Thank GOD!!! I have tried for a year to get off of this stuff with no success. So, this time I told no one until I had missed 5 doses. The reason I told everyone around me was because I was super paranoid. Today is day 6 and I still crazy. I have thrown up so much in the last six days that I am throwing up blood from the irritation. I have several brain zaps a day. I am extremely tired. I have severe vertigo. However, I am not giving in. I hate this drug. I am ready to get my life back.
How are you doing now? If you’re struggling find a reputable psychiatrist that will ask you lots and lots of questions and try medications very slowly and cautiously. Way too many doctors are quick to prescribe without having enough information to make an educated decision. Depression and anxiety affect people very differently, treatment should be personalized instead of cookie cutter. I took effexor xr for about 10 years never being completely well. It was prescribed by an internal medicine doctor. I had never seen a psychiatrist as my doctor seemed so confident this was the right thing. Turns out effexor was making some of my symptoms much worse and I struggled for the last 3 years with more serious symptoms. I’m now just off of it but it was a very slow process to reduce dosage from 150mg to 75mg and then to 37.5
Discontinuation symptoms are very unpleasant and they can definitely include exacerbated anxiety and panic as well. That’s what I’ve experienced.
Finally, I can’t tell you enough to take your time to find the right psychiatrist. One that cares and actually seeks to help you resolve your problem.
GsxR gIrl; Really sorry for the time you are having with the Effexor, And the truth is everyone is different in the way that it clears your system. But they really don't suggest that we stop it cold turkey even if you were on the only 75mg The feeling you're talking about sure does sound like the withdrawals of the Effexor. I think what I would do if it gets any worse or keeps giving you problems for much longer Your new doctor just may have to give you the smallest dose of Effexor and take it with the Wellbutrin and continue to taper it down slowly so you can get over this and see how the Wellbutrin is working for you Like try to get it where you are taking it every 2 days then every 3 days. ETC. IF YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN AND IT DOES NOT SURPRISE ME THAT THE DOCTOR WAS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE Effexor because when we started out most doctors did not believe that it was so hard to get off of the SSRIs or snris Until much later than it came out on the market.
But sadly for us, they still have no time period of what or how long this well last. So I feel myself that you should talk to the new doctor again about how you feel. PS it is okay to take the Wellbutrin and Effexor together. I have been on the two for over 4 years And feel the best I have in 40 years. I really wish I could help you more but this is a very common error on patients and doctors. Thank God you are not having the brain zaps. and I wish you all the best. If you get a good sign from the doctor I would love to hear it for others and maybe myself. But please don't let yourself suffer to much. Have a good day and hope you reach a good peak.
Unfortunately, the withdrawal symptoms of Effexor XR last far longer than one could imagine. I was put on only 75mg of the medication in 2013 and decided (per my doctor) to taper off in February. I started with taking it every other day and now I am taking it every third day and the withdrawal symptoms are still present and it's almost April. From my knowledge, the symptoms could last (although lessening over time) for several months before dissipating completely. While the symptoms are easy for me to manage, I cannot tolerate the "brain zaps" throughout my head, which travel to my fingertips. Although it's completely harmless, it is still an unpleasant and annoying sensation.
How are you today ?
I would suggest trying CBD -sublingual crystals mixed with coconut oil and honey.
sorry, I'm naive. What does CBD stand for? Thanks.
I was on 75mg for about 8 years. Started cutting back to one every other day for about two weeks. Then went to one every three days for two weeks. Then stopped. Was having mild to moderate brain disconnects for about 10 days, slightly less each day. Day 11 post last pill... feeling pretty good. Feeling much more alive and aware. Know everyone is different. Good luck.
^how are you today ?
Hello, I was on effexor for about 4 long years... I am now effexor free! I started on 37.5 mg effexor XR capsules per day, and requested to change from taking capsules to tablets instead. I took 37.5 mg for about 2 years and slowly began to wean off the medication by taking 3/4 tab per day then 1/2 tab per day for another year, then 1/4 tab daily (last six months). I finally got to 1/8 tab until finally discontinuing taking the med all together. It was a slow process, but it was the only way (with God's help) that I could get off without having all the crazy withdrawal symptoms. It has been about 2 weeks and I can confidently say I am finally Effexor free for good!
I have tried cutting back from 225 mg down to 75 the effects are the same it's different if you can afford to a doctor I live in Texas and do not qualify for any medical assistance at all I am considering speaking to an attorney for a class action lawsuit though I am tired of being a guinea pig and would much rather live with a suicidal thoughts and the massive depression then to go through this due to this I cannot work I can't take care of my house my husband left me you name it it's happened this drug is wrong
I am on day 2 without effexor because of a Med mix up. I am hoping it will be straight to marrow. I feel awful, can't concentrate, dizzy, can't catch my breathe. I want to get off this drug. This happened once before, so I am hoping to feel better tomorrow so I won't need it any longer.
I am on venlafaxine which is generic for effexor I have been for over 7 years I am bipolar and trying to get off of this stuff is a nightmare I do not have the finances for a doctor or a psychiatrist so I'm having to go it alone but the brain seizures are horrible there is nothing that will cure it and I don't know how long the effects last this drug should be outlawed straight-out taken off the shelf and never recommended for anyone the depression is much easier than this medication
I was in the hospital in February for an aortic valve replacement. I began having panic attacks, which I have had in the past, but this time it was much worse. The psychiatrist at the hospital put me on Effexor. Once I got out of the hospital I went to my regular MD, and she doubled the Effexor to help with the depression I was having as a result of coming so near death during my heart procedures. I was doing pretty well, except for terrible stomach cramps every time I had a BM, which was really painful, but manageable. Then, all of a sudden, 2 weeks ago, I stopped sleeping. I mean, lying awake all night for hours on end, tossing and turning, and then finally around 4 or 5 in the morning, falling asleep for 2 or 3 hours. This went on for 2 weeks, and I tried everything the doctors told me to try, but it just kept getting worse. It is really hard to heal from open heart surgery when you aren't getting enough sleep.
It was about 6:30 last Sunday opening, and I had been lying there since 11:00 pm the previous night, when it just dawned on me that this might be a side effect of one of the drugs I am taking. So I got up and started looking through all the papers that the hospital sent home with me, and guess what? The very first side effect listed for Effexor was "unable to sleep". Well, I have dealt with a lot of health problems in my life, but one thing I can't deal with is not sleeping. So, I quit the Effexor. Cold turkey. I have had no withdrawal symptoms, and I'm sleeping much better. The stomach cramps are gone, too. I was only on Effexor for 5 weeks, and that's got to be the only reason I have had no withdrawal symptoms. I'm lucky I got out of it so easily. I'm going to go back on Wellbutrin, but I am going to wait until the Effexor is completely out of my system. Good luck to you, I hope it goes well for you.
Thats very common with effexor. I actually was diagnosed with anxiety by a psychatrist who told me i should not be on effexor because it blocks norepinephrine Aka adrenaline. It was like pumping me full of steroids. I did not sleep at all at first either. You will adjust. But know this is not a good drug and although i was successful at coming off cold turkey most people NEVER completely come off this due to the withdrawl. It was awful. I would suggest having a psychatrist decide what you should be on as a regular MD does not have the expertise. Needless to say i found a new MD after that experince also! Good luck!
Sorry i just re-read an i over looked that a psych prescribed it. Not real sure why they think this will help with anxiety. My psych didnt seem to think the two mixed well.
Wow! Great you were able to come off with no side effects. It doesn't mean just because you were only on it for five weeks you had no symptoms. When I would miss one little dose (even in the beginning) I was afraid to be alone. I cried and felt silly but told my mom not to leave (and I was in my 40s). If you are able to stay off this drug, DON"T get back on unless it is absolutely necessary, and I suggest that it is not absolutely necessary as there are so many other drugs that can do wonders. We live in a great time of knowledge. Some of the symptoms I am facing as I get off Effexor I didn't even realize were withdrawal symptoms. I thought I had a high fever but couldn't figure out why my head was not hot. IT was because it is a symptom of withdrawal not a sickness. Also, sleeping like crazy, signs like an upper respiratory infection (harder time breathing, wheezing, etc.) were all symptoms of withdrawal.
I wondered why I felt like I was going to fall over a lot, why I had the flu and a sinus infection at the same time but the doctor said I was perfectly healthy... all symptoms.
Hello GsxR girl. A slow, gradual taper is used for most all of the psychiatric drugs. Effexor is no exception. Its going to be a rough go for you. The side effects can last for at least a week and longer. Best of wishes to you, pledge
Day 5 effexor withdrawl. I went to the pharmacy and was suggested meclizine 25mg. Bought it took 2 pills and quite quickly dizziness and stomache nausea gone. Still have vertigo? But i feel much more functional.
That is good news! Lets hope the virtigo disappears as well. Have a great weekend.
My immediate reaction was, also, OMG you can't do that! Switching these types of drugs needs to be done slowly under a doctor's supervision. Speaking of doctors - my second reaction was that your doctors have been less than professional. Might I suggest that you look for doctor #3, one who is willing to listen to you and address your concerns to your satisfaction? I know it's an effort, especially when you're depressed, but your mental and physical health is at risk. Good luck!
P.S. Another thought - have you seen psychiatrist? GP's are not specialists and are not trained to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders.
I have scheduled a psych appt but it takes months and months to get in :(
You are asking for trouble. Effexor has to be tapered slowly, not stopped cold turkey. Effexor is one of the worst anti depressants to get off of. Your doc wasn't concerned because it wasn't him suffering. I seriously doubt that wellbutrin will help at all to stop withdrawal, as it works differently then effexor. The correct way to do it is to taper off the effexor while you slowly increase the wellbutrin. My knee jerk reaction when you said you stopped effexor 75mg cold turkey, was are you out of your mind?
I also wanted to ask if anyone ever diagnosed you as bipolar. The effexor didn't cause a "nervous breakdown" but it can push you into mania.
Others might say that the effexor DID cause her to have a nervous breakdown because it pushed her into mania. If she had not gone off the effexor, she likely would not have experienced signs of mania.
Since you tried to correct her sentence (which didn't seem necessary), I thought I'd correct yours :)
After psych evail it was without a doubt caused by this drug. Thank goodness im 2 years away from any antidepressant other than an occasional xanax.
Kaismama,
Have some compassion for someone going through this situation, rather than reprimand. It's a difficult place to be in as it is without added guilt placed on someone for they way they try to quit. Each person is entitled to their own way.
I believe Kaismama is very right. No matter what a person is going through, they deserve the truth about the dangers of self diagnosing and making decisions like that in regards of quiting. Their is no sugar coating a person's actions as they may cause harm to themselves, there children, and helpless others. I'll tell you by experience, u wouldn't ask people in a forum their opinions unless they experienced it themselves. Go straight to hospital if you run out of medication or the current is not working properly and your psych doctor is not available.
After taking Effexor for a length of time it will permanently change your bodies chemicals. Your body will not be able to function without it. My daughter has been on 450mg for ten years and will never be able to come off. She is being treated at UofM .
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