Effexor tapering

[JaneMiller]

I am in my 60s and recently retired.  I am determined to free myself of my dependence on 150mg/day.  I've been taking it almost ten years.  My doctor is of no help with this.  Two years ago, we cut the dose by half and I was crying and moody.  He told me to go back on the old dose.  This not not an acceptable approach to me.  I want to taper on my own, and deal with what may come.  I joined this group to find info and encouragement!  PS - I am aware that this drug is difficult to detox from, but I am prepared

[Gridley]

Hello, JaneMiller, and welcome to SA.  Please tell me if Jane Miller is your real name.  If so, to protect anonymity, please choose another name with at least four letters, not all caps, and we will make the change.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  Please include whether you are on the regular or extended release Effexor, when you cut your dose in half,  your current dose, and whether you are currently tapering.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

We recommend tapering at a rate of no more that 10% every four weeks.  Some have to go more slowly.

 

Preparing to taper

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

These links explain why it's important to taper slowly.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

This link is specifically about tapering Effexor, including how to obtain the small, non-standard doses you will need for a slow taper.

 

Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

Here is some information on withdrawal.  

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  It's not so much a process of detoxing as it is allowing the brain to repair itself over time.

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.  I hope you’ll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation.  I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but I am glad that you found us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 6, 2019 by Gridley