caribou1997: Tapering off Effexor / venlafaxine 150mg

[caribou1997]

Hi, I’m new here. I’m a (cis) woman and 24. Taken antidepressants for all of my adult life so far.

2015 - Prescribed Prozac (can’t remember the original dose given nor the highest dose I took) for anxiety and depression. Also prescribed lorazepam as needed for panic attacks. Never abused the lorazepam nor became dependent on it thankfully. Prozac wasn’t very effective for me and gave me negative side effects I hated. Quit it cold turkey after less than 6 months. Next, prescribed Effexor, which was much more effective at treating my anxiety and depression. In last 4 years, I have developed terrible night sweats and experience semi-frequent night terrors and general sleep disturbance. Unsure if related to medication.

 

2016 - Worked my way from 75 mg up to 150 mg of Effexor due to growing tolerance. Experienced issues with my appetite at this point. Original psych retired and had to find new prescriber. No longer able to receive prescription for lorazepam. General practitioner took over prescribing venlafaxine/Effexor for next year.

 

2017 - Found new mental health provider/clinic for behavioral therapy. Unable to see psychiatrist there, but able to receive prescriptions through nurse practitioners. Prescribed hydroxyzine as needed (rarely take only to help me relax before bed.

 

2020 - College pressures and general stress led to another dose increase. Now taking 187.5 mg Effexor daily. (Appetite reduced again and basically non-existent hunger cues at this point).

 

2022 - Tapered my dose back down to 150 mg on my own. Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms for a few weeks.

 

This brings us to now. My body is completely dependent on my antidepressant. If I miss a dose by mistake, I notice within hours due to intense withdrawal - brain zaps, chills/cold sweats, vertigo, headache, light sensitivity, general confusion, nausea, the works. This past week I almost ran out of meds and couldn’t get a hold of my prescriber before the weekend. Previously found it very difficult and anxiety inducing to try and get emergency supplies through my pharmacy so instead I divided up what few pills I still had and have taken 112.5 mg yesterday (Saturday) and Sunday (today). I have an appointment with my prescriber tomorrow.

 

Unsure of whether or not I want to tell them of my intentions/desire to try tapering off my medication, but relieved I can get more pills to stop these horrible withdrawal symptoms. Currently coping with lots of rest, mild exercise, hydration, balanced diet, pain killer, and supplements.

[caribou1997]

Could really use advise and support from others who have taken Effexor and successfully tapered off or are in the process. How are you handling it? Was your psych/doctor/prescriber supportive of your decision or are you just doing this yourself if they weren’t? What dose increments have worked for you and how long did you wait before tapering between doses?

 

I have to be able to continue working full time to support myself and even with health insurance, really can’t afford to go to the ER if the withdrawal gets bad (I live in the US).

 

—

 

**edit/update: found post with detailed information on how to taper off Effexor and answered some of my own questions!

[Frogie]

@caribou1997

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping people taper off antidepressants, or have tapered off and are now healing.

 

This is your introduction page where you will receive information, ask questions and meet other members. We ask that each member only have once introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

First can you please create a signature. Thanks.

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

I don't believe your body is dependent on your antidepressant as you say, it is that you are tapering way too quickly and you are experiencing many wd symptoms.

 

Tips for tapering off venlafaxine (Effexor)

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

 

At this point a really nice long hold will hopefully help your wd symptoms. I wouldn't taper any further until they subside. Then only taper 10% of your dosage every 4-6 weeks.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Here is some information on how to talk with your dr if you want to talk about tapering off and the wd symptoms.

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

 

We don't suggest supplements on here as they can be stimulating. Except you could try 2. If you want to try one, in a small amount, wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

Magnesium

Omega-3 Fish Oil

 

After reading these links, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

 

 

[Frogie]

On 4/3/2022 at 6:32 PM, caribou1997 said:

Could really use advise and support from others who have taken Effexor and successfully tapered off or are in the process. How are you handling it? Was your psych/doctor/prescriber supportive of your decision or are you just doing this yourself if they weren’t? What dose increments have worked for you and how long did you wait before tapering between doses?

 

I have to be able to continue working full time to support myself and even with health insurance, really can’t afford to go to the ER if the withdrawal gets bad (I live in the US).

 

—

 

**edit/update: found post with detailed information on how to taper off Effexor and answered some of my own questions!

You might do a search for Effexor in the upper right hand corner of the main page on here. There are a lot of members tapering off of Effexor on here.