H8FXR Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 @Altostrata @brassmonkey @ChessieCat I need to get something off my mind. Recently I've really been on a research kick and pouring over the patents for Effexor XR. An issue I can't seem to resolve is whether or not each bead has the same mgai. I weighed until 25mgai/83mgpw, and I have realized that what I have been doing is inaccurate. The reason I believe this to be so is because the beads vary in size, small, medium, large. If they spill out randomly into the scale it will be a different number of beads every time. I see no evidence to believe that bigger beads have more AI. In fact, it seems more likely (from reading the patents) that all the beads start out as "core" or "active" beads (a mix of venlafaxine and methyl cellulose) and then are subsequently receive an XR coat or two (ethyl cellulose and hypermellose). That would suggest they all have the same amount of API regardless of size. So its seems that counting IN beads is the way to go. Taking the same number each day. But I think pharmacokinetics have also to be considered. Since the capsules are filled with an assortment of bead sizes to achieve the proper dissolution rate over 24 hours, I feel the ratio needs to be respected as the dose is reduced. Perhaps there is good reason to sort the beads in the capsule according to size and take a certain number of small, medium and large in the ratio in which they are found in the full capsules. One of my main concerns is that as one takes fewer and fewer beads the pharmacokinetics are thrown way off. After all the medication wasn't designed to be taken that way. I see a lot of members struggling when they are down to just a few beads and I don't think it's just to to larger drops in sert occupancy. Would anyone care to comment on this, enquiring minds would like to know? Cheers, H8 Effexor XR patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6274171B1/en 1 2003 - 2012 150mg Effexor XR; 2012 - 2016 112.5mg; 2016 - 2017 150mg (parents passed away); 2017 - 2019 112.5mg; Feb 15 2019 75mg; (decided to get off) March 12 2019 37.5mg; April 6 2019 0mg (severe discontinuation syndrome); April 14 2019 75mg (Effexor reinstated); Feb 16 2021 still on 75mg Effexor XR; march 2021: switch to Wyeth Effexor; 3/8/21 start taper: 67.5mg; 3/22/21 56.7mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzAnnie Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Hi there H8FXR I'm really impressed that you've done this research into properties of the beads. It is really interesting! I have been meaning to post on this site as a few months ago I successfully came off Effexor completely. I wanted to share this so that people struggling to do the same know that it is possible. Like you, I counted out beads, but I never bothered to weigh them. Towards the end of each drop in dose, I would eyeball the beads and pick out the smaller ones, assuming that the dose in these was less. Perhaps I didn't need to do this after all. As an overall summary of my tapering experience, it took me 2 years to get off 37.5mg. I was tempted towards the end to rush the very small doses, but I committed to the "program" and relaxed into staying on very very small doses for at least 2 weeks before dropping down by 1 bead. My family thought I was nuts, but it worked. I've been free since Oct 2021. I can be a bit wobbly emotionally sometimes, but I'm pretty sure that's just life's ups and downs. I'm happy to share the minute details of my "detox" if anyone wants that level of detail. I'm grateful for the information and support of this website. I would still be a slave to an unwarranted medication if I hadn't found this site. Good luck 37.5 effexor XR commenced approx 2004 Commenced taper October 2019 (counting beads to reduce by 10% per month) Successfully off effexor Oct 2021 37.5 effexor XR commenced approx 2004 Commenced taper October 2019 as recommended by this site. It worked! NO DRUGS October 2021-April 2022. Commenced 25mg Valdoxan April 2022 (deterioration of mood/sleep from about Dec 2021)- happy to be on this for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted January 19, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted January 19, 2022 Thanks for your research, @H8FXR In bead-counting to taper, we're just doing the best we can. We know it's not perfect. Weighing the beads might also be approximate in terms of active ingredient, but it's a good way to manage the taper because the selection of beads for each dose in random in size. It appears that most people can tolerate the small dosage variations in these measurement approximations. Given half-life of the XR formulations, on the average, the variations might not be of practical consequence. The tiny minority who can detect the difference in active ingredient between one random selection of 10 beads and another probably would be better served by having immediate-release venlafaxine (or pure venlafaxine ingredient) compounded into capsules or made into a liquid to dose more than once a day. However, even for this group, simply pausing the taper and allowing the nervous system to get accustomed to the current level of drug probably will reduce this sensitivity to minute dosage variation. 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmce72a Posted June 11, 2022 Share Posted June 11, 2022 I am beginning my Effexor withdrawal journey and would like to hear from others about their success (or failures) with removing beads to taper off this evil medicine. Prozac 10mg 1990-1999 -1999-2018 Effexor XR 75 mg capsules -2018 Dr direct switched me from Effexor 75XR to Cymbalta 20mg XR and 20 mg Metoprolol following irregular heartbeat incident -Late 2019 began worsening anxiety/ depression symptoms -2020 Dr direct switched back to 75 mg Effex XR Symptoms worsened -2021 Changed Dr and began therapy for GAD and worsening physical symptoms -2022 Found this forum and began slow taper by removing beads - 6/7 - 6/10 Effexor 73.2mg 6/11-6/14 Effexor 72.9mg nightmares, tinnitus, anxiety; 6/15- Effexor XR 72.6mg 6/16 - 6/20 Effexor XR 72.8 nausea, heart palpitations, anxiety, tinnitus 6/22-7/4 hold Effexor XR 72.9-73.1 7/5-7/11 Effexor XR 72.62 7/12 - 7/15 Effexor 72.6 bad symptoms 7/16-7/17 Effexor XR upped to 72.9 7/18 Effexor XR 72.9 most symptoms gone hold at 72.9 - 73.0 8/26 - 9/6 Trying to keep dosage under 73. Holding around 72.9 sometime 72.86 due to bead count Having symptoms most days. 9/6-9/23 Holding at about 72.9-73. Still very ill. No improvement. 9/23 - 11/23 Still keeping dose around 72.9-73 11-23-Jan 14 Held until one week ago. Dropped to 72.75-72.81 terrible WD 1/14- present Worse WD symptoms. Back to 73.10. Cannot seem to stabilize. 2/2 - present Holding at about 73 hoping to stabilize 3/19 - present Dropped to aprox 92.9-92.88. (vary from day to day.) Holding Take only Clarinex 5mg for allergies and the Effexor 73 XR. I cannot take any supplements. No caffeine, sugar, soy, gluten, dairy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 11, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted June 11, 2022 @rmce72a see above. Others might add to this topic as well. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmce72a Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 (edited) Bead counting question I, am having trouble with bead counting and looking for some guidance. I am tapering Effexor 75 XR name brand. I count every bead in every capsule and divide 75 by the # of beads to get the aprox dose per bead. Example: 255 beads would be .294 per bead. I am trying to hold at 72.9. So in this case I would remove 7 beads (X.294) = 72.9 dose. But tomorrow's capsule is 275 beads (.272/bead) so I need 8 beads which is 72.8. This makes taking the same dose while holding difficult. I am very sensitive to meds and find I am having withdrawals some days because I go from 72.9 to 73. to 72.8 because of the variations in the number of beads. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you Edited June 29, 2022 by ChessieCat added topic title before merging with existing topic Prozac 10mg 1990-1999 -1999-2018 Effexor XR 75 mg capsules -2018 Dr direct switched me from Effexor 75XR to Cymbalta 20mg XR and 20 mg Metoprolol following irregular heartbeat incident -Late 2019 began worsening anxiety/ depression symptoms -2020 Dr direct switched back to 75 mg Effex XR Symptoms worsened -2021 Changed Dr and began therapy for GAD and worsening physical symptoms -2022 Found this forum and began slow taper by removing beads - 6/7 - 6/10 Effexor 73.2mg 6/11-6/14 Effexor 72.9mg nightmares, tinnitus, anxiety; 6/15- Effexor XR 72.6mg 6/16 - 6/20 Effexor XR 72.8 nausea, heart palpitations, anxiety, tinnitus 6/22-7/4 hold Effexor XR 72.9-73.1 7/5-7/11 Effexor XR 72.62 7/12 - 7/15 Effexor 72.6 bad symptoms 7/16-7/17 Effexor XR upped to 72.9 7/18 Effexor XR 72.9 most symptoms gone hold at 72.9 - 73.0 8/26 - 9/6 Trying to keep dosage under 73. Holding around 72.9 sometime 72.86 due to bead count Having symptoms most days. 9/6-9/23 Holding at about 72.9-73. Still very ill. No improvement. 9/23 - 11/23 Still keeping dose around 72.9-73 11-23-Jan 14 Held until one week ago. Dropped to 72.75-72.81 terrible WD 1/14- present Worse WD symptoms. Back to 73.10. Cannot seem to stabilize. 2/2 - present Holding at about 73 hoping to stabilize 3/19 - present Dropped to aprox 92.9-92.88. (vary from day to day.) Holding Take only Clarinex 5mg for allergies and the Effexor 73 XR. I cannot take any supplements. No caffeine, sugar, soy, gluten, dairy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted June 29, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 29, 2022 30 minutes ago, rmce72a said: Bead counting question I, am having trouble with bead counting and looking for some guidance. I am tapering Effexor 75 XR name brand. I count every bead in every capsule and divide 75 by the # of beads to get the aprox dose per bead. Example: 255 beads would be .294 per bead. I am trying to hold at 72.9. So in this case I would remove 7 beads (X.294) = 72.9 dose. But tomorrow's capsule is 275 beads (.272/bead) so I need 8 beads which is 72.8. This makes taking the same dose while holding difficult. I am very sensitive to meds and find I am having withdrawals some days because I go from 72.9 to 73. to 72.8 because of the variations in the number of beads. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you There is also this topic. counting-beads-in-a-capsule-versus-weighing * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JC1957 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Hi all -- I am doing the 10% monthly taper off Effexor. My reasons are crazy side effects including dry mouth, which is keeping me up at night. Now, I am feeling awful and wondering whether it's worth it. If any of you can offer feedback as to 1) is it worth it? and/or 2) did anything like a Prozac bridge help? Many thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzAnnie Posted December 6, 2022 Share Posted December 6, 2022 5 hours ago, JC1957 said: Hi all -- I am doing the 10% monthly taper off Effexor. My reasons are crazy side effects including dry mouth, which is keeping me up at night. Now, I am feeling awful and wondering whether it's worth it. If any of you can offer feedback as to 1) is it worth it? and/or 2) did anything like a Prozac bridge help? Many thanks in advance! Hi there JC Sounds pretty awful! I wonder if you're cutting down too fast. There's no race to the end with this so if you're suffering with withdrawal, go slower. Good questions: is it worth doing??? Depends how much you hate being stuck on effexor. I have ended up on another drug, Valdoxen, but I'm soooo pleased to be free of effexor. I couldn't even be 2 hours late taking it without experiencing withdrawal. I tried a prozac bridge for a couple of days, but I was so out of it, I didn't pursue that line of attack. Hang in there and good luck 1 37.5 effexor XR commenced approx 2004 Commenced taper October 2019 as recommended by this site. It worked! NO DRUGS October 2021-April 2022. Commenced 25mg Valdoxan April 2022 (deterioration of mood/sleep from about Dec 2021)- happy to be on this for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosabell Posted December 6, 2022 Share Posted December 6, 2022 7 hours ago, JC1957 said: Hi all -- I am doing the 10% monthly taper off Effexor. My reasons are crazy side effects including dry mouth, which is keeping me up at night. Now, I am feeling awful and wondering whether it's worth it. If any of you can offer feedback as to 1) is it worth it? and/or 2) did anything like a Prozac bridge help? Many thanks in advance! Hi JC, so sorry to hear you’re not feeling so great. I’m currently doing my second effexor taper. The first time was WAY too fast. From 75mg to zero in two months! Things went completely sideways 6 weeks later and I ended up going all the way back up to 75mg before I felt any better. It has been just over a year since we started my second taper and I am now down to 32mg. I went faster at the beginning, the symptoms didn’t seem to really hit me at all. But as I get lower, I am only doing 5% cuts, and holding for at least a month, sometimes longer if there is anything I definitely don’t want to have any trouble with, such as vacations etc. This has worked amazingly for me so far, I haven’t had any unbearable symptoms at all. One thing that recently struck me, is that what some people might think of as withdrawal, might not actually be withdrawals, but just actual emotions able to be felt after years of numbing them! I am feeling so so much more now, and it was a bit scary at first, I forgot about having real emotions!! Keep going, as slow or as fast as YOUR body and health can handle. It can be done, it’s when we get impatient with our progress that things can take a turn for the worse! 1 Effexor XR 75mg start June 2017 Tapered to 0 April 19-August 23/19 reinstated 1.65 mg Oct 23, updosed again to 3.35mg Oct 31/19 currently 3.35mg/day, reinstated up to full 75mg dose by February 2020 Tapered from April 2019 - August 2019 by removing beads from each capsule, i now realize that even though it may have seemed slow at the time, it wasn't! Restarted taper from 75mg November 2021 via bead counting currently sitting at 37.5mg Klonopin - 1mg start January 2017, currently 0mg Tapered down via liquid titration from Nov 2017 to Feb 2019, no withdrawals at all as I went super slow and steady. Currently - Synthroid for under active thyroid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KayC Posted December 6, 2022 Share Posted December 6, 2022 On 1/4/2012 at 10:06 AM, Altostrata said: If it's the regular form of venlafaxine, and not extended-release, you can cut the tablets up to make smaller doses. I take the instance release tabs and was cutting/shaving them for awhile to achieve my desired taper weight. Unfortunately, with the inactive ingredients also present, it's hard to get the proper amt of active ingredient in each dose to not throw myself into withdrawals even while holding! I noticed that by grinding my tabs up into a fine powder and using empty gelatin capsules, my withdrawal symptoms were reduced significantly! I just tare the scale with an empty gelatin capsule, and then fill the capsule with powder until I get the correct weight. It takes a bit of practice to get right, but is so worth it! Pre-taper starting doses (2018): Abilify 7.5 mg, Lamictal 450 mg, Venlafaxine IR 300 mg (taken all at once). Trazodone for sleep, 100 mg/night. Jan 2018 - Feb 2020: Tapered off Abilify, Trazodone, and Lamictal. Sept 2021: Third trial tapering off Venlafaxine IR, started with Psych Nurse advice (alternate doses) and transitioned to 10% method. 300 mg down to approximately 270 mg by December 2021. January 17, 2022: 2nd 10% taper Venlafaxine IR, approx 270 mg to approx 243 mg (0.488 g 2x daily). October 2, 2022: 3rd hyperbolic (10% of previous dose) taper Venlafaxine IR. 243 mg to 219 mg (0.439 g 2x daily). Dec 1, 2022: 4th 10% drop. 219 mg to 198 mg (approx) = 0.389 g 2x daily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JC1957 Posted December 6, 2022 Share Posted December 6, 2022 Thanks, ladies, for all of this wonderful advice. Tried going with a 5% reduction this very day (I have the caps, not tablet) and am feeling tons better. Appreciate your insight and kindness. jc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogetter2014 Posted December 11, 2022 Share Posted December 11, 2022 I think I'm finally at a point where I want to start tapering Effexor XR. I used to take a 75 mg capsule and a 37.5 mg capsule once a day (112.5 mg/day). A few months ago, my doctor asked if I wanted to take three 37.5 mg capsules instead so I didn't have two prescriptions and therefore two co-pays. I switched to three 37.5 mg capsules. I do have concerns about side effects while tapering and plan to do the 10% reduction of beads every month. Seems like it would be easier to begin tapering from a 75 mg capsule instead of a 37.5 mg capsule and later another 37.5 mg capsule. Any thoughts? Thank you Been off and on meds since 1997. Straterra briefly around 1999. Adderrall late 2002-2004. Effexor XR 150 mg. from November 2002-September 2003. Began Serzone September 2003 while going off Effexor XR. Briefly tried Buspar November 2003. Neurontin and Lyrica 2006-2009. Mirapex and Requip from Aug 2011-May 2012. Started Effexor XR again May 2006. Tried going off beginning Oct. 2010 and was completely off by Dec. 2010 (8 weeks). Tried Pristique and later Wellbutrin in Jan 2011. Back on Effexor XR late Jan 2011. Ritalin March - April 2011. Zantac 150 mg. twice/day (Aug. 2013-May 2019) Various Proton-pump inhibitors (May 2019-present) Currently taking: Effexor XR 112.5 mg (since May '06 except when I went off briefly in late 2010) Nexium 40mg. twice a day started 12/8/2022, Fish oil supplement (since Sept 2014) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 11, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted December 11, 2022 Hello, @gogetter2014 It's just as easy to taper from a 37.5mg capsule. In fact, you'll want to keep the capsule dosage and manufacturer consistent throughout your taper. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogetter2014 Posted December 12, 2022 Share Posted December 12, 2022 Ok thank you very much Altostrata. Been off and on meds since 1997. Straterra briefly around 1999. Adderrall late 2002-2004. Effexor XR 150 mg. from November 2002-September 2003. Began Serzone September 2003 while going off Effexor XR. Briefly tried Buspar November 2003. Neurontin and Lyrica 2006-2009. Mirapex and Requip from Aug 2011-May 2012. Started Effexor XR again May 2006. Tried going off beginning Oct. 2010 and was completely off by Dec. 2010 (8 weeks). Tried Pristique and later Wellbutrin in Jan 2011. Back on Effexor XR late Jan 2011. Ritalin March - April 2011. Zantac 150 mg. twice/day (Aug. 2013-May 2019) Various Proton-pump inhibitors (May 2019-present) Currently taking: Effexor XR 112.5 mg (since May '06 except when I went off briefly in late 2010) Nexium 40mg. twice a day started 12/8/2022, Fish oil supplement (since Sept 2014) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulk23 Posted August 2, 2023 Share Posted August 2, 2023 Hi I am currently trying to taper off effexor XL 75mg my generic brand has only six viles in it so I've came down by I per month ,I eased down by 33% 2 weeks ago today but unfortunately iam in a terrible place I feel manic agitated aggressive and so many other things just wondering has anybody on here had anything similar or have any advice as my doctor has been of no use he basically told me to do this over 2:weeks and said any symptoms I had where remaining anxiety symptoms. Any help would be appreciated thanks I was previously on lexapro 10 mg from August 2011 to November 22 the Effexor 75 mg from November 22 to currently Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikG Posted August 3, 2023 Share Posted August 3, 2023 i think this is a too quick of a taper. I think 10 % per month of the last dose is the right taper. So 75 minus 10 % and then take it for one month and then if feel OK, another 10 % of that lost dose, etc... that's how I am doing it. 2000 First time use of antidepressants - after failed exams and then studying too hard causing mental overload. I have been using paroxetine, fluoxetine, xanax, staurodorm (flurazepam), finally i ended up initially with 20 mg fluoxetine - 100 mg trazodone - 0.5 mg Xanax And I could reduce that for many years to the doses described as below in the next line : 2004-2017 10 mg fluoxetine in the morning - 0.25 mg Xanax morning and 0.25 mg xanax in evening - 10 mg trazodone in evening Switched to Effexor XR and Mirtazapine instead of Fluoxetine and Trazodone because it did not help anymore (fluoxetine + trazodone) 2017 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 0.5 mg Clonazepam 2018 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 0.5 mg Clonazepam ( completely tapered succesfully Clonazepam in 2018 ) 2019 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg ( tapered Effexor XR and Mirtazapine gradually till Effexor 70 mg and Mirtazapine 15 mg, not many withdrawal problems but then increased again after a while because waking up at night again. I should have only tapered Effexor XR?) 2020 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 2021 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Diazepam 60 mg 2022 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Diazepam tapering, 7 mg now, went up to 10 mg again, and will do micro tapering later on, but first get stable and I want to first taper Effexor before going any further on benzo's. 2022 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg and Diazepam 20 mg since 13 days back on 20 mg Diazepam (on 24/07/2022) 2023 Effexor XR 125 mg (i went down in small steps per 5 mg) and stayed the same with Mirtazapine 30 mg in the evening and 15 mg Diazepam in the morning and 15 mg in the evening. - Supplements : Magnesium, Vitamin D, L-Tryptohan, Vit B12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulk23 Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 I am tapering from effexor xr 75 mg but as my capsules only contain six small beads the least I can come down is one bead at a time roughly 26% which seems to fast for me has anybody any advice as to how to get round this thanks. I was previously on lexapro 10 mg from August 2011 to November 22 the Effexor 75 mg from November 22 to currently Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikG Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 1 hour ago, paulk23 said: I am tapering from effexor xr 75 mg but as my capsules only contain six small beads the least I can come down is one bead at a time roughly 26% which seems to fast for me has anybody any advice as to how to get round this thanks. You could order the effexor excell brand and there are many small beads in it, in that way you can taper slower and make different dosages. 2000 First time use of antidepressants - after failed exams and then studying too hard causing mental overload. I have been using paroxetine, fluoxetine, xanax, staurodorm (flurazepam), finally i ended up initially with 20 mg fluoxetine - 100 mg trazodone - 0.5 mg Xanax And I could reduce that for many years to the doses described as below in the next line : 2004-2017 10 mg fluoxetine in the morning - 0.25 mg Xanax morning and 0.25 mg xanax in evening - 10 mg trazodone in evening Switched to Effexor XR and Mirtazapine instead of Fluoxetine and Trazodone because it did not help anymore (fluoxetine + trazodone) 2017 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 0.5 mg Clonazepam 2018 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 0.5 mg Clonazepam ( completely tapered succesfully Clonazepam in 2018 ) 2019 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg ( tapered Effexor XR and Mirtazapine gradually till Effexor 70 mg and Mirtazapine 15 mg, not many withdrawal problems but then increased again after a while because waking up at night again. I should have only tapered Effexor XR?) 2020 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 2021 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Diazepam 60 mg 2022 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Diazepam tapering, 7 mg now, went up to 10 mg again, and will do micro tapering later on, but first get stable and I want to first taper Effexor before going any further on benzo's. 2022 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg and Diazepam 20 mg since 13 days back on 20 mg Diazepam (on 24/07/2022) 2023 Effexor XR 125 mg (i went down in small steps per 5 mg) and stayed the same with Mirtazapine 30 mg in the evening and 15 mg Diazepam in the morning and 15 mg in the evening. - Supplements : Magnesium, Vitamin D, L-Tryptohan, Vit B12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor FindRest Posted August 30, 2023 Mentor Share Posted August 30, 2023 On 8/25/2023 at 2:32 AM, paulk23 said: I am tapering from effexor xr 75 mg but as my capsules only contain six small beads the least I can come down is one bead at a time roughly 26% which seems to fast for me has anybody any advice as to how to get round this thanks. Please ask this question in your main thread as well, in order to keep it all together. You may want to read the very first post in this thread on page 1, which will give you options and advice for what to do with the six small beads (called mini-tabs) in your capsule. We usually only refer to them as “beads” when there are many tiny beads in the capsule. Note that on August 16th, Alto asked you the following questions and is waiting for your answers back on your main thread. You can click on the link below to get back to your thread. 1988-1996 Various AD’s, all classifications. 1996-2019 Effexor XR 37.5mg to 150mg. Jan 2017 onward, 37.5 mg. 2019 Apr 11 - July 24: Trials of Latuda then Rexulti. CT'd off per dr. Jul 24: CT Effexor (per dr) Sep 9-19: Viibryd, CT (per dr). Sep 23-27: Trintellix. CT (per dr). Sep 28 - Oct 24: Prozac 10mg. Oct 24: Stop Prozac, began Pristiq 25mg->50->25mg. 2020 Feb 1: CT Pristiq. Feb 1: Reinstated Effexor XR (10 large beads) gradually increasing to 22 beads (15L+7M) or 9.072mgai on Mar, 2020. 2021 Started Jan w 21 beads (13L+8M) or 8.47mgai ended Dec: 17 beads (7L+9M+1S) or 6.19mgai. Severe COVID + TIA. 2022 Ended yr w 14 beads (3L+5M+5S+1XS) or 4.5mgai. Major jaw injury during year + family tragedy. 2023 Jan: 13 beads (2L+5M+5S+1XS) or 4.2mgai; Feb: 12 beads (2L+4M+5S+1XS) or 3.9mgai; Mar: 11 beads (2L+4M+4S+1XS) or 3.6mgai, Apr: 10 beads (2L+3M+4S+1XS) or 3.3mgai; Jun: 9 beads (2L+3M+3S+1XS) or 3mgai, Current: July, 2023: Effexor XR - 9 beads (2L+3M+3S+1XS) or 2.7 mgai Other current meds: Ambien 10mg 3.935mg , clonazepam .125mg .107mg, omeprazole, Synthroid, Premarin. Supplements: D3, C, probiotic, K2-MK7, Mg Glycinate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 While looking for a Venlafaxine XR/Effexor XR serotonin occupancy chart, I found it alongside ones for other drugs. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-021-01285-w/figures/1 However, I'd like to see one for Effexor XR that is much more detailed for the range between 0mg and 5mg. Can anyone provide a chart like this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monsta68 Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 I just wanted to reach out to share my experiences on my Effexor Withdrawal journey. So far I have reduced from 375mg to 300mg over a 3 month period. For me the worst effects have been chronic fatigue- some days I am so exhausted I go to bed at 6pm, dysphoria (sense of unease/dissatisfaction) - recently was able to put a name to the feeling, irritability and aggression - bit alarming some days, abdominal pain. If anyone else has experienced these symptoms and has an effective method of dealing with them I would love to know. I am practicing meditation and mindfulness regularly. Lexapro - 10mg since 2004 Mirtazapine - 45mg since 2004 Valium - 5mg 2004 tapered off over 2 years 2006 - 2007, 4mg 2018 - tapered 0.5mg per month over 2022. Lorazepam - 5mg 2018 Effexor - 375mg 2018 tapered off 37.5mg January 2023. Current dosage 337.5mg Olanzapine - 10mg 2018 tapered off 5mg per month 2021 Clopixol - 10mg 2018 tapered off 5mg per month over 2021 Quietapine - 400mg 2018 tapered off 12.5mg per fortnight over 2021 & 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikG Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 2 hours ago, Monsta68 said: I just wanted to reach out to share my experiences on my Effexor Withdrawal journey. So far I have reduced from 375mg to 300mg over a 3 month period. For me the worst effects have been chronic fatigue- some days I am so exhausted I go to bed at 6pm, dysphoria (sense of unease/dissatisfaction) - recently was able to put a name to the feeling, irritability and aggression - bit alarming some days, abdominal pain. If anyone else has experienced these symptoms and has an effective method of dealing with them I would love to know. I am practicing meditation and mindfulness regularly. Hi, I started to withdraw in the beginning of this year from 150 mg Effexor XR. I went down in small steps of 5 mg, so 150,145,140,135,130,125,120,112,5... I only decreased another step once I felt more or less stable on the last decrease. I have to say now I am already over 100 days on 112,5 as I don't find really stability. My symptoms are also less energy, and feeling a bit down sometimes. I started ketogenic diet and I think it helps to make the symptoms not that bad. I feel that my good days are getting more and the bad days less. But still not stable enough to decrease... Thanks for sharing your story! 2000 First time use of antidepressants - after failed exams and then studying too hard causing mental overload. I have been using paroxetine, fluoxetine, xanax, staurodorm (flurazepam), finally i ended up initially with 20 mg fluoxetine - 100 mg trazodone - 0.5 mg Xanax And I could reduce that for many years to the doses described as below in the next line : 2004-2017 10 mg fluoxetine in the morning - 0.25 mg Xanax morning and 0.25 mg xanax in evening - 10 mg trazodone in evening Switched to Effexor XR and Mirtazapine instead of Fluoxetine and Trazodone because it did not help anymore (fluoxetine + trazodone) 2017 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 0.5 mg Clonazepam 2018 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 0.5 mg Clonazepam ( completely tapered succesfully Clonazepam in 2018 ) 2019 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg ( tapered Effexor XR and Mirtazapine gradually till Effexor 70 mg and Mirtazapine 15 mg, not many withdrawal problems but then increased again after a while because waking up at night again. I should have only tapered Effexor XR?) 2020 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 2021 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Diazepam 60 mg 2022 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Diazepam tapering, 7 mg now, went up to 10 mg again, and will do micro tapering later on, but first get stable and I want to first taper Effexor before going any further on benzo's. 2022 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg and Diazepam 20 mg since 13 days back on 20 mg Diazepam (on 24/07/2022) 2023 Effexor XR 125 mg (i went down in small steps per 5 mg) and stayed the same with Mirtazapine 30 mg in the evening and 15 mg Diazepam in the morning and 15 mg in the evening. - Supplements : Magnesium, Vitamin D, L-Tryptohan, Vit B12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unblocktheplanet Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 On 7/19/2012 at 6:17 AM, caro123 said: I found Hymalayan Sea Salt helps me sleep; it has lots of minerals in it and is gentle. I have been waking in middle of night and last night took some and slept really well after it. Caro How much do you take? With water, I presume? No effect on excess peeing, can still sleep through? Thanks! Doc is not God spelled backwards! Mirtazapine 30mg 2003-February 2022 Vortioxetine 10mg December 2021 Quetiapine 12.5mg - 25mg - 50mg - 75mg January-March 2022 Trazodone 50mg 2003-present Alprazolam 1 mg August 2019-present Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikG Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 48 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said: How much do you take? With water, I presume? No effect on excess peeing, can still sleep through? Thanks! thanks for sharing, i also use salt extra every day and take magnesium 1 2000 First time use of antidepressants - after failed exams and then studying too hard causing mental overload. I have been using paroxetine, fluoxetine, xanax, staurodorm (flurazepam), finally i ended up initially with 20 mg fluoxetine - 100 mg trazodone - 0.5 mg Xanax And I could reduce that for many years to the doses described as below in the next line : 2004-2017 10 mg fluoxetine in the morning - 0.25 mg Xanax morning and 0.25 mg xanax in evening - 10 mg trazodone in evening Switched to Effexor XR and Mirtazapine instead of Fluoxetine and Trazodone because it did not help anymore (fluoxetine + trazodone) 2017 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 0.5 mg Clonazepam 2018 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 0.5 mg Clonazepam ( completely tapered succesfully Clonazepam in 2018 ) 2019 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg ( tapered Effexor XR and Mirtazapine gradually till Effexor 70 mg and Mirtazapine 15 mg, not many withdrawal problems but then increased again after a while because waking up at night again. I should have only tapered Effexor XR?) 2020 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Xanax XR 3 mg 2021 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Diazepam 60 mg 2022 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg Diazepam tapering, 7 mg now, went up to 10 mg again, and will do micro tapering later on, but first get stable and I want to first taper Effexor before going any further on benzo's. 2022 Effexor XR 150 mg Mirtazapine 30 mg and Diazepam 20 mg since 13 days back on 20 mg Diazepam (on 24/07/2022) 2023 Effexor XR 125 mg (i went down in small steps per 5 mg) and stayed the same with Mirtazapine 30 mg in the evening and 15 mg Diazepam in the morning and 15 mg in the evening. - Supplements : Magnesium, Vitamin D, L-Tryptohan, Vit B12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yichin Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 @Altostrata @Onmyway Hello generous, brilliant, courageous people who I’ve never met but now worship. What happens if you are taking immediate release venlafaxine once per day because splitting the dose impedes sleep? Is there any suggestion to help stop the nervous system kindling that will likely result? I am asking for my sibling who is not on this site ( and won’t) 2014 Prozac 40mg for 1-2 years 2018 Prozac 40mg about 1 year 2021 Prozac 40 mg about 1 year 2022 August to nov 22 taper to 0 2023 April withdrawal 2023 May 5 doses of Ativan over two weeks 2023 May reinstate 20 mg prozac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 8, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted November 8, 2023 2 hours ago, Yichin said: What happens if you are taking immediate release venlafaxine once per day because splitting the dose impedes sleep? It's very possible you will get interdose withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this, one could take the larger part in the morning and a smaller portion in the evening. If your sibling intends to continue on antidepressants, your sibling should take their questions to their doctor. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yichin Posted November 8, 2023 Share Posted November 8, 2023 They are absolutely trying to come off the poison @Altostrata 2014 Prozac 40mg for 1-2 years 2018 Prozac 40mg about 1 year 2021 Prozac 40 mg about 1 year 2022 August to nov 22 taper to 0 2023 April withdrawal 2023 May 5 doses of Ativan over two weeks 2023 May reinstate 20 mg prozac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 8, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted November 8, 2023 If you take the larger portion in the morning, taper from the larger portion first. When the doses are equal, taper from both. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Catina7 Posted November 23, 2023 Mentor Share Posted November 23, 2023 (edited) On 5/5/2011 at 11:01 PM, Altostrata said: At the end of the taper: Make a liquid from venlafaxine extended-release beads If you have generic venlafaxine XR or Pfizer Effexor XR or Efexor XR in gelatin capsules filled with tiny beads, you probably will want to reduce by counting beads for most of your taper. But when you're down to 9 beads, how do you taper by 10%? You can make a liquid with water from those beads. This has been proven to be stable (for 30 days) and effective: Rosa, N. F. D., & Sharley, N. A. (2008). Stability of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Liquid Formulations Suitable for Administration via Enteral Feeding Tubes. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research, 38(3), 212–215. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2055-2335.2008.tb00841.x When the beads are dissolved in water or pharmacy liquid, the drug become immediate-release venlafaxine with a much shorter half-life. You may wish to take it 2 or 3 times a day (see the section above about immediate-release venlafaxine). I have a question: I am communicating with someone on another site who wants to make a liquid when they get down to one extended-release bead. They said they experimented by putting one tiny bead into water, but after six hours it still hadn't dissolved yet. Does it need to be crushed first somehow? I tried finding the answer on the SA site but couldn't find anything. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks! Edited November 23, 2023 by Catina7 Disclaimer: This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only. 1994 - 2017: Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien 2005-present: Trazodone 50 mg 2017: Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 2020 (March): Began 10% monthly taper of Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg) 2021 (September): Completely crashed. Went back up to 37.5 mg but in doing so I kindled myself 2024: 1/1: 35.6 mg (-6 beads) | 2/1: 33.8 mg (-11 beads) | 3/1: 32.1 mg (-16 beads) | 4/1: (-18 beads) Reasons for starting psych meds: PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Other medications: Levothyroxine 75 mcg Supplements: Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 24, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted November 24, 2023 Instead of trying to dissolve one bead, take progressively smaller beads. 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MFo2000 Posted November 29, 2023 Share Posted November 29, 2023 For people tapering Effexor, did you find that reducing your dosage helped heal emotional numbness? August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulk23 Posted December 19, 2023 Share Posted December 19, 2023 Just wondering has anyone tried CBD oil to help with effexor withdrawal,I am currently down to 37.5 mg from 75 mg but I have had terrible insomnia which I believe CBD can help with . Also has anyone suffered with reflux and breathing issues from this medication and may have some tips on why this is happening or what I can do to help it any help would be much appreciated I wish everyone on here well in there journey. I was previously on lexapro 10 mg from August 2011 to November 22 the Effexor 75 mg from November 22 to currently Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
member21 Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 I myself have been experiencing shallow breathing or constricted breathing for more than a year. Occasionally I find myself gasping for breath. I have noticed that many people report this as one of withdrawal symptoms. Don’t not know why this happens, or how to improve. member21's drug history Started on Prodep (fluoxetine) 20mg in mid 1998. Increased to 40mg + lithium 1000mg. Within few days got Mainac. Later doses of Lithium + venlafaxine upto 2001. in 2001 put on Sodium valporate 1000mg + 3 x 37.5 venlafax. Tried CT quit a few times upto 2015. Each time back on Enc. chrono. + Venlafax - 75 to 112.5mg . In 2018 switched Doctor - switched me from Venlafax to Paroxetine 25mg (perhaps to sell what she had). Had to return to my old doctor. Stayed on paroxetine till sep 19 (tapering it down to 12.5mg). Doctor CT stopped it due to mania (I had on my own reduced my stabalizer from 300mg to 200mg). After trying a trycyclic and 3-4 milder SSRIs and having a crash (and absence from work) in Jan 20 again put on Venlafax 112.5mg. Again started tapering by end of 2020. upto Jun 21- encorate chrono 500 + Venlafaxine 37.5. July 21 enc. chro. red to 400mg. Aug21- enc chrono - 300mg. Sep 21 - enc. chrono -200(no change in venlafax. 37.5). 10Jan 22 - Encorate Chrono 200mg (held constant), venlafaxine 37.5 reduced to 3/4 tab, feb22 tried to reduce to 1/2 tab but had to inc to 3/4 within 2 days. 22Apr22 - 1/2 tab, 15may- back to 1/2+1/8. 5aug switched to capsule form (23.43mg), 29Aug- 22.5mg, 27Oct22-23.43 31oct22 25.31mg, 25Nov22-27.2mg, 20Jul23 -3.5%(26.25mg), 01Aug-3.5%(25.31mg), 15Aug23 -3.7%(24.375mg) 08Feb24- s.valproate 160mg, venlafax 24.4mg 21Mar24-valproate 152mg, 11Apr-144mg, 21Apr- 140mg Omega 3 - from walnuts, flax seed. Vitamin B12 - 1500mcg/week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mini05 Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 Anyone know of any compounding pharmacy in the UK ? That will make smaller Effexor xl doses in the capsules? I’ve searched the web and can’t seem to find any !!!! Anyone help me ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monsta68 Posted February 16 Share Posted February 16 Mini05 I am not from the UK but if you ask your existing pharmacist they should be able to tell you. Try this link also: https://www.bayviewrx.com/locations/Manchester-CT Lexapro - 10mg since 2004 Mirtazapine - 45mg since 2004 Valium - 5mg 2004 tapered off over 2 years 2006 - 2007, 4mg 2018 - tapered 0.5mg per month over 2022. Lorazepam - 5mg 2018 Effexor - 375mg 2018 tapered off 37.5mg January 2023. Current dosage 337.5mg Olanzapine - 10mg 2018 tapered off 5mg per month 2021 Clopixol - 10mg 2018 tapered off 5mg per month over 2021 Quietapine - 400mg 2018 tapered off 12.5mg per fortnight over 2021 & 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts