Ranger: Effexor for about 15 years

[Ranger]

Hi Group,

 

I'm a 65 year old male who's been on Effexor for probably close to 15 years.  I've tried to get off of the medication three times with no success.  On my third attempt, I went from 150 mg to 125 mg to 70 mg to 37.5 mg per day and then 3705 mg every other day and finally to zero.  After two weeks of no medication, I couldn't handle the side affects.  Everyone was so loud. I was impatient and so quick to anger.  I felt unsteady, even dizzy at times.  I felt like I was driving fast on a gravel road, fish-tailing all over.  So I went back on.  Currently I'm on at 70mg/day.

 

I'm interested in trying again to get off of this medication. The COVID vax and resent press on the research confirming that depression is not due to a chemical imbalance in the brain (NOT what I recalled being told) has got me wanting to try one more time to get off this medication. I found this site, and, quite frankly, finally have a more accurate understanding of what tapering really is.  Some of the posts scared me.  Some of the posts gave me hope.  I guess I have both right now.  Based on what I've read here...I am thankful for the site.

 

[Frogie]

@Ranger

 

Welcome to SA. This is a volunteer ran site helping people taper off psychiatric medications 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 you only have one introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

First can you please create a signature.

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

 

I'm going to give you some links to read that I think will be helpful to you:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Tips for tapering off venlafaxine (Effexor)

 

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

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

 

 

 

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications:

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

 

Since you are on 70 mg right now, I would hold until you feel stable before starting to taper.

Withdrawal Normal Description

 

 Waves and Windows in SSRI Withdrawal

 

 

We don't suggest supplements on here except 2 as they can be stimulating to the nervous system. If you would like to try one try a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

 

Once you have read the links provided please reach out with any questions you may have.

 

 

[rmce72a]

Hello Ranger. I read your post because I am also trying to wean off Effexor XR 75. I have been on this terrible drug for 20 years and want to get off because it pooped out, and I have been having withdrawal effects from the poop out for 2 years without realizing the reason until I joined this group. I am interested in following your progress and sharing info.

 

I am carefully following the micro reduction instructions here by counting beads in the capsules and am down to 73 from 75 in 14 weeks. I went too fast at first which resulted in dizziness, nausea, crying spells, and anxiety, and I have been holding at 73 for 7-8 weeks. As a result, I am feeling much better most days since I have been holding at 73. Holding for a while with each taper is so important. Next week I plan to drop to 72.8. I am hoping to tolerate the slight reduction, but who knows? I am 74, and my old body doesn't recover as quickly as it once did even though I am in overall good health.

 

I am frightened of the whole process too, but it's the only way out. I knew that when my doc wanted me to take a half dose for 2 weeks then stop that there was no way I would do that. My body is sensitive to meds, and I had read enough about withdrawal on this site and others to know what would happen.

 

I trust and respect the advice from the moderators in this group. I have also found it helpful to stay in touch with others who are on the same journey, because those who have never been through this cannot possibly truly understand. You are correct in saying that some stories here are scary while others give us hope for recovery. I am so sad to read the hell so many here are enduring, but I am also encouraged by many stories which give me hope and the strength to carry on. The bottom line for me is "What choice do I have?" The answer is, or course, there is no other choice. If I am to have any quality of life for the few years I have left, getting off Effexor is necessary. So, even on days like today when I feel lousy, I have hope that tomorrow will be better, and most of the time, it is. 

 

Please keep in touch, and perhaps we can encourage each other as we walk make this journey. Best wishes and take care.