CanadaBC: tapering off venlafaxine very challenging

[CanadaBC]

Hello,

I am trying to taper off of 150mg capsules of venlafaxine, I reduced by 37.5 mg. It is day 5 and I feel depressed, apathic, unmotivated, anxious and irritable with brain fog. I do have to work and I am afraid of not being able to function well.

[ChessieCat]

Hi and welcome to SA,

 

I'm glad that you have found SA so soon after reducing your dose.

 

If you went from 150mg to 112.5mg then you made a 25% decrease and you are now experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

My suggestion would be to go back up to 135mg.  That is a 10% reduction from 150mg.  SA's recommended taper rate is no more than 10% of the current dose followed by a hold of at least 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?
 

It takes about 4 days for a dose change to get to a steady/even level in the blood and a bit longer for it to register in the brain.

 

It will be important to listen to your body/symptoms and not reduce again until you are stable.  This might take 2-3 months.  it is better to hold for longer than to risk tapering again too soon.

 

Post #1 of this topic explains how to get non standard doses:

 

Tips for tapering off venlafaxine (Effexor)

 

Please create your drug signature following these instructions.  Update it with the date and dose whenever you make a change, which allows the staff to see your drug history at a glance and not have to read back through posts to get the information.

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

This is your own Introduction topic.  Each member has one and it is the place for you to ask questions and journal your progress.

 

 

[CanadaBC]

Hello,

I watched the video which was really helpful. I will be staying on this current dose for a while. I am feeling better now, it was day 4 and 5 who were harder. Does anyone else had euphoria or extra energy, almost a bit manic feeling?

[ChessieCat]

On 10/27/2022 at 8:50 AM, ChessieCat said:

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

Please create your drug signature as per the above instructions.  This is different from what you provided when you joined SA and will show below every post you make so your drug history can be seen at a glance.  Please update it with date and the dose whenever you make a change.