Tuikea: Enlafax (Venlafaxine) Taper

[Tuikea]

Hi 👋 

Current Meds
Enlafax 75mg daily 
Synthroid 1 x 75mcg daily (Thyroid meds)
-----------------------------------

I have been on AD most of my adult life I am now 68y.

It started with postnatal depression age 23y I was put on Amitriptyline.

I managed to cope off AD for some years then in my early 40s anxiety hit me again and I started Paxil. 

I was on Paxil for about 15y and decided to go cold turkey not understanding what was about to happen. I was bed ridden with Anxiety the doctor tried several AD to help and nothing did until Effexor within 3 days I was up and about coping with work again. Effexor has been changed to Enlafax in NZ and my first attempt to get off was in 2018 that was a fail as I got back depression and anxiety and reinstated.

I have tried several times to reduce but end up back on 225mg I don't feel good on this drug and have started getting physical health problems.

 

2024

I am trying again and so far I feel good

 

 

 

[Emonda]

Welcome to S.A. @Tuikea,

 

15 hours ago, Tuikea said:

I have been on AD most of my adult life I am now 68y.

 

I, too, have been on these things almost my entire adult life, although I am a little younger and taking a different AD.

 

In my experience and the experience of many others on this site, if you taper slowly, you can make real progress in trying to get off these things or significantly reduce your dose.

 

It would be worth reading this link: Why taper by 10% of my dosage? 

 

It would also be beneficial for you to read the link below:

 

 

When you taper faster than the 10% maximum recommendation, WD symptoms are the likely outcome: Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

You seem to be going much faster than the maximum of 10%. I'd pause the taper for months and let your body catch up.

 

A few helpful links:

 

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Non-drug coping strategies

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but two that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. Add one at a time and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

Avoid alcohol. 

 

Don't change the manufacturer of your AD.

 

This is your own Introduction topic.  Each member has only ONE Introduction topic.  Your own Introduction topic is the best place to ask questions and the place to journal your progress.  This keeps your history in one place and means you do not have to repeat your story. 

 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

 

Emonda

 

 

[Tuikea]

Thanks Emonda for the links and advice, yes I have done the taper fast up until now I am staying put on 75mg for a minimum of 6 weeks longer probably like you say.

I received some digital scales to day so I can start doing 10% from now on when I am sure I am stable.

I have been having problems with my body so I wanted to get onto 75mg. I had already stopped drinking wine about 8 months ago.

I am feeling really good mentally so far I hope it stays this good.

I can cope with the physical side effects of tapering, it's the anxiety that I can't cope with and this time seems different.

I am off to read the links now, I am also following people's progress.

 

 

 

[KaiLee]

Hello, and welcome.

I am glad to hear that you're feeling good!

 

[Tuikea]

I take Synthroid for my thyroid and I have noticed there are alot on here that do as well. 

Is there a link between mental health and thyroid treatment?

 

[Sebas]

There may well be, see for example

https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/phar.2803

 

Closely monitoring side effects and possible drug interactions is adviced.

 

Bye Sebas

[Jane318]

Thank you for asking about thyroid med and Administrator's link to related research article!  I will bring this up in my upcoming visit with my M.D. as I too am on Effexor and Venlafaxine, struggling with both Effexor withdrawal and hypothyroidism.  Trying to sort through this.

[Tuikea]

15 hours ago, Jane318 said:

Thank you for asking about thyroid med and Administrator's link to related research article!  I will bring this up in my upcoming visit with my M.D. as I too am on Effexor and Venlafaxine, struggling with both Effexor withdrawal and hypothyroidism.  Trying to sort through this.

Also ask to have your iron levels tested

[Tuikea]

On 7/13/2024 at 4:58 AM, Sebas said:

There may well be, see for example

https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/phar.2803

 

Closely monitoring side effects and possible drug interactions is adviced.

 

Bye Sebas

Interesting read thanks for the info 

I have had to reduce from 125mcg to 75mcg Synthroid aged 69 so can back that up.

 

[Tuikea]

I have been keep a record of my taper and started to get abit of anxiety so have adjusted to the 10% monthly.

Not sure if it makes sense 🤔 

 

 

Enlafax [Venlafaxine] Taper 2024
I feel tired!! flat!! lazy!! unmotivated!! unwell!! Mentally and Emotionally exhausted on 225mg, been on Paxil then Enlafax for over 30 years. I have stopped anti-inflammatory and stomach drugs for osteoarthritis have been having alot of stomach pain. Still need to take Synthroid 75mg for thyroid condition brought on by radio active iodine.
Supplements
Omega fish oil
Magnesium when needed
B12
Multivitamin
Vitamin C
Iron prescribed
2024
Feb 4th dropped 37.5mg now on 187.5mg
Feb 18th dropped 37.5mg now on 150mg
Mar 3rd dropped 37.5mg now on 112.5mg
Mar 17th dropped 37.5mg now on 75mg
Mar 31st dropped 37.5mg now on 37.5mg
2024
April 14th started to crush and weigh 37.5mg XR tablet and take in Greek Yogurt
Average weight of 37.5mg tablet .166g
May 3 rd  dropped .150g
May 17th .134g
May 24th .100g
June  4th  .99g
5th  .98g
6th  .97g
7th  .96g
8th  .95g
9th  .94g
10th .93g
11th .92g
12th .91g
13th .90g
14th .89g
15th .88g
16th .87g
17th .86g
18th .85g
19th .84g
June 2024
20th .83g
21th .82g
22th .81g
23th .80g
24th .79g
25th .78g
26th .77g
27th .76g
28th .75g
29th .74g
30th .73g
July 2024
1st  .72g
2nd .71g
3rd  .70g
4th  .69g
5th  .68g
6th  .67g
7th  .66g
8th  .65g
Anxiety started but other wise feel better emotionally.
Upped omega fish oil up to 3 per day
Cut out all other supplements including prescribed iron
9th  .64g
10th.63g
11th.62g
12th.61g
13th.60g
July 2024
Dropped Synthroid from 75mcg to 50mcg
14th.59g
15th.58g
16th.57g
Started multivitamin again
17th.56g
18th.55g
August 2024
19th.54g
20th.53g
21st.52g
22nd.51g
23rd.50g
September 2024
24th.49g
25th.48g
26th.47g
27th.46g
28th.45g
October 2024
29th.44g
30th.43g
31st.42g
1st.41g
2nd.40g
December 2024
3rd.39g
4th.38g
5th.37g
6th.36g
January 2025
7th.35g
8th.34g
9th.33g
10th.32g
February 2025
11th.31g
12th.30g
13th.29g
14th.28g
March
15th.27g
16th.26g
17th.25g
April
18th.24g
19th.23g
20th.22g
May
21nd.21g
22nd.20g
23rd.19g
June
24th.18g
25th.17g
July 2025
26th.16g
27th.15g
August
28th.14g
29th.13g
September
30th.12g
31st.11g
November
1st.10g
December
2nd.09g
January 2026
3rd.08g
February
4th.07g
March
5th.06g
April
6th.05g
May 2026
7th.04g
June
8th.03g
July 2026
9th.02g
August 2026
10th.01g
September 2026
11th.0g

 

Edited July 16 by Tuikea
Copy and past

[Tuikea]

My Taper Chart

[Tuikea]

I am going to start Journaling now I am on 13mg and started having anxiety, up until now I have managed to cope with WD symptoms as I know they generally pass by the 10th day of a drop. Anxiety is different I don't like it and the main reason for being on AD in the first place so many years ago.

I am hoping this will pass so I can settle into a nice slow taper to the end.

I guess I will know within a month if I can carry on or hold longer.

I walk most mornings but have arthritis that limits how far I can go now. Afternoons I have a rest often having a nap, no pressure as I am retired.

It is strange that my mood has lifted and I don't feel irritated by every little thing it is almost like it has swapped for anxiety.

I have read that excepting anxiety is a big thing rather than worry if it is here to stay, just except and try to breathe through it so far it is helping.

This does feel like it is induced by getting down to a low dose and in the past this is where I have come unstuck.

Fingers crossed it doesn't become too nasty.

Open to any suggestions on coping with anxiety.

Thanks

[Tuikea]

Anxiety is a bit better this morning, I am guessing my Thyroid meds aren't helping with my Anxiety now I am low on my Enlafax dose. I tried not taking my Synthroid this morning to see what happens.

 

[Tuikea]

Yesterday and today are like night and day.

I had a goodnight sleep until 5am I woke up with a terrible pain at the top of my stomach in the middle where the ribs meet. Usually this means intergestion so I got up and took what I would normally to ease the pain. But nothing worked I have had it all day and vomited twice. I managed to get my thyroid meds to say down and enlafax around 2pm in yogurt.

I am hoping this is not WD catching up with me. My mood and anxiety have been good today it's just this stomach pain that I can't deal with and have been in bed with a hot water bottle all day.

I have eaten an apple this afternoon and a kiwifruit. But to scared to eat anything else tonight I have taken one of my 2000mg fish as I have started to ache all over without it.

I have stopped my taper at 13mg/.055g

and wondering if I should reinstated to .060g I think that would be 13.5mg enlafax.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated..

And what has worked for stomach pain please.

 

 

[Jane318]

9 hours ago, Tuikea said:

Yesterday and today are like night and day.

I had a goodnight sleep until 5am I woke up with a terrible pain at the top of my stomach in the middle where the ribs meet. Usually this means intergestion so I got up and took what I would normally to ease the pain. But nothing worked I have had it all day and vomited twice. I managed to get my thyroid meds to say down and enlafax around 2pm in yogurt.

I am hoping this is not WD catching up with me. My mood and anxiety have been good today it's just this stomach pain that I can't deal with and have been in bed with a hot water bottle all day.

I have eaten an apple this afternoon and a kiwifruit. But to scared to eat anything else tonight I have taken one of my 2000mg fish as I have started to ache all over without it.

I have stopped my taper at 13mg/.055g

and wondering if I should reinstated to .060g I think that would be 13.5mg enlafax.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated..

And what has worked for stomach pain please.

 

 

Tuikea - I reinstated to next higher dose a week ago, and it seems to be helping me.  I am so sorry you are dealing with this stomach pain.  Wondering if there is any chance it is an illness unrelated to the AD tapering.  Am praying for relief.

[Tuikea]

9 hours ago, Jane318 said:

Tuikea - I reinstated to next higher dose a week ago, and it seems to be helping me.  I am so sorry you are dealing with this stomach pain.  Wondering if there is any chance it is an illness unrelated to the AD tapering.  Am praying for relief.

Could be I did stop my Synthroid abruptly for about 3 day so it could even be that.

The pain is still there today and I have no appetite to try and keep food down, so I have been eating gingernut buscuits and drink water. I have managed to keep thyroid meds down and enlafax [venlafaxine] increased it to 13.5mg from 13mg and will hold I that for at least a month.

You did warn me this might happen least just hope the pain goes away so I can start walking again.

Thank for you reply 

 

[Tuikea]

Still trying to stabilize after GI problems 

and holding at 13.5mg 

[Jane318]

11 hours ago, Tuikea said:

Still trying to stabilize after GI problems 

and holding at 13.5mg 

Thinking of and praying for you.  Hope you are able to take synthroid now on regular schedule.  I am 

[Tuikea]

Update

July/28 20mg/.080g updose started splitting.

I did another updose so I could start taking 12hrs doses.

So now I am taking 10mg/.040g breakfast and dinner.

I really did a number on my stomach when I was vomiting 12 days later and I still can't breath properly from the pain, I still think it is ripped muscles and It is slowly improving.

When it first happened I was using a hot water bottle and somehow fell asleep on my back and burnt a hole in my back it is still healing and is so painful.

If I try to do to much I get emotional with the pain so I am just resting, the weather has been horrible here so easy to rest.

I am hoping that splitting my daily dose might ease the WD effect in the evening and in bed.

No anxiety at the moment big plus on that one.

cheers

[FindRest]

Is your Venlafaxine pills, beads, or mini-tabs? Mini-tabs are not the same as beads and there are just a few in a capsule. Beads are 100+ tiny little beads in a capsule. I’m asking because if you were crushing pills or mini-tabs, you should have been taking your tapered dose twice a day as crushing or cutting those would make them immediate release.

[Jane318]

10 hours ago, FindRest said:

Is your Venlafaxine pills, beads, or mini-tabs? Mini-tabs are not the same as beads and there are just a few in a capsule. Beads are 100+ tiny little beads in a capsule. I’m asking because if you were crushing pills or mini-tabs, you should have been taking your tapered dose twice a day as crushing or cutting those would make them immediate release.

I take Venlafaxine HCL (V-HCl) tablets (not XR).  I used to take two 37.5 mg tabs in morning, one at night.  Once I started tapering and got to a lower dose, I started taking all in the morning, which I realize now was a mistake.  Have gone back to twice per day.  From my Intro Post:  "I take Venlafaxine HCL (V-HCl) tablets (not XR).  I pulverized several tablets in a spice grinder and keep the powder stored in the med bottle in the dark, taking out from this container when I make new solutions.  I use the Gemini 20 Portable MG scale.  One pill weighs 0.155 mg, which is 37.5 mg V-HCl.  So 0.242 gm of V-HCl per mg of tablet.  Here is my formula for current dose:  119 mg ground tablet powder, plus 1 tsp salt, dissolved in 1 L water.  From this, I take 50 ml per day, 25 ml in morning, 25 ml at night.   Thank you for checking on me!

[Jane318]

22 minutes ago, Jane318 said:

I take Venlafaxine HCL (V-HCl) tablets (not XR).  I used to take two 37.5 mg tabs in morning, one at night.  Once I started tapering and got to a lower dose, I started taking all in the morning, which I realize now was a mistake.  Have gone back to twice per day.  From my Intro Post:  "I take Venlafaxine HCL (V-HCl) tablets (not XR).  I pulverized several tablets in a spice grinder and keep the powder stored in the med bottle in the dark, taking out from this container when I make new solutions.  I use the Gemini 20 Portable MG scale.  One pill weighs 0.155 mg, which is 37.5 mg V-HCl.  So 0.242 gm of V-HCl per mg of tablet.  Here is my formula for current dose:  119 mg ground tablet powder, plus 1 tsp salt, dissolved in 1 L water.  From this, I take 50 ml per day, 25 ml in morning, 25 ml at night.   Thank you for checking on me!

Please ignore above reply - Just realized this was not a question for me - I am so embarrassed... still figuring out how this system works...  I got notification because I follow Tuikea's post so I proceeded to answer...  sheesh...

[Tuikea]

59 minutes ago, Jane318 said:

Please ignore above reply - Just realized this was not a question for me - I am so embarrassed... still figuring out how this system works...  I got notification because I follow Tuikea's post so I proceeded to answer...  sheesh...

I wondered what you did and if you were doing twice a day, so that answers that for me thanks.

Don't be embarrassed it is a hard site to navigate I have found. I am not in control of my own posts there is only a short window to edit things and I find it frustrating at times as well.

 

[Tuikea]

12 hours ago, FindRest said:

Is your Venlafaxine pills, beads, or mini-tabs? Mini-tabs are not the same as beads and there are just a few in a capsule. Beads are 100+ tiny little beads in a capsule. I’m asking because if you were crushing pills or mini-tabs, you should have been taking your tapered dose twice a day as crushing or cutting those would make them immediate release.

Yes mine a mini tabs I get 2 mini tabs inside a 75mg Enlafax capsule.

Yes I read ever so carefully about what I was to do and when I first started crushing I tried twice a day and I didn't feel any difference so I just took it in the morning. It became apparent that it makes a big difference the lower I got.

I seem to be stabilized now I am able to eat now the ripped stomach muscles are slowly healing. I am still in a heap of pain with a 3rd degree burn on my back and I won't go to the doctor unless I absolutely have to so keeping an eye out for any sign of infection.

I managed a 5000 step walk on the beach yesterday first time out in 2 weeks. I have started feeling emotions again when I an in nature that has been missing for so long. The only trouble with that is I am emotional over things I can't control as well like people dumping rubbish everywhere it pisses me off and makes me angry.

The news on TV is a no watch zone for me so I ask hubby to put his ear phones on so I can have some peace.

I won't be ready to start my taper until September and then only if I feel ok.

 

[Catina7]

Hi @Tuikea, I'm so glad you're here on the site.  I saw that you followed me, and I'm following you back.  Congrats on getting down so far on your Venlafaxine!  I don't think you should abruptly stop your Synthroid since your body is used to taking it; that can cause problems in itself.  I'm glad to hear you were able to have a nice long walk and are able to feel some emotions again, even if your emotions are very strong.  That will lessen with time.  I see you're taking a multi-vitamin, and just to let you know that it can cause problems for some people, especially if it contains B-vitamins or something else that their body cannot tolerate with tapering.  I wish you all the best and hope you feel ready again to taper in September.  Here's a link that might help you with the strong emotions you're having:  https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/28492-neuroemotions/

 

Catina 💜

 

[Tuikea]

7 hours ago, Catina7 said:

Hi @Tuikea, I'm so glad you're here on the site.  I saw that you followed me, and I'm following you back.  Congrats on getting down so far on your Venlafaxine!  I don't think you should abruptly stop your Synthroid since your body is used to taking it; that can cause problems in itself.  I'm glad to hear you were able to have a nice long walk and are able to feel some emotions again, even if your emotions are very strong.  That will lessen with time.  I see you're taking a multi-vitamin, and just to let you know that it can cause problems for some people, especially if it contains B-vitamins or something else that their body cannot tolerate with tapering.  I wish you all the best and hope you feel ready again to taper in September.  Here's a link that might help you with the strong emotions you're having:  https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/28492-neuroemotions/

 

Catina 💜

 

Thanks heaps,

Yes you are right I completely stuffed up messing with my thyroid pills it caused terrible problems won't ever be doing that again.

I will stop taking Multi Vitamin for now and see what happens thanks for the suggestion.

I am prescribed iron by the doctor 3 tablets a week and just started taking it again.

❤️

 

[Catina7]

4 minutes ago, Tuikea said:

I am prescribed iron by the doctor 3 tablets a week and just started taking it again.

 

Okay.  Just listen to your body to make sure it agrees with you and you don't have a bad reaction or anything.  I hope it helps!  

[Tuikea]

Update:

Back and stomach are on the mend I'm still not there yet but so much better.

I have started to get energy back and not so emotional as long as I don't over do it.

I have been really cold all the time so that is a sure sign I have stuffed up my thyroid just got to wait for the Synthroid to kick back in.

NO Anxiety!!!!

Other symptoms 

Feeling cold

Snake in my guts causing pain but getting better.

Hole in back slowly less pain

Burning feet feeling.

Pain in hands

It's taking a bit to get the body use to 12hr doses but getting there.

Holding

[Tuikea]

Hi,

Having a bad day today I tried doing too much and ended up a snappy mess.

Hubby thinks because I have started to improve and do stuff I'm all better.

Well he found out other wise I snapped his head off.

I took an iron pill and I don't think my guts is ready for that yet.

 

I have a question about Omeprazole 10mg I stopped it back in April, trying not to take anything that I can do without while tapering.

Now I have gut problems I am wondering if I should take it again. I was taking it because of Celebrix 100mg for arthritis that I stopped back in April also.

Any ideas appreciated 

Thanks.

[Tuikea]

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/4361-tips-for-tapering-off-stomach-acid-blockers-or-ppis-esomeprazole-lansoprazole-omeprazole/#comment-52799

This answers my question so won't be taking that again.

Thanks

[Jane318]

just checking in - how are you doing?

[Catina7]

I'm following you too @Tuikea!  ❤️

[Tuikea]

29 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

I'm following you too @Tuikea!  ❤️

I will give an update today on how things are going 💕

[Tuikea]

 

Update:

It has been 21 days since I did a 7mg updose and started splitting my daily dose in two.

I still have a scab on my back from the 3-degree burn it is taking ages to heal.

My stomach seems to be mostly healed from the pulled muscles, I am getting a sore tummy more indigestion I have cut the fish oil to twice a day to see if that helps.

I am able to do short walks slowly trying to build my strength up.

Other symptoms, jaw clenching, feeling cold all the time when others aren't, burning feet, pain in joints, no strength and no patience (short fuse) disappointing to have this back as it had gone before I crashed.

Slowly stabilizing but not back to where I was before this happened.

I feel guilty for stuffing up my husband retirement years with having to take so long to taper off this medication. I do know I don't have a choice if I want to feel human again I have to do this for me.

Looking forward to sunny days.

 

[Jane318]

Tuikea - No reply required - just FYI - I read this post this morning and thought of you - chewing on ice to help with anxiety? 

.  

[Tuikea]

Update

It has been a month since I updosed.

I am still recovering from the burn on my back from the hot water bottle the scab is not far away from coming off it has taken over a month of healing.

My stomach is so much better I can eat a full meal now. I am still getting  gut irritations and think that is just WD symptoms.

I have anxiety on and off but it is slight compared to past experiences and I use distractions to manage it.

Tension is still constant in my jaw with teeth clenching I have to remind myself to relax.

Sleep isn't as restful as it use to be I wake often during the night and wake earlier than I use too.

I am not as stressed making the evening meal and don't feel so sensitive to noise I was having real trouble with even the TV.

I am not sure if I am going to get any more stable than I am at the moment to continue with my taper.

I read so many stories from others that are still suffering even with a slow taper so needed to decide to start my taper again or continue to hold (how stable is stable).