1974: Effexor weening assistance

[1974]

I have been on meds for 20 years. Over the past 4 years I’ve weened myself down to the lowest dosage of Effexor. I now take 37.5 mg per day. I’m looking to ween myself off completely. I know it’s a slow process and am willing to take the time it needs. My MD is against it but I’m doing this for me .

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a peer owned and run forum of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Congratulations for getting so low on your dose of Effexor!  That is a major accomplishment, especially after being on it long term.  I'm glad you found us.  There is a lot of good information and help here on how to completely get off these psychiatric drugs.  

 

What dose were you on before you started tapering?  How have you felt as you've tapered down, and how are you feeling now?  What are your symptoms, if any?  It's great that you are patient and willing to give it the time that it needs.  You have what it takes to get off this drug, and I'm sure you will be successful. 

 

First of all, can you please give us specific information about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise list (no symptoms), only drug names, specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.  This will help you understand why it is so important to taper very slowly and carefully. 

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

 Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

Tapering is best done extremely slowly, and we taper by 10% of the current dose no more than once every 4 weeks, so that the taper becomes exponentially smaller.

 

 Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage  

 

Tips for Tapering Effexor

 

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. This is extremely important. 

 

Considerations About Stability Stop Jumping Around

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I've given you quite a bit of information here. Please take your time in reading through it, and feel free to ask any questions.  I love what you said in your last statement "I'm doing this for me".  These doctors often don't know what their patients are dealing with, and how the drugs they give us affect us.  I'm proud of you for taking care of yourself in the way you need to, in spite of what your MD thinks.  

Edited July 23, 2021 by getofflex