jsue: intro getting off Effexor

[jsue]

Hi,

I have been doing research on here to be able to wean off effexor.  I know it can be a nasty drug to come off of.  I have read the tips but have some questions.  In the thread on weaning off effexor it says you can make a liquid from the extended release venlafexine.  I have tried emptying my 37.5mg capsule into 5 ml of water and let it sit over night while stirring occasionally.  It doesn't appear the beads are dissolving.  Am I doing something wrong?

 

I have also tried using a jewelry scale to do my reduction.  Typically the beads weigh 0.11g but I am finding some variation from capsule to capsule which I understand is an issue particularly with the generic.  Am I better off switching to regular venlafexine and making a liquid to do my reduction?

 

Regarding switching to regular from extended release, I want to makes sure I understand correctly.  Since I am on 37.5 mg of extended release, I would reduce my dose to 33.75 and then divide it into two doses of 16.88mg twice a day....is that correct?

 

I sincerely appreciate all the work that has been put into this forum.

[Frogie]

@jsue

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping members 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.

 

You could count the beads in the capsule and figure out how many beads are average in the capsules and remove 10% a month. You could also switch to regular effexor, but if you did that I would hold at 37.5 mg for a while so your body could get used to it. But you would take it twice a day. 

 

Tips for tapering off venlafaxine (Effexor)

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Preparing to taper

 

Which tablets or pills may be split or crushed?

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

 

Counting beads in a capsule versus weighing

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

We don't suggest supplements on here because they can be stimulating. We do suggest magnesium and omega. If you would like to try these, try one in a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

Let us know if you have any other questions after reading the links provided.