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Steve
SteveStaff

Tapering: Effexor

active

247 posts

Germany, near Frankfurt

32nd Effexor Update - Feeling Okay

April 8, 2026··
5,5h sleep but no nap. Did some work around the house, cut some videos (amateur..). Struggled with some depressive thoughts (not good enough, time‘s running out, money, high expectations) but managable and am calm again. I noticed that those thoughts start having some positive effect as an urge to work more on myself. This has been so lost on the Antidepressants, burried in a cozy neglect of what i indeed want in life. While it‘s uncomfortable to deal with these thoughts and feelings, it also drives me to get further, gives a strange energy. But don‘t get me wrong, for a long time there was only headache, tiredness and hopelessness, anyxiety and even worse physical and psychiatric symptoms. But maybe i more and more get small tastes of recovery. I‘m kind of excited to get to my dumbbells again. But i need to be cautious with myself to not spiral in too much self-optimization and possibly little helpers, mood’s still volatile and gosh i know myself. My nerval system isn‘t as forgiving as in my teens now. And the next „wave“ can come suddenly. Trying to stay grounded, focusing on the luck to not have severe symptoms, trying to look forward, enjoying the times when i feel calm. I tend to forget what kind of torturous hell i‘ve gotten to know so many times, should be more grateful and not pressing. Wish you all a good night fighters and stay strong or at least get through to the next day and the next and the… 💪👍🤗

Steve’s taper progress

Dose (mg)
Mood (/10)

off Stimulants (2000-2013)
off Fluoxetine (2010-2013)
off Lamotrigine (2013-2016)
off Quetiapain (2016-2020)

currently Effexor — 33mg — 13 years (from 300mg) — actively tapering | with clinician

3 Replies

Catina
Catina5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
You've been through a lot Steve, but I'm glad things aren't as bad as they once were. It gives us a renewed appreciation for life. It's hard when we feel like we can do more but still need to be careful so we don't overdo it. It's a challenge to be balanced and something we all need to work on. You're doing a great job, and we appreciate all you do with supporting others on Taper Community! ❤️

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

G
Gaucho5mo ago
LighthouseLexapro · active
I really like how you're able to see the positives in your life. That can aid recovery and is not always easy to do in the midst of withdrawal. Very reassuring that you feel your symptoms are not severe. Keep pushing on! You're getting there.

Lexapro — actively tapering | with clinician

Steve
SteveStaff5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor · active
Thank you both so much! ❤️

off Stimulants (2000-2013)
off Fluoxetine (2010-2013)
off Lamotrigine (2013-2016)
off Quetiapain (2016-2020)

currently Effexor — 33mg — 13 years (from 300mg) — actively tapering | with clinician

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