TaperCommunityTaperCommunity
Steve
SteveStaff

Tapering: Effexor

active

247 posts

Germany, near Frankfurt

46th Effexor Update - Feeling Okay

May 11, 2026··
Long time no see! I was struggling and in a lot of stress for Gigs, Bandbreakups, yearning for performance, also had some days of very bad sleep again, so i decided to taper up about 1 bead. It‘s interesting how strong this effect was for a few days. Like 3 Phases at the first day: At first relieve and a light uphigh, then agitation and walking around a lot, in the evening it felt stabilized. The next few days sometimes a little rollercoaster, also a day of anxiety and now 2 weeks later i‘m not sure if i have any benefit. But there were indeed some days of good sleep, however, also problems falling asleep, sometimes having strange dreams related to withdrawl symptoms. Also i felt a little ashamed for tapering up but i pretty sure needed the experience, also to acknowledge that there was no real benefit. Tomorrow i’ll taper off that bead again. The taper journey is a hell of a ride. Thinking about how healthy and well i was before these meds makes me mourning. So the journey continues, one bead at a time.

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
Catina4mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
Hey Steve! It's really nice to see an update from you. Very interesting to read about your experience with updosing by a bead. The only way to know if something helps or not is to try. At least now you know and it's a lesson learned. I admire you for persevering in your life despite your symptoms. I think there is a whole new life waiting for you after this drug! Keep hanging tough my friend! Catina 🩷

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.

Steve
SteveStaff4mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor · active
You are so motivating, thanks for the kind words! ☺️

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

Catina
Catina4mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
"You are so motivating, thanks for the kind words! ☺️"
You're very welcome Steve. I know you're dealing with a lot right now. You encourage me as well. 🩵

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.

Join the conversation

Sign in to share your experience and connect with others.

Need a clinician who understands tapering?

Browse our map of deprescribing-informed providers worldwide.

Find a Deprescriber