73rd Effexor Update - Feeling Poor

August 2, 2026··

I had quite a rough night last night due to the crippling anxiety from the stress yesterday. I slept from 9 pm - 1 am, but then I woke up and felt so much anxiety and heart pounding. It took me a very long time to get back to sleep. My nervous system just doesn't work right. It's very hard to deal with. I've always struggled with anxiety - even before going on antidepressants - but not at this level. I was much more functional in life before going on ADs and then trying to come off. I really regret going on these awful drugs, but that's water under the bridge now. These drugs are only studied for 8-12 weeks in trial studies, so ones like myself are the long-term "experiment" that was never done. I'm completely unable to handle stress, especially if it involves a lot of live conversation and socializing. It is what it is. I just have to live my life within my limitations. I think I pushed myself too much yesterday and suffered severe consequences. I hope everyone is hanging in there okay this weekend. Sending all of you lots of love and support. We're in this together! 🩷

Catina’s taper progress

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Dose (mg)

Mood (/10)

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.

2 Replies

DuloxiAug 2

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi Catina, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can really relate to what you're describing. When you're no longer able to cope with everyday stress and even social interactions trigger anxiety that can last for hours, it's incredibly difficult. The withdrawal symptoms you're describing are very similar to what I've experienced while tapering off duloxetine.

Cymbalta — 15mg(12mg) — 17 Jahre — holding -with clinician - 90 mg – 2021: First tapering attempt.
60 mg – 2023: Second tapering attempt.
With a doctor's supervision—but unfortunately, a doctor who doesn't know how to properly taper off an antidepressant.

⭐

CatinaAug 2

Community AnchorEffexor

Thanks @Duloxi84....it's a comfort knowing I'm not alone. My nervous system just doesn't work right anymore. I wrote up exactly what I'm going to say to my new NP tomorrow. I'm going to print it out and even read directly from it when speaking to her. I know it's going to be very stressful, but it has to be done. Thanks for your support, it means a lot!

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