88th Effexor Update - Feeling Okay

September 1, 2026

I have decided to not reduce by another bead today like I had planned. Some recent stress really churned up some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Also, I have two upcoming stressors this month, so I will wait to reduce until after they have passed. I'm still having anxiety and feel a bit dizzy and woozy. I did sleep well for the most part last night though although I had a lot of heart pounding.

Catina’s taper progress

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Dose (mg)

Mood (/10)

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 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.

4 Replies

Polly's FarmSep 1

Trusted VoiceTrintellix · researching

Sounds like a very sensible plan. I hope the anxiety settles down soon.

Trintellix — 15mg — 4 years, 9 months — researching taper | Risperdal — 0.25mg — 4 years, 9 months — actively tapering | Depakine — 1000mg — 12 years — supporting others | with clinician

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CatinaSep 1

Community AnchorEffexor

Thank you!

ROSep 26

Are you trying to taper off your medication? Was just wondering what your story is and how it all started and how you are doing. Thanks

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CatinaSep 26

Community AnchorEffexor

"Are you trying to taper off your medication? Was just wondering what your story is and how it all started and how you are doing. Thanks" — @RO

Yes, absolutely! I want off the Venlafaxine and Trazodone - no matter how long it takes me. I suffered from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and thought I had a "chemical imbalance" so I started taking antidepressants. I was put on Trazodone when another drug gave me insomnia and am stuck on it until I can get off the Venlafaxine. I've been on numerous psych drugs over the years. I haven't had PMDD for quite some time now, so I've been trying to free myself off these drugs. I've since learned a lot about psychiatry and am now quite critical of it. I'm very slowly tapering the Venlafaxine and plan on doing another bead reduction on October 1st.

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