Hi, I'm Annie

July 10, 2026

Have been on anti depressants for 45 years. Have had to failed attempts to get off antidepressants in the past, both were short tapers through my GP. Have now tapered down to 5 mgs of venlafaxine, but need help to get off this. I've heard the last part of the taper can be the most difficult.

Effexor — 5mg — 45 years — actively tapering

3 Replies

DuloxiJul 10

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hello Annie, Welcome! Yes, that's absolutely true, and it's important to understand. Otherwise, it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. You mentioned that you've reduced to 5 mg. What was your previous dose, and how long had you been taking it before making the reduction?

Cymbalta — 17,5mg(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.

guava378Jul 10

Community AnchorAbilify · active

Welcome to the Taper Community!

- Aripiprazole / Abilify:
17-May-2026 (15mg -> 10mg)
11-July-2026 (10mg-> 7.5mg
17-Aug-2026 (7.5mg -> 5mg)
28-Sep-2026 (5mg -> 3.6mg)
10 months - actively tapering
- Procyclidine 5mg - 10 months - actively tapering
- Propranolol - 20mg - 13 months - holding
- Xanax - 0.25mg - 8 months - holding

⭐

CatinaJul 10

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Annie, and welcome! I'm tapering Effexor too. Congrats for getting down so low! How are you tapering...by counting beads? Looking forward to us supporting one another as we taper off this drug! Catina 💜

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.

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