Hi, I'm Catherine

Here is a polished, well-structured version ​5 Weeks Off Effexor (3.5 Years Use) – Experiencing Severe Discontinuation / Protracted Withdrawal & Seeking Reinstatement Advice ​I took 75 mg of Effexor for 3.5 years. I am now 5 weeks out from my final dose following a 4-week taper prescribed by a new provider. During the first two weeks of the taper, I was started on Wellbutrin 150 mg XR, which was increased to 300 mg in the final week. ​Background Around the 2.5-year mark, I wanted to stop Effexor due to weight gain and a feeling that it was no longer effective. After researching the difficulty of quitting and receiving no support from my provider at the time—who works within the healthcare system that also employs me—I felt angry, disappointed, and put the idea on hold. For a year, I avoided all healthcare except for medication refill requests while searching for a new provider. ​During that year, my functioning declined significantly. Leaving the house and keeping appointments became increasingly difficult, and I began withdrawing from family and friends. I work part-time in a hospital emergency room, and missing shifts put my job on a fine line. By April of this year (still on 75 mg), I developed uncontrollable racing and intrusive thoughts. ​The Taper & Current State My new provider put me on a 4-week taper. I experienced the typical severe effects of a rapid protocol. While my provider mentioned I could open the capsules and count beads to extend the process, they didn't offer a specific dosing schedule. I turned to online forums to learn about hyperbolic tapering, but in my compromised state, I decided to "power through," believing I had come too far to turn back. ​I had brief moments of relief that made me think I was turning a corner. However, as the weeks have passed, my condition has deteriorated severely. I am currently dealing with: ​Crushing fatigue and lethargy ​Muscle aches, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea ​Severe hot flashes and disrupted sleep ​Cognitive issues and extreme sensory overstimulation (making ER work almost impossible) ​Work & Financial Strain I am calling out or leaving early most days. Fortunately, my state offers paid medical leave with job protection for a set number of earned hours, but I am already halfway through those hours. Because I am 140 worked hours short of qualifying for FMLA, fear over long-term job security is weighing heavily on me. ​Request for Guidance After deep-diving into the research, I recognize that I am likely dealing with Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome, possibly transitioning into protracted withdrawal (PAWS). ​I have a psychiatry appointment for medication management at the end of this month, but I cannot survive another 4 weeks in this state. I want to reinstate a micro-dose of Effexor to stabilize my nervous system before attempting a very slow, hyperbolic taper. ​I have a supply of 37.5 mg XR capsules (each containing approximately 90 beads). I’ve seen varying recommendations online for reinstatement starting doses—ranging from 5 mg to 10 mg (held for 2–4 weeks, then reduced by 2 beads at a time). ​For those with experience in hyperbolic tapering and reinstatement: ​Dosing: Given that I am 5 weeks out, what initial micro-dose (or bead count) has worked best for stabilization without crashing the system further? ​Timeline: How long did it take for severe physical and sensory symptoms to calm down after reinstating a micro-dose? ​Wellbutrin: Has anyone managed an Effexor reinstatement while simultaneously taking 300 mg of Wellbutrin XR? ​Thank you to this community for being such a vital resource during a time when I felt completely on my own.