Hi, I'm Helen macdonald

August 4, 2026··

I have tried to taper off from Effexor many times. I have been taking this medication for many years. There was a time when I was on a high dose at approx 250 ml. I am now trying to taper down from 150ml. I started this journey with Efexor in 1995. Ian currently 79yrs old. This medication I am told has been responsible for a mild heart irregulation. I would very much appreciate your help and guidance. I would like to taper down slowly. I feel that tapering strips might be helpful. Thank you.

Effexor — 150mg 1 daily — Approximately five years — planning taper

3 Replies

Duloxi1mo ago

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi Helen McDonald, A warm welcome to the Tapering Community! Take your time with your taper. Before making any changes, I highly recommend reading through the information on hyperbolic tapering. There's no reason to rush. Your nervous system will need time to adapt. Stability before speed. 🫶

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.

guava3781mo ago

Community AnchorAbilify · active

Hi and welcome to the Taper Community!

- Aripiprazole / Abilify:
17-May-2026 (15mg -> 10mg)
11-July-2026 (10mg-> 7.5mg
17-Aug-2026 (7.5mg -> 5mg)
9 months - actively tapering
- Procyclidine 5mg - 9 months - actively tapering
- Propranolol - 20mg - 1 year - holding
- Xanax - 0.25mg - 7 months - holding

⭐

Catina1mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Helen macdonald....welcome! We'll be happy to help you with tapering off Effexor. Some questions for you: Are you currently on the liquid version? Do you take it once or twice a day? Is your doctor on board with your desire to taper? How is your support system? Do you feel supported by anyone? How did you try to taper in the past? Please check the Resources section to learn about Hyperbolic tapering. I looked up some information about tapering strips with regard to Effexor tapering:

Here are some other helpful links for you: https://taper.community/drugs/effexor https://taper.community/resources/blog/hyperbolic-tapering-explained https://taper.community/thread/d41182b4-060b-4c2e-a1e8-da9e6777d7e5 https://taper.community/resources/blog/tapering-after-decades-use Let us know how we can be of help to you. We look forward to assisting you with your taper! 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.

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