Hi, I'm Jemma

September 21, 2026

Hi I’m Jemma. Been on Venlafaxine for many years for panic but since I’ve been put on generic brand been feeling quite ill. Really want to come off it now but I’m terrified. Feel really alone.

other — 75mg — 10years — researching taper | without clinician

6 Replies

StuartSep 21

LighthouseEffexor · supporting

Welcome @Jemma I took Venlafaxine for ~3-years and did a hyperbolic taper that took over a year (usually going down doses once a month). I found that process relatively smoothe with very few withdrawal symptoms. I have also heard of others immediately noticing a change when they switch to a generic brand so you are not alone in that!

Historic experience tapering off: Citalopram 20mg | Zyprexa 2.5mg | Effexor 75mg | Valium 20mg

Overthis66Sep 21

WelcomerValium · active

Hi, @Jemma. That happened to me while on Klonopin. I could only take one brand. I had been on the same until the pharmacy got a cheaper brand. I didn’t think anything about it until I was nearing two weeks and was feeling so horrible I even went to dr. After talking to pharmacy he ordered the other brand for me and always kept it on order for me. It’s crazy how even those little changes can affect us. Maybe talk to your pharmacist, explain how you’re feeling and they can get a new script ordered for you. I hope you’re quickly feeling better. 🌼🌼🌼

Valium — 10mg — 2 months — actively tapering | without clinician

⭐

CatinaSep 21

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Jemma, welcome! I'm sorry you're feeling unwell. A change or brands or manufacturers can definitely affect people. I have my pharmacy put a note in my chart that I need the same manufacturer at all times. Can you go back to the brand you felt better on and then wait to stabilize before you begin tapering? That might make things a bit smoother for you in the long run. I'm tapering Venlafaxine too.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 16.64 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.

JemmaSep 21

other · researching

I’m in the uk and they give whatever is the cheapest. I hope to speak to the GP in the next few days. Thank you so much for your support it made me cry but that was great I don’t feel so alone.

other — 75mg — 10years — researching taper | without clinician

⭐

CatinaSep 21

Community AnchorEffexor

"I’m in the uk and they give whatever is the cheapest. I hope to speak to the GP in the next few days." — @Jemma

My pharmacy does that too, but let them know you're very sensitive to manufacturer changes and need to have the same manufacturer at all times. That's what I have done. Keep up posted on how things are going for you...you're not alone in this!

JemmaSep 21

other · researching

Are you in the uk. I see your dose is now very low so you have done well. What did you start at? Did it take a very long time?

other — 75mg — 10years — researching taper | without clinician

Join the conversation

Already a member? Sign in

Need a clinician who understands tapering?

Browse our map of deprescribing-informed providers worldwide.

Find a Deprescriber