Coming off Venlafaxine - was given it for hot flushes. I have started taking 1 every other day (75 to 37.5). I have been irritable - that has been the worst symptom until the last week. Dizzy, nausea, emotional, tearful out the blue - very poor focus - and just tired. I'm here because I just want to get to the other side and get off the chemicals.
Effexor — 75mg — 2 years — actively tapering | with clinician
Hi kitkat, and welcome! I'm really glad you posted here because I have to tell you to stop skipping days to taper. It's exactly why you're experiencing so many distressing symptoms. I don't know why doctors advise people to taper this way, but it is not recommended. Our brains need as much stability while tapering, especially with a drug like Venlafaxine, so taking a consistent dose is very important.
The other issue is that you are making a very large reduction, going from 75 mg to 37.5 mg. It's recommended to taper no more than 10% each month of the previous month's dose. Do your capsules contain tiny beads inside? How do they look? I have to break open my capsules and count out the beads inside.
I'm tapering Venlafaxine too and have been at this a long time, so I'm speaking from my own experience and that of others.
Please keep us updated on how things are going for you! I think once you make these adjustments you'll be feeling so much better.
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.
Join the conversation
Sign in to share your experience and connect with others.
TaperCommunity