Hi, I'm Marial

Hi @Marial, it's nice to have you here! I too have been on antidepressants for a very long time and am extremely sensitive to dose changes with trying to come off Effexor. So no - you're not alone, crazy, or strange! You're in good company. I have a close friend who is also extremely sensitive, and she's another long-term AD user. Were you put on a benzo to deal with antidepressant withdrawal? That happens quite often to people. Do you have a supportive doctor who is helping you during this process? What symptoms do you struggle with the most? Feel free to use the online Taper Journal to track your dose reductions and symptoms. I look forward to us supporting each other as we find our way off these drugs! Catina 🩷

Hi Marial, welcome! Its great that you have a strategy that works, regardless of %. Once theres a plan everything falls into place!

Thank you both for the kind welcome. Catina, it's good to know I'm not alone or crazy or both. I can very much relate to the Effexor difficulty - I took it for a while and then needed the benzo to deal with coming off it, and then needed another AD to deal with that, and here I am. My doctor is supportive, not too experienced with psych drug withdrawal but she tries and is open to whatever works for me. I would say my most troublesome symptoms are muscle aches, digestive issues, and emotion regulation. Brain fog is a big one too. I have a partner who is caring and supportive but he can't really relate to my journey. He accepts it all without judgment, and I'm grateful. But we all have our limits. I did another 2% drop today after holding on a previous dose for weeks. Here's hoping. Thank you for being here. Marial

"I can very much relate to the Effexor difficulty - I took it for a while and then needed the benzo to deal with coming off it, and then needed another AD to deal with that, and here I am." — @Marial

I'm so sorry. It can turn into such a tangled web.

"My doctor is supportive, not too experienced with psych drug withdrawal but she tries and is open to whatever works for me." — @Marial

That's great. Same with mine, and it really helps to at least feel supported and not gaslit.

"I would say my most troublesome symptoms are muscle aches, digestive issues, and emotion regulation. Brain fog is a big one too." — @Marial

You can find information for these symptoms in the Symptoms and Self-Care section. Maybe you'll find something that helps.

"I have a partner who is caring and supportive but he can't really relate to my journey. He accepts it all without judgment, and I'm grateful. But we all have our limits." — @Marial

I can relate. My husband is supportive and understanding, but sometimes things can get challenging when we're not feeling well.

"I did another 2% drop today after holding on a previous dose for weeks. Here's hoping." — @Marial

I hope it goes well! Slower is faster. ❤️

Hey Marial, do not worry theres more effexor people in the community, its quite common unfortunatly. Looking forward to hearing back how the cut went!