Hi, I'm Vic

June 13, 2026··

I'm in 3.5 years of Protracted withdrawl from Effexor which I was on for 16 yrs. Incredibly difficult.

4 Replies

Wolf3mo ago

Community AnchorProzac · researching

Hello. yes, as someone said, protracted withdrawal might be the hardest thing you will face in your life. Your situation is bad in the sense that 16 years is so much and the half-life is pretty bad too.

Prozac — 40 mg — 6 months — holding | Zyprexa — 20 mg — 6 years — holding | Depakote — 600 mg — 8 months — **tapering** | Buspirone — 20 mg — 8 months — holding | with clinician
"If life is painful, start a rebellion and make it good."

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Catina3mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi Vic, and welcome! My heart really goes out to you for what you're dealing with. What was your taper like? Have you seen any improvement over the past few years? What symptoms are you dealing with, and how is your level of functioning? Here is some information about protracted withdrawal syndrome; I hope it helps! https://taper.community/resources/blog/protracted-withdrawal-syndrome-explained I'm sure that in time things will slowly keep improving, so don't lose heart! Sometimes these things take a long time. You're never alone, so reach out for support anytime! 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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BasedStaff3mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hey Vic, sorry to hear. Are you on any meds currently?

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

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SteveStaff3mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor · active

As an Effecor taperer myself i really feel for you! Did you do a cold turkey and what dose did you take? Current medication? Glad you found this place 😊💪👍

off Stimulants (2000-2013)
off Fluoxetine (2010-2013)
off Lamotrigine (2013-2016)
off Quetiapain (2016-2020)

currently Effexor — 33mg — 13 years (from 300mg) — actively tapering | with clinician

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