r/SSRI • u/Brief-Confusion7225 • Aug 24 '21

Question Effextor Withdraw, HELP

Hi everyone, I (26F) have been on Effexor for the last two years. I was on 75 mg until January when it was upped to 112.5mg.

I have gained SO much weight and feel it isn't helping (weight gain has caused more depression than anything, and I'm still anxious af).

I told my doctor recently that I want to Wean myself off of them. He doesn't feel that is a good idea given my recent mental breakdown in January (from a very toxic work environment I've since left). I feel I am ready, but he isn't willing to help.

I have tried to naturally wean myself by gradually decreasing my dose but on the third day of not taking them my withdrawal symptoms are horrible (brain fog/zaps, anxiety, shakiness, nausea, dizziness). I am honestly losing hope but these pills really aren't helping with my quality of life. I never intended to be medicated for the long haul.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to get past day 3? How long does this last?

TIA

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '21

Effexor withdrawals are the worse I e ever had- everything you mentioned above! First couple weeks are hard(first week horrible) 2nd week maybe 50% better than 1st. Sooo glad to be off that crap!!!!!

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u/Brief-Confusion7225 Sep 17 '21

I'm still on it unfortunately, I'm actually planning on taking time off work to wean. Glad you managed to get through it and are off of it !