Effexor withdrawal

[Lig2008]

I have recently tapered off of Effexor xr.  I was on 75mg and went down to 37.5mg.  It has been four days of no medication.  I have been dizzy, nauseous and crying all of the time.  How long will this last?  Please help?

[Luvmydogs]

It's funny that you mentioned tapering off. I've been taking 150mg for 3 years and I had no idea of any side effects from stopping.  One day I just got tired of taking 2 capsules and my prescription ran out, so instead of refilling it I just stopped taking them on a Friday. Saturday got sick and dizzy, Sunday I could barely walk to the bathroom and I felt like I was drunk.  All I did was sleep!  So Sunday night my daughter said mom I'm taking you to the hospital.  They just said I must have an inner ear infection.  I told them what pills I take and mentioned I just stopped taking my effexor.  So Monday I called my doctor and when he heard I went cold turkey ( I had to put that in there since Thanksgiving is coming) he said you can't just stop taking them.  So I called in my refill and within 2 hours I started feeling a little better.  Those pills aren't working for me. I still wish each night I won't wake up in the morning and I still don't want to leave the house. I'm now down to 75mg and I can't wait to stop taking them. I have FMS and I hate my life!

[azalea82]

You can even open up the 37.5 capsules and just swallow a few sprinkles a day.  Make the taper as gradual as possible.  

[therese83]

Going from 37.5 to zero is too much.

Drop it one day out of ten.  Then two days out of ten etc.. It will be smoother.  Well that worked for me I got off it.  

[kim032099]

What made you want to stop the Effexor?
I have been on my 75mg for two years now and ever time my husband asks me."so when do you think youll stop needing it" I reply when they pry it out of my dead hands...joke of course but he really upsets me when he asks me that?
I have never felt better. I do not like the side effects i get when i skip..
I am afraid to go off. I just wonder why you stoped.