I'm having a lot of trouble tapering off effexor.

Im only on 37.5, and had only been on if for like a month and a half when I started very slowly tapering off of it because I felt it was making things worse. Now the problem is I'm feeling intense anxiety, derealization and all sorts of new unpleasant feelings all the time and I have no way of knowing if it's because of the effexor being in my system continuing to make me feel even worse, or because I'm tapering off of it, or because for some reason my anxiety is just getting worse on its own. Because of this I'm afraid to go down any lower because I can't imagine what will happen if it gets worse. Irs already some of the most intense and constant anxiety I've ever felt in my life. I've talked to my psychiatrist and he doesnt think effexor, OR coming off of it slowly could cause these symptoms. So basically I'm really scared because I'm getting a LOT worse fast and I have no way to no why or how to stop it.

[Hidden]

Apparently this is the hardest antidepressant to get off. My daughter takes this drug and if she forgets one day she gets terrible brain zaps. So trying to come off the drug is probably causing all your unwanted feelings. I’m no expert though. Take care.

[Loosewheel in reply to Hidden]

I have been on Effect for over ten years. I know you are supposed to go off slowly. I was at my doctor and he suggested I go from 75mg to 37.5 but suggested I wait till spring. I am afraid to go off it so maybe I might Get someone to suggest what I should do. Don't come off it without your doctor's help, I think it will be too hard

[Bilabong]

All anti depressants are difficult to come off. What you are experiencing is in all probability the withdrawals from this drug. This will stay for some time, but since you say you have been on it for a month, it shouldnt persist for too long. Derealization is one of the withdrawals from SNRIs. Happened to me too.

[Meredyn]

This happened to me! The withdrawal also triggered a debilitating migraine that required treatment at the A & E. The A & E Consultant I saw said that this is a hellish drug to get off of, and has seen a few people in A & E with withdrawals (she certainly didn't seem to be a fan of this drug)! In her estimation, it would take about 6 weeks for the brain to restore it's equilibrium. I am about 5 weeks quit from it now, and I think it's getting better - just my 'old' anxiety still there. Oh - and I sweated buckets coming off it, too! Sending you hugs!!❤❤❤

[chamonix0522]

Im on 30 mgs of effexor and actually worked my way up to that by counting the pellets in each capsule. When I have tapered off its been 1-2 mgs a week. If you get on it very slowly or come off very slowly it shouldnt give you problems. I am very sensitive to meds and effexor is the only thing that works for my anxiety. To calm myself I watch ASMR videos. Its, soft and calming sounds and movements that have always relaxed me. You can find all kinds of videos on You Tube. I usually watch Emma Whsipers Red and fall asleep while watching. I have felt the same way as you many times and its a battle to self diagnose because doctors do not know hpow to treat anxiety or any mental illness. Good Luck to you and keep fighting. Debbie

[dani_girl1110]

I'm currently on 37.5 and have been for 4 months.. down from 150. I'm doing every other day and it's easy, so my therapist suggested every two days for a bit. I tried and Wednesday was my second day in a row without it. It was awful! Brains zaps and electrical shocks all over my body.. several panic attacks. I just want to be off this medication! But.. its addictive. So, the withdrawals are going to be hard.