My Journey of Tapering off Effexor XR: How Patience, Self-Care, and Support Helped Me Overcome Withdrawal

When I was first prescribed Effexor XR (venlafaxine) years ago to manage my severe PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), I never imagined that it would become a long-term part of my life. I had hoped it would help me feel more stable, but over time, I found myself struggling with its many side effects, and most importantly, with the idea of ever coming off of it. When the time came to taper off the medication, I had no idea just how challenging the journey would be, or how much it would transform my life.

The Initial Effexor XR Taper: Too Fast, Too Soon

Like many people, I started tapering off Effexor XR by following the standard protocol from my prescribing doctor. I alternated between doses of 75mg and 37.5mg every other day, as recommended. Unfortunately, this approach was far too fast for my body to handle. The process left me feeling destabilized and unable to function, which only intensified my sense of anxiety and discomfort. I realized that I needed more support to do this safely and effectively, so I sought out alternative approaches to help with the taper.

Finding a Solution: Liquid Effexor and Support from a Compounding Pharmacy

Fortunately, my doctor was open to working with me on a more gradual tapering plan, and she agreed to write a prescription for a liquid formulation of Effexor XR, which I could pick up from a compounding pharmacy. This was a game-changer. With the help of the pharmacist, I was able to adjust the dose in smaller increments, allowing me to taper off the medication more slowly and with much less discomfort.

I remember picking up the liquid form every two weeks, and the pharmacist would let me choose a different flavor each time. Chocolate peanut butter Effexor, anyone? (It sounds strange, but it actually helped make the process a little more bearable, even if it was just for a laugh!) The slow taper allowed me to reduce my dose in a way that felt more manageable, but it wasn’t the only change I needed to make to reclaim my health.

The Power of a Holistic Approach: Naturopathy and Lifestyle Changes

Around the same time I started working with the compounding pharmacy, I began collaborating with a naturopathic doctor to address any underlying nutritional deficiencies that could be contributing to my health issues. Through blood work and careful investigation, we identified several areas of concern, including some deficiencies that were likely exacerbating my mental health struggles.

I also began making drastic changes to my diet and lifestyle. I removed gluten from my diet after discovering an intolerance, and I began a regimen of supplements designed to support my healing. To further support my physical and mental well-being, I started receiving weekly acupuncture and osteopathic treatments, as well as exploring colon hydrotherapy. These holistic approaches were critical in helping my body detoxify and regain balance during the tapering process.

The Emotional Toll: Therapy and Self-Care

As if the physical challenges of tapering off the medication weren’t enough, I also faced a deep emotional and psychological toll. I began working with a therapist to address past trauma, which had been an underlying issue in my mental health journey. As anyone who’s gone through withdrawal knows, it’s not just a physical process—it’s an emotional rollercoaster.

To help with my mental health during this time, I also focused intensely on self-care. I made it a priority to rest, get enough sleep (which was challenging, but I worked on it), and take time for myself in ways that nourished my mind and body. Some days were better than others, but I was committed to pushing through, no matter how hard it felt.

The Breaking Point: A Severe Withdrawal Crisis

Even with all my careful planning, 1.5 years after I tapered off Effexor XR, everything came crashing down. I woke up one day with an overwhelming sense of pressure in my head, followed by a strange tension running from my brain down my spine. It felt like something was seriously wrong. I had already experienced some withdrawal symptoms—dizziness, heart palpitations, occasional brain zaps—but this was unlike anything I’d ever felt.

What followed was nothing short of terrifying. I went into a severe withdrawal reaction, and the symptoms were agonizing. I experienced intense akathisia, where I couldn’t sit still and felt like I wanted to rip my skin off. The emotional pain was beyond anything I could have imagined—anger, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and a complete lack of joy (anhedonia). I lost feeling in my genitals, which left me feeling disconnected from my body and from any sense of intimacy. The insomnia was so extreme that I would go for days without sleep, and the involuntary movements were out of control. My legs would kick involuntarily, my jaw would snap open and shut, and I felt like I was losing my mind.

For 4.5 years, I battled through this withdrawal, a battle that left me disabled. I lost my job, my apartment, and my partner. I had to move back to my hometown and live with my father at 29 years old. There were days I felt like I couldn’t go on, and I wanted to give up. I struggled to get through each day, weak, exhausted, and overwhelmed with feelings of despair.

Finding Strength: A Slow, Relentless Recovery

Through it all, my parents, a therapist, and an amazing Reiki practitioner kept me going. I didn’t give up, even though there were times when I thought I couldn’t take another minute. Then, around the 2.5-year mark, something shifted. One day, I woke up, and the constant suicidal thoughts that had haunted me for years were just… gone. Like a fog lifting, I found a new sense of peace.

Over the following months, things began to improve. I started sleeping a little more each night, and eventually, I was able to enjoy windows of relief—those fleeting periods where I felt like myself again. I could get out of bed and engage with life, even if only for short bursts at first. I began to travel again, visiting friends who understood my struggle, and I even went to the mountains to try and find some peace.

But the recovery didn’t stop there. I turned my focus inward, continuing to prioritize my health and self-care. I started studying holistic nutrition in a self-paced program and became deeply passionate about functional approaches to mental health. I applied everything I learned to my own recovery and it was truly transformative.

The Present: A New Chapter

Fast forward to 2024, and I have come a long way in my healing journey. I’m not fully recovered yet, but I’m on track. I graduated as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN), started my own business, and began working part-time in a clinic. I teach workshops, help others on their own health journeys, and continue to focus on my personal healing.

There were times during my recovery when I wasn’t sure I would make it, but today I am filled with gratitude. I’ve rebuilt my life from the ground up, and I am now healthier and stronger than I’ve ever been. I have hope for the future, something I never thought I’d have again.

To Those Still Struggling: There Is Hope

If you’re reading this and you’re struggling with withdrawal from Effexor, or any SSRI/SNRI, I want you to know that there is hope. It may feel impossible, but you can heal. Be patient with yourself, seek out support, and take care of your body, mind, and spirit during this challenging time. If you’re tapering off, work closely with your doctor to ensure you’re tapering at a pace that is right for you. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask for a slower taper if needed.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, and while the journey is long, you don’t have to walk it alone. Please don’t give up. You are stronger than you think, and your healing is possible.