Getting off effexor

[Rhi20]

Hello,

I see similar questions have been asked before but would appreciate advice on my own experiences.
I'm currently in the process of coming off effexor, which I started taking in April 2012. I have been tapering for a year now (after my doctor initially telling me it would take around 3 months) and am currently down to 18.75mg per day (half a tablet-using venalflaxine so I can cut them in half) from 112.5mg per day. I have only been on 18.75mg per day for the last three weeks but it has gone relatively well with no major symptoms.
Basically I am debating whether or not to go cold turkey or continue trying to taper in the final stages. I have a week off work next week which I could use to quit and just get it over and done with! I then have two weeks where I'm only at work 2 hours per day so if I was still having symptoms it wouldn't be a major problem like it would be normally.
I'd like to know if anyone has tried anything similar or has any advice for me, or what you would do in my position.
Any answers would be appreciated!

[4Maddie44]

What have you decided to do?

[yaz33]

Maddie is right. I also tapered to the minimum.

[4Maddie44]

Yes, as you say, this is a much talked about subject.  As you are doing so well with your tapering, don't you think it would be wise to continue?  I have done it both ways.  Cold turkey, and tapering.

Now cold turkey can be extremely uncomfortable, even when you are on a low dose like you are now.  In your position, I would personally continue to taper.  Like you I cut up the Venlafaxine pills, until I was down smaller and smaller amounts over a long period.  That way I had no sithdrawal symptoms at all.  At the end I was taking a tiny amount, just by cutting up the tablets.  

It is a personal thing of course, if you want to go cold turkey.  Do you think that would be better than tapering?  If so, why?  Ask anyone who has quit cold turkey, and they will tell you the withdrawals can be very bad.  It may not happen in your case, of course.  Perhaps you will manage well.  It is a personal choice when it comes down to it.  You say you want to get it over and done with.  If you feel it is best for you, and you have time off, and can manage it, then go ahead.  Say you feel poorly though, after those two weeks?  

Do keep in touch, and let us know what you decide.  As I have been through what you are going through now, I am interested in what you decide.  It is six months since I stopped, and it took me 10 months to withdraw.  I have been fine, and am glad I took it slowly.

Take care.