Withdrawing from Effexor

[Nan091948]

I have been using Effexor for 15 years.  I really feel that I do not need this medication any longer but everytiime I have tried withdrawal by tapering, I get into severe symptoms of brain zap, anger, crying and feeling totally out of control.  I have ask from my familly MD's help but he suggests I may need to stay on the drug for the rest of my life!  I have tried cutting back slowly and ever opeing the 75 mg caps and counting beads.  I just can't make it past the horrors.  What can I do to free myself of this medication?  

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes, there is a difference between being habituated to the medication and actually needing it. Your brain is habituated so you have to be very careful and systematic about the withdrawals...one way is to lower the dose to lowest dose that does not give you any withdrawal symptoms...then use that dose every other day for two weeks;;then every third day for two weeks...then stop...that should do it.....

[Nan091948]

I will work out a schedule for decreasing the dose slowly.  How long should I stay on the dose with each decrease?  I take 75mg am and 75 mg pm.  I usually start with the brain Zaps and horror when I reach 37.5mg daily in two doses.  Thank you for the prompt answer.  I am so tired of being on this medication and spending the hundreds of dollars to buy it, if it is not needed.