I was taking a slightly lower dose and it was reduced over about a month to nothing. Even with that, it was not easy. However, it is possible. Replacing it with a new medication program should help. Keep in close touch with your prescribing physician and let them know if you have problems.

Thank you! What kind of symptoms did you experience?

I've never tried Effexor. Did your doctor give you instructions how to wean off one and go to the Lexapro?

I know someone on Lexapro and it helps them a lot with their depression and anxiety. If I recall, they take 10 mgs a day also, and it is not too strong or anything. They function just fine (work, drive, etc). So, your 10 mgs Lexapro is a good dose.

Drink a lot of water and maybe take it with a little food at first. Just an idea, while you get adjusted to it.

I mostly just wanted to offer you support. Good luck with all of this and I hope it helps you feel better!!

Also wanted to add that just because one person had a hard time going off it, doesn't mean you will. That's why I don't Google these kinds of things because everyone is different. It goes by your weight, man or woman... so many things are involved with it. I am sure you will be just fine! Try to keep busy and not *think* too much about this. Because everyone is different, so it's hard to tell you what to expect.

The doctor told me to stop the Effexor. She did not say to taper. Everything I have read says to taper. However, I went from celexa 40mg to Effexor 150 without tapering, so I am just watching for symptoms and kinda want to know what to be looking for. I still have some Effexor, even some 75mg, so if I start having anything terrible, I will take that. I had absolutely no trouble reducing from 225 to 150 either. Just skipped a day then started the 150. No problem. Thanks for the advice.

Probably will do fine.

Stay hydrated.

Something I hope you find helpful, that I had to learn myself, because whenever I started a new medication, like you, I was *looking* and waiting for any side effects.

Best thing to do, and easier said than done, but just take your new medicine and - go about your day. Don't think about it. Don't sit there "waiting" for side effects. This will make it worse.

I did this too, lol. So, I know. This suggestion is from my psychiatrist. Take the med and go about your day. Don't dwell on it. Don't think about it.

Hope this helps.

Hi DeniseD, I took Effexor when I was in college (18 years ago!). Anyway, I remember going on vacation and forgetting to bring my meds. I had no way if getting them shipped to me and I was gone for 10 days. I remember the first couple days weren't too bad off of Effexor, maybe a headache and mild nausea. But after the next few days my vertigo was so bad I was grasping at the walls and vomiting. I had cold sweats and tried to sleep off my sickness for most of the vacation. I could barely eat. I remember getting brain zaps, it felt like my brain was getting electrocuted. When I got home I was okay but decided to stay off my meds. Today, if I miss my meds for an extended period of time I will get full body tremors and I'm awake all night with spasms. Trying to stop medication cold turkey is a terrible idea.

Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, blurred vision, nervousness, trouble sleeping, unusual sweating, or yawning may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. This medication may raise your blood pressure.

HIya! I am hoping when you say, "dr." that you mean psychiatrist. I have found that they are the ones who really know and understand about these medications--yrs ago my regular dr gave me zoloft and i got so sick and had so many side effects--I told my psychiatrist about it and he told me how to work up to the full dose--and it was much better. He knew all the tricks to get around the side effects. I am currently on Lexapro and I am SO much better--

It was the psychiatrist nurse practitioner who prescribed it. So the last time I took Effexor 150mg was Tuesday morning around 8. It is now Thursday afternoon 3:30pm. The only thing I have had is slight dizziness and a little bit of tummy trouble first thing this morning. My appetite is much better today as well. I know I still may have some withdrawal effects but I would think I would have started noticing them by now. I still have 75mg pills left from when I first started on it, so if it gets bad I will take that and taper for a while. Otherwise I am going to keep on.