Venlafaxine has one of the highest rates of people experiencing withdrawal from Effexor. You may or may not experience symptoms as you reduce your dosage, but it's good to recognize what symptoms are typical of Effexor withdrawal. Ask your doctor about different ways you can ease any of the following symptoms: Anxiety Dizziness Fatigue Headaches Vivid dreams Insomnia Nausea Agitation Anxiety Chills Sweating Runny nose Tremor Feelings of unease or foreboding Muscle pain Stomach problems Flu-like symptoms Depression Suicidal thoughts If you experience continued depression or have suicidal thoughts while stopping Effexor, call your doctor or go to a local hospital as soon as possible. Doctors can help relieve these symptoms and may prevent you from harming yourself. As you come off of your Effexor, you will need as much support as possible. This can help you tackle withdrawal symptoms and other side effects you may experience. Continue to keep your doctor informed about your progress. You may even want to see a psychiatrist or psychologist as an alternative form of therapy to help you out while you're stopping Effexor. This can minimize symptoms and may also give you new coping mechanisms. Let your family and friends know that you're stopping Effexor and may experience withdrawal symptoms. Let them know the ways in which they can help you. Take some time off of work if necessary. Be honest with your boss about your condition. If you cannot take off any time, ask your boss ways you can contribute if you are experiencing withdrawal or recurrence of symptoms. Exercise helps produce serotonin and can have a powerful antidepressant effect. If you're stopping Effexor, you may be able to compensate for medication by exercising regularly. This may also help manage withdrawal symptoms and keep you feeling good. Aim for a weekly total of 150 minutes of moderate activity, or about 30 minutes five days each week. Exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, or biking can boost your mood. Consider trying yoga or Pilates, which not only contribute to your weekly exercise total, but can also improve your mood and relax you. You can boost the effects of exercise and rest by eating a healthy diet. Have regular meals based around the five food groups, which can help keep your blood sugar at a stable level and keep you from feeling nauseous or having other stomach issues. Get foods from the five food groups. Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Try to make at least half of your plate vegetables at each meal. Consider eating more foods high in magnesium, which may control anxiety. Some examples of foods high in magnesium are: almonds, avocados, spinach, soybeans, black beans, salmon, halibut, oysters, peanuts, quinoa, and brown rice. If you are under a lot of stress, it's important to manage it as much as you can. Stress can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and may even cause anxiety. Avoid stressful situations whenever possible. If you can't, get through stressful situations by taking deep breaths and excusing yourself occasionally to "use the bathroom" or "take a call." Even a momentary break can help minimize stress. Allow yourself to get a regular massages to relax yourself. You may experience a wide array of withdrawal symptoms when stopping Effexor. A part of keeping yourself feeling well and reducing stress is getting enough rest. This includes having a regular sleep schedule and allowing yourself to take naps to help yourself feel better. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. You should get at least seven hours of sleep every night. Keep your schedule during the weekends to help minimize your symptoms. Take naps of 20 30 minutes as needed. These can refresh you and may reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Summary:
Recognize symptoms of withdrawal. Get immediate help. Seek support. Stay active. Eat nutritious food. Manage stress. Rest as often as possible.