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EPD6893: Tapering Effexor Troubles

EDP6893
EDP6893
in Introductions & Ongoing Recoveries

Featured Replies

  • Author

I'm wondering if the metformin caused more kindling and now my progress from recovering slightly from the daridorexant kindling is gone now.

Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

 

Current medications:

-Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

-Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

 

Still going through withdrawal hell.

  • Replies 447
  • Views 5.2k
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  • EDP6893
    EDP6893

    So far it's better today.

  • EDP6893
    EDP6893

    Maybe you're right. I shouldn't take any unnecessary risks right now.

  • RachelSusan
    RachelSusan

    @EDP6893   I hear you, EDP. You got forced out of your house, you’re dealing with binge eating that’s got you frustrated, and your doctor put you through the wringer with meds, now you’re stuck i

1 hour ago, EDP6893 said:

I'm wondering if the metformin caused more kindling and now my progress from recovering slightly from the daridorexant kindling is gone now.

I don’t think it’s worth dwelling on this. It could be the metformin set you back a bit, or it could be that this wave was coming anyways. Either way, you will recover.

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I am new to this journey and my thoughts are based only on my personal experience with psychiatric drugs. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

Current regimen:

Cymbalta - 90 mg/day

Seroquel - 12.5 mg/day

*holding to stabilize as of Apr 2026

 

History:

Seroquel - up to 50 mg as needed for sleep (generally 6.25-12.5 mg a few times a week, though sometimes more) - 2009 (ish) to present

Cymbalta - 60 mg/day, periodically down to 30 mg/day - May 2014 to May 2025

Clonazepam - up to 1 mg/day as needed - March to May 2025, quick taper off

Zoloft - 150 mg/day - May 2025 to Aug 2025 (quick cross-taper from Cymbalta)

Pristiq - 50 mg/day from Aug 2025 to mid-Oct 2025 (quick cross-taper from Zoloft); 100 mg/day from Oct 2025 to Dec 2025; back down to 50 mg/day from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026

Lyrica - 200 mg/day - Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 (quick taper off from mid-Jan to early Feb 2026 due to severe depressive symptoms)

Cymbalta - 60 mg/day - Jan - March 2026; up to 90 mg/day from March to present

 

    •
    • Like 2
    • Author

    Another bad + day again :( no longer having good streaks of many days without having to go to the toilet multiples every hour all day :(

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    3 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Another bad + day again :( no longer having good streaks of many days without having to go to the toilet multiples every hour all day :(

    I also get periods of time when a particular symptom seems to have disappeared, only for it to come back again. I know it’s incredibly frustrating, but it’s normal! Waves and windows. Every day brings that next window closer.

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I am new to this journey and my thoughts are based only on my personal experience with psychiatric drugs. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

    Current regimen:

    Cymbalta - 90 mg/day

    Seroquel - 12.5 mg/day

    *holding to stabilize as of Apr 2026

     

    History:

    Seroquel - up to 50 mg as needed for sleep (generally 6.25-12.5 mg a few times a week, though sometimes more) - 2009 (ish) to present

    Cymbalta - 60 mg/day, periodically down to 30 mg/day - May 2014 to May 2025

    Clonazepam - up to 1 mg/day as needed - March to May 2025, quick taper off

    Zoloft - 150 mg/day - May 2025 to Aug 2025 (quick cross-taper from Cymbalta)

    Pristiq - 50 mg/day from Aug 2025 to mid-Oct 2025 (quick cross-taper from Zoloft); 100 mg/day from Oct 2025 to Dec 2025; back down to 50 mg/day from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026

    Lyrica - 200 mg/day - Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 (quick taper off from mid-Jan to early Feb 2026 due to severe depressive symptoms)

    Cymbalta - 60 mg/day - Jan - March 2026; up to 90 mg/day from March to present

     

    •
    • Like 3
    15 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Another bad + day again :( no longer having good streaks of many days without having to go to the toilet multiples every hour all day :(

    Same here. After 9 consecutive weeks, I'm on this roller coaster again with symptoms on and off...

    Another window will come . Hang in there.....

    08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25.mg when needed before I was out on paraxotine 

    08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

    12/2024- reinstated 5mg after cold turkey.

    10/01/2024- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%).

    •
    • Like 2
    • Author
    8 hours ago, Raymond said:

    Same here. After 9 consecutive weeks, I'm on this roller coaster again with symptoms on and off...

    Another window will come . Hang in there.....

    Yeah I hope you're right.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author
    21 hours ago, SarahMc said:

    I also get periods of time when a particular symptom seems to have disappeared, only for it to come back again. I know it’s incredibly frustrating, but it’s normal! Waves and windows. Every day brings that next window closer.

    I hope so

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    • Author

    I can't cope with the heatwave. Hopefully I can get a good air conditioner relatively soon.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    •
    • Like 2

    Has it cooled down where you are now?

    Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

     

    Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.

    Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

     

    15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

    Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

    1 month taper  to 0mg

    Last dose April 2023

    Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

    Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

    • Author
    2 hours ago, Luke said:

    Has it cooled down where you are now?

    It has technically but because of my weight and the humidity it is still far too hot. I'm still not sleeping at night because of it, and I'm too tired in the day to do anything. It might take a few weeks until I can get an air conditioner.

    Edited by EDP6893

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    21 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    It has technically but because of my weight and the humidity it is still far too hot. I'm still not sleeping at night because of it, and I'm too tired in the day to do anything. It might take a few weeks until I can get an air conditioner.

    Sorry to read @EDP6893 the heat is awful atm, and it really effects sleep, hope you can get the aircon installed asap, then you'll have it going forwards which will be amazing. Im very jealous!

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author
    3 hours ago, Chippy said:

    Sorry to read @EDP6893 the heat is awful atm, and it really effects sleep, hope you can get the aircon installed asap, then you'll have it going forwards which will be amazing. Im very jealous!

    I hope you can get one too.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    Too hot. Can't sleep. My diet was ruined because of this heat and humidity.

    Edited by EDP6893

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    •
    • Like 1
    • Sad 2
    5 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Too hot. Can't sleep. My diet was ruined because of this heat and humidity.

    Sorry you’re struggling with the heat @EDP6893. I see you’re hoping to get AC soon. Have you tried any coping mechanisms while you’re waiting for that? I sometimes find a cold shower before bed can help with sleep, or when it’s really brutal I’ve wrapped ice packs in towels and brought them into bed with me.

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I am new to this journey and my thoughts are based only on my personal experience with psychiatric drugs. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

    Current regimen:

    Cymbalta - 90 mg/day

    Seroquel - 12.5 mg/day

    *holding to stabilize as of Apr 2026

     

    History:

    Seroquel - up to 50 mg as needed for sleep (generally 6.25-12.5 mg a few times a week, though sometimes more) - 2009 (ish) to present

    Cymbalta - 60 mg/day, periodically down to 30 mg/day - May 2014 to May 2025

    Clonazepam - up to 1 mg/day as needed - March to May 2025, quick taper off

    Zoloft - 150 mg/day - May 2025 to Aug 2025 (quick cross-taper from Cymbalta)

    Pristiq - 50 mg/day from Aug 2025 to mid-Oct 2025 (quick cross-taper from Zoloft); 100 mg/day from Oct 2025 to Dec 2025; back down to 50 mg/day from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026

    Lyrica - 200 mg/day - Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 (quick taper off from mid-Jan to early Feb 2026 due to severe depressive symptoms)

    Cymbalta - 60 mg/day - Jan - March 2026; up to 90 mg/day from March to present

     

    •
    • Like 2
    19 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Too hot. Can't sleep. My diet was ruined because of this heat and humidity.

    Sorry to hear, hopefully it cools soon and you get AC fitted asap too!

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    I can't sleep. Too hot and in too much pain.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    7 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    I can't sleep. Too hot and in too much pain.

    Im sorry! Hopefully you got some rest in the end. Air-con soon fingers crossed!

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    Another night of zero sleep because it's too bloody hot. Terrified I won't get the air conditioner or that it won't work.

    Edited by EDP6893

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    4 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Another night of zero sleep because it's too bloody hot. Terrified I won't get the air conditioner or that it won't work.

    Sorry @EDP6893 how are you getting one? Is it a heat pump style installed unit or a out the window type one? Either will work fine and keep your room cool I'm sure. Hope it's not too long before you can get it sorted.

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    • Author

    Turns out I'm not getting an air conditioner. It was a scam.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    •
    • Sad 1
    17 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Turns out I'm not getting an air conditioner. It was a scam.

    Im sorry mate, awful there are people out there who do this. Hope they did not take any money from you.

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author
    6 minutes ago, Chippy said:

    Im sorry mate, awful there are people out there who do this. Hope they did not take any money from you.

    Trying to get a refund. If amazon don't help I'll try and do a charge back.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    27 minutes ago, EDP6893 said:

    Trying to get a refund. If amazon don't help I'll try and do a charge back.

    Good idea, Im sure amazon will help you out

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    •
    • Like 2

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