Symptoms: Emotional blunting, Cognitive impairment, Insomnia, Depersonalization/Derealization, Muscle/joint pain, GI disturbances, Non-stop flu-like symptoms
My taper was carefully monitored by my mental health Physician Assistant. I had been taking an obscene dose, 325 mg, for over 5 years. It was considered an overdose.
In October 2025 I started having mental health problems, going back into emotional deregulation, etc. I agreed with my doctor to taper off the venlafaxine. It took me over 6 months to be free of it. I felt like I had a bad flu the whole time. I never experienced the brain zaps that are common with withdrawal.
I researched venlafaxine, and discovered that the medication was approved for use after a 5 year study. The study was not long enough. 15 year studies have shown the dangers of SNRIs. I lost so much of my life all the years I was taking venlafaxine. My doctor said he won't prescribe it to anyone. It is one of the worst to taper off of.
I won't go into lengthy details about the withdrawal, other than to say, it was brutal. Debilitating.
I also started eating meat, eliminating most vegetables, seeds, seed oils, nuts, grains, and anything with over 5 ingredients in it. Corn products are the worst, as are alcohol sugars.
You are your own best advocate for your health. Find a doctor who listens. I told my doctor I did it the "medical way" all my life. Now I am doing it my way.