The only way it will stop is to listen to something else, thus that song then will go over and over… Also, while I was driving today, (and this has happened more than once) I had a jolt of something I can only explain as being like my head and vision were two plates that are together at one time and then suddenly slide in opposite directions for a split second. I finally caved when I was having regular debilitating panic attacks and when my quality of life was dropping below the point where such side effects seemed like a feasible temporary trade off if the meds did what they were supposed to do and help me work through a tough time. Then came Effexor, and reaching the same plateau, doing me no good, even putting me in the same fog, just existing not living. The medication does work in the initial phase but I would hate to be someone who had to abruptly stop taking it.

No clue that it would have such crazy withdrawal symptoms. I feel like crying, then I ‘m peaceful, laughing, then back to sad, wanting to die, afraid I won’t and then afraid I will. It’s not “Legal” vs “Illegal”, thats how they trap us. It’s not worth it! I tried getting off this medicine and the withdrawls were so bad. My mouth feels full of marbles and I think my speech is garbled sometimes. I will actively discourage anyone from taking this med in the future. I just want to stop it. Surely, there was something else that could have been done prior to this drastic of treatment. Going to see doctor this week, but can’t afford to miss work, and i’m having trouble sleeping throughout the whole night.

IF ONLY MY DR. TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ADDICTIVE DRUG!! I went to an aquarium last week. God is good!I have FINALLY gotten off Effexor altogether but it has been a long process and a challenge. I went really slow because I was terrified of the awful brain zaps. Now I’m down to 25 pellets a day, so the end is in sight! Within a month, I was in a bad way. I hope this is going to help the zaps they said it would. If you were placed on this medicine, your body has become accustomed to the drug regulating your serotonin and too quick of a reduction with no backup means of increasing it, might possibly get you placed on some other poison! The dizziness has decreased by about 95%. I've always been in the majority of people who have few, if any, side effects when starting or stopping psych meds.It’s scary how hit or miss anxiety/depression pills are. In addition to teaming up with your doctor and asking a trusted family member or friend to help you through this period, you may find it helpful to reach out to others who are also going through Effexor withdrawal. I am looking forward to a new life without drugs horrible chemicals in my body and I have no control I want my control back I want me back far more then these side effects of with drawls we have to eat properly and move around drink plenty of water to help cleanse our bodies to flush out the junk and get out into the sun and around people that are positive and can laugh. I guess I just got lucky?I just began a taper. Gained 30 lbs, no libido, apathetic about everything, caused issues at work. Exhausted from all this. I noticed in the blogs that I read that people who were on the Effexor immediate release didn’t seem to have as much trouble coming off of the Effexor as the people who were on the extended release (XR). The physical effects are terrible – jolts, vertigo, nausea, etc. Since I was laid off in January, 2017, I decided this would be the best time to wean myself off Effexor since I’ve been on it for over 10 years. There are enough problems with aging without going through drug withdrawal. In addition, it’s a good idea to put down electronic devices like phones or tablets before bedtime: They can disturb the body’s circadian rhythm.One of the best allies you have in losing weight while on an antidepressant is your physician. They are retreating from me.

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. I basically waited for the brain zaps to go away before going down further. I have a scheduled appointment with a new doctor soon and will discuss with him a plan for getting off this stuff safely. 90 days later was last Thursday. It’s been since June19 th since I’ve stopped taking completely.

I was bedridden. Please do not punish yourself like that. I know it’s also prescribed a lot for situational or temporary “depression”. I’ve gained so much weight & feel terrible. I would not have put this in my body. It’s been probably seven months and I’m sick when I take it and even sicker if I forget it. It should be a crime.

Since the day I stopped, about 2.5 months ago, all the nasty withdrawal symptoms have faded aside from the nausea.

I feel like a yo yo.Lucy, don’t know whether you’ve already gone ahead cold turkey.