Effexor XR HELP!

[MissAmanda]

I have been taking Effexor XR 75 mg for about 8 months. I started weening myself off 4 days ago taking 75 mg every other day. This morning at work something terrible happend. I can't see straight, I am sweating really bad and my vision is blurry. I am a designer and i need to focus! I can barley sit up straight, and I don't know what to do.

[amish1979]

Unless your therapist is a psychologist or someone with prescribing powers he/she will not help you much as far a meds go.  I implore you to consult your doctor for tapering.

[MissAmanda]

I dont want to go back to the dr that gave it to me. I dont think  he even considered how this may have effected me, however, I see a therapist and my next appt. is tommorow.

For now I am at home from work for the day and feeling a little better. Looks like this isn't going to be super fun after all the horror stories I have been reading about effexor xr withdrawl.

[amish1979]

yes you definitely do not want to start your weaning by going with doses every other day, and the minimum you would want to take a slightly smaller dose DAILY.

I hope this was a decision you reached with your dr. and not something you decided to do on your own.  You dr. needs to know what you are planning on doing so he/she can help you establish a SAFE taper.

[Baby123]

You should not take it every other day.  The best way to wean is to cut out a small amount and stay at that amount until your body adjusts, then take away another small amount.  Effexor has a short half-life and every other day is just putting your body on a bad roller coaster with withdrawals.

[zhenjen]

Wow, can I relate.  I am 5 months pregnant and have chosen to go off effexor.  I am completely off the drug and feel like my head is shaking on the inside!  

I have found that taking a few minutes to breathe and focus on positive self talk really helps...you will feel the effects, because they are pretty intense, but you can get through this.