EFFEXOR Withdrawal

I am a 50 yr old male.  Despite the weight gain and decreased sex drive, I thought I had finally found something that could handle my bouts of depression/anxiety.  After taking 150 mg of Effexor for four years one day it stopped working.  Depression and anxiety (panic attacks) came back full force.  Last week I went to see my doctor who I respect he switched me to Prozac (20 mg).  I stopped taking Effexor and replaced with Prozac. I am experiencing significant withdrawals from the Effexor.  I expected some withdrawal but brain shivers and aching joints are dehabilitating.  I've also noticed a significant decrease in my vision when reading. Is there anything I can do to minimize these affects?  How long will this take to make the switch?  Would it hurt to taper off the Effexor and take the Prozac at the same time?  I'm needing relief.  

[LeftCoastChick]

If you stopped cold turkey you are going to have some severe symptoms, it should be tapered off to a very small dose then a switch done.  You'll still have some at any rate, and it's up to your doctor when you move over.  Sadly consumers aren't told that these drugs will always poop out. The longest that I had was 5 yrs on Luvox, and the other meds lifespans became shorter and shorter. I personally think we become tolerant to them.