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effexor discontinuation

I stopped Effexor XR 75mg 11 weeks ago... I stopped cold turkey. I took this drug for over 10 years at varying doses - mostly 150 mg...

I was unable to work for almost 4 weeks due to the severe symptoms that it seems like everyone experiences (brain zaps, extreme irritability and crying spells, headaches, flu like aches, inability to concentrate etc etc)

After the first month or so, it seemed like I was finally stabilizing. I have good weeks at a time but there have been several periods of 3-5 days where it seems like the anger, irritability, crying and sadness for no reason wash over me and I can not control it  then it seems to subside again and I feel stable again.

Has anyone experienced this? I am wondering HOW LONG I can expect this to continue? MD's just want to put me on another antidepressant and I am NOT willing to do that. It seems like if I just knew how long this will continue and I could see an END POINT, I could deal with it better.....

I am 48 and have been post menopausal for 3 years... I am wondering is this menopausal stuff that the effexor kept me from experiencing?? or is it remaining symptoms of the effexor discontinuation???  At what point can a person determine that it is NO LONGER discontinuation symptoms and that you need an antidepressant to stabilize mood? 3 months, 6 months, 1 year??????  

Any replies and or information will be greatly appreciated!!!!!


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1128565 tn?1316721143
I came off effexor 150 mg's cold turkey it was hell i couldn't function for 3months i had ibs,palps, nausea, anxiety. I had to live with my mum as i am a single mum i couldn't take my son to school of pick him up.
But i got through it and so will you withdrawal is horrible when you come off too quick. What ever you do don't go backon itsecond time round is worse and it doesn't get rid of withdrawal infact it makes it worse.
I got beta blockers and tablets to dealwith the physical symptoms you can also take upto 400 mg's of 5HTP aday converts to seretonin of aday melatonin if taken of a night.
Good Luck & Hang on in there !!
Love
Lorraine x
Helpful - 0
1110049 tn?1409402144
Hi have you read all the posts about Effexor withdraw.  This seems to be the question that comes up most on this forum - withdraw from Effexor.

Have a read and see if you find any answers there.

I was on anti-depressants during my menopause in my 40s.  I was on HRT for 13 years.  Took both at same time with no ill effects.

I have stopped my medication a number of times, and depression has always come back, usually within a few months.  The longest I went was a year.  Different for different people.

Keep in touch.
Helpful - 0
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