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Mental Health  (Expert Forum)
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Is this an Effexor XR withdrawal symptom too?
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.

Is this an Effexor XR withdrawal symptom too?

by CrazyXR, Aug 04, 2008 01:13PM
I tapered off Effexor XR (last week was my last week of taking it).  I knew about the other withdrawal symptoms of effexor XR (irritability, rage, tiredness, ect.) but one thing I have noticed in the last couple days is that I feel really weak. It is all I can do to lift my kids (20 and 35 pounds respectively). I can't tell if I am getting sick or if this is something related to withdrawal.  Can you tell me if this is a known symptom?

by Roger Gould, M.D., Aug 04, 2008 03:03PM
To: crazyxr
yes, I have often heard this withdrawal complaint, usually lasting no more than 3-5 days, so if longer, check out other possbilities.
Member Comments (2)

by Kaluhalea, Aug 08, 2008 12:06PM
To: crazyxr
I wa on Effexor XR for a number of years and recently went off it gradually.   In fact, I have been off it about 6 months and still have some effects such as being lightheaded at times, mood swings, crying jags, etc.  Also have experienced the weakness, which did go away after about 3 weeks.  I never want to be on an antidepressent/anti-anxiety medication again and am trying to deal with the crying and depression right now.  It is awful and I don't know how much is still the withdrawal and how much is real depression.  I am thinking of trying some herbal remedies that I have heard about.  Antidpressents are too scary.
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