A couple anxiety related questions

[AvMech]

I am a student pilot and in order to continue flying the FAA requires I stop taking Effexor XR (75mg) which I was prescribed for minor anxiety. Although I believe I was misdiagnoised since I was anxiety free, they seemed more like panic attacks... Anyways, After going through two weeks of hell coming off the drug, and not being able to sleep. Now every time I fall asleep, doesn't matter if it's a nap or a nights sleep, I will within 10 minutes after going to sleep find myself in a state where I no i'm dreaming but can't wake up, I eventually struggle to wake myself up and feel mentally worn out. I have been taking sleep aids (Simply Sleep) as I have found out I do not have these dream if i do, though I do not actually need them to fall asleep. I am wondering what this may be, if it is a side effect of coming off effexor (which I took for one year), although I have been off the medication for 65 days. Please help, I would appreciate it very much.

[remar]

effexor helped my anxiety too along with my depression. but i started having bad side effects from it and had to quit taking it. my husband was going through flight training and i asked him if he knew about this and he said yes. i was suggesting something for just the anxiety, to take only when you need it. you have panic attacks not gad right? ask your dr. about xanax. it's short acting and does'nt stay in your system for long. it's great to use if you only have panic attacks. it is addicting so you should only take it when you feel a panic attack coming on. i hope this helps some. take care. remar

[AvMech]

In order to do a solo flight you have to take an FAA flight physical, in which I filled in I was taking Effexor XR, until then I had no idea you aren't aloud to fly while taking "mood altering drugs"... Apperently they are afraid of "aviation assisted suicide", which ***** for me because I don't have the slightest bit of depression, but Effexor is one of those miracle drugs.

[remar]

hi. i feel for you because i went throught the same thing when i came off effexor. it's a horrible drug. it will get better, trust me. how did the faa find out you were taking this med? there are other meds you can take just when your having a panic attack. i don't know if the faa will aprove of this or not. hang in there, the withdrawal will get better. take care. remar