How to get off Efferxor RX without Withdrawls?

[Dampangel]

Thank God there is help like this out here!

I have been taking 75mg Effexor for three months and last tuesday I ran out not thinking about it until Friday when I started feeling sick, tinkly, I was shaking and my vision was impared, my head was throbing, and I was vomitting for hours by Saturday mornign I was culred up in my bed crying from the feeling I was experiencing..It frightened me.  

I went to the hospital saturday evening not thinking at had anything to do with Effexor to find out that it was.  I was never informed of how addictive this drug is.. The doctor gave me 60 pills of 75mg and 60 pills of 37.5mg and told me to alternate until they were done.  I know I'm going to feel just as crappy when I'm done.. I thouhgt I was going to kill myself I felt so sick ... ! it there an easier way?!? please help me .. I don't want on these pills anymore.

[RubyWitch]

What you experienced was not the "addictive" qualities of venlafaxine, of which there are none. Rather, what you went through was the "withdrawal" symptoms of abruptly stopping this medication.........a bad thing to do, as you found out in a very frightening way. Shame on your doctor for not advising you properly about this medication, especially what would happen if you discontinued it suddenly. As you have since found out, you must taper gradually from it.
The taper program the ER doc gave you may or may not work. I'm not qualified to say if it's the right or best way for YOU. Try it, but if you feel lousy, get with your doctor.....the taper could be too fast for you. Don't let him/her tell you that a "normal" taper should only take "X" amount of time. They are reading out of the PDR "Cookbook" and what works for ME may not work for YOU! YOU need to be in control of the speed of the taper.............it's your mind, not their's.
If you are depressed, don't give up completely on antidepressants. Effexor just may not be the one for you, but it sounds like you were doing OK until you ran out. Something else to discuss with your doctor. Hopefully a new one who understands more about these kinds of meds!
If you really don't want to take any more medication, perhaps you could look into therapy to help you get through your depression drug free. Many people do very successfully.
You're gonna be fine, OK! Most of us have medication "nightmares" to talk about! Welcome to the club!
Peace
Greenlydia