Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Whats wrong with me

I Have been taking effexor XR for about 5 years the last 6 months i decided i wanted to be drug free so weined off slowly,most doctors didnt give me an efficient plan to wein off they said do it in 2 weeks basically..i went down to 75 slowly then to 37.5,than 37.5 every 2nd day,then i would start taking beads out.after about 2 weeks on 37.5 and every 2nd day one night i woke up and a sever panic attack,thought i was either gonna die or go insane.
a day or two after that i started to get an uncomfortable breathing awareness ,24 hours a day im concentrating on my breathing,basically like i dont do it sub conciously anymore,i was constantly worrying i'd have another panic attack and/or stop breathing.
The doctor said go back onto 75mg effexor xr which i have prescribed valium,didnt work,went next day got xanax 2mg,said to take 3 times a day,but i don't want to get hooked and get withdrawel effects like you can get with effexor.,xanax helps alot,i only take 1 at night,itll knock me out for 3 hours,but than back to not sleeping,than the symptoms come back again. looked up breathing techniques,now i do the deep breathing constantly as i still have this breathing awareness but i dont have severe panic agttacks as i dont overbreathe,but its still hell.i have hardly slept in 2 weeks as when in bed the thoughts are worse,constantly thinking im going to die,my mums gonna die and i'm gonna have to deal with this hell  alone,is like i dont think like i use to i don't get tired but i know im so tired,my chest feels tight and heavy so makes it harder to breathe,short of breath,so scared and worried about having to go through this my whole life and the constant fears and worries.
Im 25 years old,i feel that trying to get off the effexor has caused this ..help please

not sure if this is the right section..
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
A good medication?effexor is horrible,I have over 50 side effects from it,it's made me worse not better and it's hell to get off,I'm 27 now and still on it dealing with this same nightmare..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Effexor helps your brain keep your brain hormones on an even keel.  Basically, that means your brain is not able to do that on it's own.  That is why you are having the difficulties you are experiencing.  IMHO, i recommend you go back on your Effexor and be thankful we have such good medications these days.  I have been on it for 10 years now and plan on staying on it as my brain can't regulate these hormones onit's own.  Good luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i weined down to 37.5 over to what i thought was a slow process in about 6 months id say or maybe 4-5,after seeing more than one doctor
been out of work for a while,started taking anti depressants around 19 years old while doing a job i hated having to do..quit after was getting to emotional and harmful to myself around when i was 19-20..
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?