Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms

[kiddo]

I am a 47 year old female.  Earlier this year, my Dr. and I decided that the effectiveness of Zoloft for my anxiety had waned after 3-4 years. He choose Effexor XR as a new med.  After taking 150 mg of the Effexor XR for a little over 1 month, I decided it wasn't right for me. My libido became non-existent, I was gained weight, my digestive system seemed out-of-wack, and I'm not sure that it helped my anxiety. I'm not sure it was related to the Effexor XR, but I was bruising very easily, and I was obsessive about spending and "projects" during this time. I should also mention that I am on 30 mg of Adderall XR for ADD.

My Dr. decided to switch me to Wellbutrin XR which would also help me quit smoking. He had me drop down to 75 mg of the Effexor for a few days, then to 37.5 for another 2-3 days. The first day off the Effexor, I experienced increasing nausea, vertigo and a "slushy" head. The next two days, the symptoms increased. There was some confusion as to whether it was the Wellbutrin or the Effexor that was causing the symptoms. I had decided that I was the getting used to the Wellbutrin, and I just had to ride it out with the help of over-the-counter motion sickness meds.  My Dr. never mentioned that Effexor is associated with withdrawal symptoms.

The effects of the Wellbutrin seemed to kick in almost immediately. My libido jumped way up, and just like that I quit smoking cold turkey.  I couldn't stand the smell or taste of cigarettes all of the sudden. Now without the smoking, I also found that my morning coffee was nearly forgotten. (I'm sure that withdrawal from nicotine and caffeine added to my symptoms.)

Nearly two weeks after I stopped the Effexor, I started having extreme irritability & very negative thoughts, followed the next day by nausea and vertigo. Also, I had crying spells. I phoned my Dr. who said that crying wasn't a withdrawal symptom. Since my symptoms worsened the next day, he wanted me to try taking 37.5 mg of the Effexor to see what would happen. Within one hour, I was nearly symptom free. He said that I seemed to be especially sensitive to the drug. He then put me back on 37.5 mg for one week, and then approx. 18.75 mg for another two weeks. Well, the withdrawal symptoms started all over again.  Couldn't have this happening at work. I decided to go back to the 37.5 mg. and taper off very slowly - either that or take time off work to get through the withdrawals. I have literally been counting the granuals (there are about 90 in a 37.5 mg capsule). On July 20, I started at 60 granuals, and decreased by 5 every few days to where now, on August 24, I have been taking 20 granuals a day for the past week. The entire time I have been nauseous. My Dr's phone msg. reply was that vertigo, not nausea, is a withdrawal symptom. Actually, I thought vertigo caused nausea. Over Labor Day weekend, I plan to stop the Effexor I hope that any symptoms will disappear over 3 days. Please help me.

[fraytetrain]

thank you!! i thought i was crazy, because i have been OFF Effexor XR for 8 days (yes i tapered but not to the effect of titrating granules). anyway, i figured it was out of my system (the half life is 24 hours, meaning my body has long metabolized any residule components of the medicine right?) anyway, i just ran into an isle in Walmart today as i was experiencing the "walking zaps"... and was ready to call and ask for a friggin MRI to look for a brain tumor or inner ear nodule or something...i guess i'm just another nauseated passenger on this SSRI cruiseship!!??!

[Psychokitty]

OMG these withdrawals, even gradually, SUCK!  Patients should be warned about them BEFORE every starting this RX!

Doctors, get a clue!  This is not a casual drug!  In fact, I think it should be a controlled substance!

[notsureofanything]

I ran out of my effexor xr three days ago and have been at EVERYONE'S throat!  I've gone so far as to yelling at people at work, accusing my boyfriend of cheating, blacking out from anger, and bursting into tears!  I was on prozac for four years and didn't feel that it wasn't controling my depression anymore so i asked for something new to see if that worked.  Well...i don't feel any different.  Other than, of course, THE WITHDRAWALS!!!  Dizziness, nausea, sweats, feeling like glass is coming out of my forehead (?!?!?), EXTREME anger, and did i mention the DIZZINESS?!?!?!  My heart also feels like it's going to jump out of my throat, sharp pains go down both left and right arms, and I feel like I'm more "crazy" than I was before I even started it!  I'm extremely disappointed in my doctor for not informing me of the symptoms.  Good luck everyone!  I'm done with this medication.  Nothing is worth this hassle.

[AJC]

Look up "Gwen Olsen" on youtube or google video.

[bodywomen1]

what is all of the side effects if you stop cold turkey?

[babesk77]

I stopped taking Effexor last Thursday...........Whew it has been an awful 6 days.  Thank God I am feeling alittle better today, yesterday was hell day.  My major symptoms were brain zaps, nightmares, agitation, dizziness, nausea, crying spells, confusion and ALL FLU LIKE symptons.  I'm am ready to be my self again.  Please can anyone tell me how long this stuff lasts.  Thanks!