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Effexor side effects

After the death of my wife from cancer i was having 'flash backs". Treatment started with 75mg Effexor and I got good result quickly. But the side effects started to mount up, I felt lazy, gained weight and lost interest in activities and sex. We cut back to 37.5 mg, things improved a little, but I want to feel more active again. it has been 18 months. Do I dare request to taper off? Is ther eeven a smaller dose? Would an different drug be an option. I think I am dealing with the flash back issue, but then again I am on Effexor!
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242532 tn?1269550379
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
  Paxiled gave you the same kind of advice I would give you so don't hesitate to ask to taper off, and maybe taper off altogether..you may not need the medication anymore, but you may have to deal with your memories...
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Avatar universal
One has to grieve or it stays with you.  The medication just covered up the symptoms unless you entered therapy or time did its work.  If your issues are unresolved, then when you come off Effexor you may very well still need to grieve.  You really didn't need medication, in my opinion, you needed therapy so you could work your feelings of grief out.  Medication doesn't do that, and often makes us feel we don't still need to do that.  On the other hand, taper off slowly -- Effexor can have a withdrawal, so go as slowly as you feel you need to.  Good luck.
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