Desperate for help

[rkcrpntr]

Like most of you I was put on Effexor to help with a depressing, stressful time in my life.  That was 15 years ago and may I add about 75 pounds less ago.  I have gained a tremendous amount of weight taking this drug.  At 55, I am trying to eat clean, exercise, lose weight and get in better physical condition.  I have wanted to stop taking this drug but just like all of you the side effects were so bad I kept going back on them after usually one to two days.  My doctor told me I must need the medication if I was having such severe withdraw.  So, I continued the meds.  
My healthcare plan changed mail order pharmacies and I reordered my Effexor on 4/23 because I know I can't do without it.  Or so I thought.  My order has gotten lost or stolen and I ran out of the antidepressant on Wednesday of last week.  My physician did not call in a temporary refill and I could not get any pills sent to me before next week so I had no choice but to withdraw suddenly.  I have been without the Effexor for 5 days and I do feel horrible.  I have not been out of the house and it is all I can do to wash the dishes and pick a few things up around the house.  I too am suffering from dizziness, nausea, constipation, panic-like attacks, and now today I feel like I could cry all day.  
It sounds like everyone here has experienced terrible side effects and it makes me just a little angry that we were never told when taking this med you cannot get off them without severe withdraw.  This is probably as bad as I have felt in my life.  To me this is an addictive medication and should be prescribed very, very cautiously.  
I pray for you all and am thankful for finding this site so I can find the strength to continue withdraw.  
Has anybody heard of www.pointofreturn.com/?  Wondering if it would pay to get the withdraw support system.  My physician doesn't seem to know what to tell me to do.  
God Bless you all.

[remar]

We're all so different go through different experiences when withdrawing from a med. I had a horrible time of it too, and it was done with my Dr. I just found out that Effexor has some of the same, or similar ingredients as Tramadol. So, to me, it's no wonder it can be so very hard to quit. Tramadol, if taken for a long time can be additive for many people.
What dose are you on? I was on a small dose but did keep cutting down gradually. I'm sorry to hear your Dr is of no help getting you through the tapering process.  

[4Maddie44]

Hi, I stopped 150mg daily Effexor cold turkey.  I thought best way to do it.  I was poorly for a couple of weeks, then gradually felt better.  Lost all the weight I had put on.

You might as well stick it out now, and you too will lose the weight.

Trouble with me is, I became very depressed after a year without medication.  I thought I was through it.  I have had depression for over 20 years, and been on many different anti-depressants.  So I am on Effexor again, feeling well, but put on weight again.

I don't think you can call Effexor addictive, as we can get off of it, be it hard to do.  I managed a whole year without medication, and am pleased about that.

I find Effexor a really good anti-depressant, as I feel well most of the time, with no anxiety or panics.  

Welcome to this forum, and I hope you find support here.  You will see from countless posts, that many, many people have had horrible experiences withdrawing from Effexor.  Many too, have put on lots of weight.

Once you are through the withdrawal, do you intend to take medication again?  

Keep in touch, and let us know how you get on.  You can do it...Be strong.  Lots have managed to get off Effexor.  I myself want to stay on it for ever.