Effexor withdrawal

[sadsmitty]

I am on day three of my second attempt to get off Effexor.  I reduced from 225mg to 37.5 in 5 weeks and then hit the horrendous withdrawal that many have described.  after 36 hours I took 37.5 and continued taking it for another 3 weeks.  Doctor started me on Wellbutrin 3 weeks ago and I'm up to 200mg now.

I am on my second attempt to get off this poison and while it is certainly better than the last time I am still really suffering.  I WILL NOT take Effexor again.  I have constant brain zaps and am totally nauseous.  My mouth is watering just as if I'm about to be sick but haven't puked yet.  I've been drinking water and eating bread but anything else is a real struggle.  When I sit I want to stand, when I stand I wobble, when I lie down I can't sleep well.

Has anyone found a successful aid (that is not another perscription med) to the symptoms?  My friends mother is an ER nurse and she thinks I should go to the hospital for some IV fluids. I don't know that will help and I can't face the hours and hours in ER waiting rooms.

Can anyone tell me about their experience and how long withdrawal lasted?  I've seen posts from some users that the brain zaps last for months.  

[Radioonfire]

I went through the same thing when I got off Effexor... I stopped taking is cold turkey but luckily i was only on 75mg for about a year after being on 275g for four years. the withdrawal was the worst thing ever... it lasted for about two weeks.  And after i was glad to finally be off of it.  i was dissociated and confused for most of the two weeks.  I didn't go to the ER or go to a doctor. maybe it was because i was on such a low dosage for a year that it was as extreme as your withdrawal sounds.  i wish you luck - effexor xr has the worst withdrawal ever i wouldn't recommend anyone else going on it.

[heyjude1]

I'll amitt it can be brutal if not under a doctor's care.  I quit cold turkey one time and I do not recommend this...horrible experience.  One time the doctor added Prozac and the effects were eliminated.  
I have heard that ideally, if you do not plan to take an AD, best to taper over a period of weeks to months.