How long is Effexor withdrawal supposed to last?

[7essa]

A little over two months ago I stopped taking Effexor after slowly weaning off of it.  I had horrible withdrawal symptoms: nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.  After two months I don't feel any better.  Needless to say, I'm really scared.  I can hardly function at my job and am very frustrated and angry.  This medication has ruined my life.  Waking up in the morning is the worst part of my day.  All I have to look forward to is dizziness, fatigue, and attempting  to function.

How long did you symptoms last?  Are they supposed to last this long?

[T0neyDanza]

Well today is my second day without taking Effexor. Last night wasn't that great. I went to bed at about 10PM and laid there tossing and turning  for a while. Right when I finally started to fall asleep, I felt a strong jolt and woke up. I had the sweats really bad and was confused. I was having irrational thoughts and weird images/thoughts. It was like a dream. I went to the bathroom and came back to bed. I got on facebook for a bit to help distract me and make sure I could calm down. I debating on popping a pill, but forced myself to say no, and knew that it wouldn't take effect immediately anyways. I woke up fine this morning, but after breakfast I had bad stomach cramps for about 20 minutes. Not too bad until lunch time. At lunch I had to take some aleve because I had a migraine, and was also feeling nauseous. throughout the day I was also and still am feeling the brian zaps and shakes a bit. I am going to the store in a bit to get some Omega 3 fish oil capsules, and some antacids and more aleve. Hopefully only a few more days of this. From what I have read through numerous forums, the first 4 days are the worst. Hopefully I'm almost there. I will report back tomorrow.

[T0neyDanza]

I have been on 75 MG since November 2011. I had mild anxiety attacks, and the doc put me on  effexor. It seemed to help, or maybe life just got a little less hectic. I had a lot going on at the time with cross-training for the military, short-selling my home, raising a family and having a friend living with us. Plus being in the military isnt always easy. I'm glad I've read the personal experiences here about the brain zaps and vertigo feeling. About once a week I get the zoned out feeling that feels almost like Deja Vu. It lasts for about a minute and I get all unfocused and dizzy. A few minutes later I'm fine. I am in training now and am here in Florida by myself. I have a lot in store to deal with later this year, but for the time being I'm pretty relaxed and stress-free. I feel that now would be a good time to get off the meds without the family around and all the day to day craziness that can compound the withdrawal symptoms.

WIth that being said. Today... August 1st 2012 is my first day off the meds. I will try to keep an updated log as to how I am feeling to maybe help others get an idea of what it is like to quit cold turkey.  Wish Me luck

[Chevy76]

Thank you for the post. I am not in a financial position to spend money  and yet I just recently made really unnecessary purchases.

I am Day 6 of cold turkey after 8 years on Effexor. I truly believe it saved my life and  sanity when I needed the help- now .....not so much. In the past I missed pills and experienced awful results- but like I said, this time ....not so much. I made a decision to follow the path presenting itself and so, it was time to be done.
But the SPENDING- egad I KNOW better- what the heck is up with that craziness.
Sma
Need help- any ideas where how to manage this part of the WD?

[570loretta]

I have been taking Effexor for 10 years. I am now on day 9 with no effexor after tappering off of it very slowly for 4 months. I have tried before to get off of it, but the withdrawl made me go right back on it. Day 9 is definitely better than day 1. The first 2 days I could not eat without vomitting. The nausea and dizziness was the worst for me. On day 3 I started taking Omega3, a B complex vitamin, and dramamine for the nausea. All of that has seemed to make the withdrawls more manageable. I am very emotional especially in the evening. I have been having many suicidal moments in the last 9 days. I hope is not the real me and this is part of the withdrawl. I will never put that poison back in my body.

[jeri3]

I'm on my first day of being off Effexor completely, I weaned myself down to 37.5 and then nothing today.  I have to say Effexor has been a lifesaver for me because I am truly clinically depressed and have been hospitalized once, but it's so expensive I decided to try to switch to something else.  But naturally I would LOVE to be off antidepressants completely, maybe I will be?  In the meantime I have the symptom of feeling like my eyes are swishing back and forth when I move my head, can't sleep, too dazed to drive, very light sensitive, and itchy.  And I cry easily (Effexor stopped the crying completely).  The comments which were positive about withdrawal symptoms getting better eventually are very encouraging, which is something you need when you are depressed!  Hopefully it will get better for me too.

[cindralee4]

i have been off this drug for 3 months and i have brain damage from it. i posted a video on utube pls take the time to see it and share it. im trying to get the word out about how dangerous this drug is