I really need help here; can anyone help answer some questions about Effexor? I’ve been on this medication for over 10 years, and I hate it. I've suffer from Depression all my life, been diagnosed with Manic Depression. The medication did help me to stay “even or level headed most of the time, but I have no sex drive, gained over 40 pounds and the joy in life is gone, even though I have a great husband and family. I used to be a very social person before going on this medication, I worked out and ate right, I only weight 125 pounds at 5’ tall, and I was manic on some things like I was a clean freak. But now I gained over 40 pounds, my house is a mess, I am very withdrawn, and can barely work some days. I have not sex drive, and don’t even care if I get out of bed some days. I've tried to go off this medication a couple of times, tried to get help from my doctor, but she just tells me that it’s my fault if I go off it, just accept the fact that you will have to take it the rest of your life. I am now looking for a new Doctor.
I done with this medication, my prescription ran out and she won’t refill without an office visit, so she is getting no more money out of me. So yes I quite cold turkey, I know this is not the best way, but no choice here, I am so done. Now when I have tried to quit before I got such bad vertigo and fatigue, so I went back on just to get through the day and cope. Now I am done, over done! I will deal with the withdrawal symptoms and get this drug out of my system and my life. My questions for everyone or any anyone, a doctor that can give the truth would be great. Why do I feel like I have bugs in my head? I know it’s mostly likely vertigo, but why is it happening to me? It’s the worst part of withdraw, and is there any natural remedy I can take to ease the symptoms? Please someone help me with some answers. Thanks Deb