Coming off effexor symptoms and conditions

I have been on anti-depressants for about 10 years now. I've tried Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Prozac, and Effexor (just to name a few). I've been on Effexor (this is my 2nd time) for about 4 years now. I finally decided to get off the effexor and I desperately want to share what's been happening ever since. I slowly weened off of it, starting at my regular 175mg a day for 2 1/2 weeks, then down to 125mg, 75mg, and then 37.5. My doctor suggested I change doses every week, however I went 2 1/2 weeks because of the AWFUL side effects.

I have had the typical head "buzzing" is what I call it and my nerves are a wreck 24/7 but the worse problem I'm having and the one I haven't seen anyone write about yet is my severe stomach problems. I have had diarrhea everyday, all day, since I went off Effexor. It's been over 2 weeks since I've taken my last pill and it's not getting any better. My dr. thinks it could be IBS or bad eating habits, but I've tried changing my diet, etc. and nothing is giving me any relief. It's come to the point where I can't tell if my nerves are what is upsetting my stomach or if my upset stomach is what is setting off my nerves. Anyone else with these issues??

And in case anyone reads this before starting Effexor, please please don't use this medication. Try any and/or all other anti-depressants before using Effexor. It may work for your depression, but the side effects highly out weigh the benefits. I'm finding that out the hard way now. I would have never taken this drug if I knew what I would be in for 4 yrs down the road. And I can't help but be upset with our healthcare system when doctor's would actually prescribe this to their patients.

Wow, there's alot of comments about this drug on both sides of the plate. I've been off and on Effexor four about 5 years now. I never had any bad side effects coming off Effexor. I take a whopping 300mg a day, and it keeps me out of trouble. I am also bipolar and take lithium which is a mood stabiliser. Effexor is NOT a mood stabiliser, anyone who tells you so, is wrong. It is an anti-depressant and only an anti-depressant. With any antidepressant there is the chance of weight gain, but I personally have lost weight on the drug, and perhaps like all drugs of this category, one should have their thyroid checked, to make sure that their weight gain is not due to hypothyroidism. Sexual side effects, like any anti-depressant, are always mentioned as a possible side effect, though I haven't experienced any change...maybe these affects are caused by depression and not always necessarily by the drug. All drugs work differently because we alll have our own specialized brain chemistry. Finding the right drug for you is important. YOu cannot make this decision until you've taken the full course of the drug which is 6-8 weeks for full effect. The first few weeks are usually when you're are going to feel any strange effects as your body gets used to this new element in your system. Good Luck to all.