I was put on Effexor following a hysterectomy in March 2002. I wa...

I was put on Effexor following a hysterectomy in March 2002. I was not depressed, but suffered hot flashes. The low dose of Effexor did not seem to have much effect on my hot flashes, so I attempted to get off it. Had severe upset stomach, weakness, pain of withdrawal after missing only ONE. Tried this 2x and both times had same reaction. Subsequently my doctor tripled my dose and it seemed to help hot flashes for a while, then stopped helping. I now would like to get off this med, but withdrawal is HORRIBLE! I am trying to reduce gradually, but it's still difficult.