Effexor XR and crap

3 days off Effexor = 3 days of hell. Brain zaps, depression, immovability, bad, BAD dreams of past relationship breakup...even thought of overdosing on heroin to escape my life`s past...no, don`t get on this crap.

This medication was a life-saver for me when I first started taking it 7 years ago. Unfortunately, every so often it would stop being effective. My Dr. would up the dosage until I was on the highest and could go no future. So I set out to titrate off, which I did very slowly, but it was hell. The worst was when I was finally done. I felt like a junkie. I was shaking, having crazy brain zaps that made me feel like I was being shocked every time I'd close my eyes. I was sweating like a pig. My sleep was was filled with terrifying nightmares that left me screaming out in my sleep. I am 5 weeks off and still experiencing nightmares, and a few mind-zap things-but nothing like they were when I first started to come off. Yoga and meditation seemed to be the only things that helped. Each day I wanted to take it again just to feel normal. No one can believe that a common SSRI can have such horrible withdrawal effects, so I am on a quest to educated everyone I know.

I've been on Effexor XR 75mg for 8 months with multiple side effects; headache (feels like the top of my head will blow), stomach pains, constant nausea, excessive sweating, body tremors & a skin rash that started on my chest and has moved to my back, arms & on my scalp. The rash has to be an allergic reaction to this medication. I have went through 3 rounds of antibiotics with absolutely no response. After reading the side effects of Effexor, I am going off this drug - cold turkey. I am on day 6. You name the withdrawal symptom I have experienced them!! eg:Excessive swings in body temps- I am either sweating or chilling to the point I have to get in hot tub to stop shaking, Brain zaps, severe nausea. unending diarrhea - still hitting on day 6, nightmares, heart racing, extreme rage but I feel things are a little better today. I am sticking with this until the end. If you are contemplating getting off this drug you should talk to your doctor and keep in mind days 3 thru 6 will be the worst of the withdrawal so be ready to lock yourself in your home for about a week with hot & cold drinks(tea & 7up) blankets and pray for help to see you through.