Depression

[michelle_b]

Hi, Is there anyone out there on Effexor XR and having problems like I am.Oh my god it is HELL trying to come off of it.For years I have been having side effects and never even knew it was from this drug.I finally figured it out with no help from a docter and it has been hell trying to taper from it.
I am more depressed now than I was before.I am hoping anyone has any ideas or has been on this and come off it already.I wanted to know how long it takes to detox and how long the symptoms last.
Thanks...Michelle

[ANNETTEMT]

Hi I too am on effexor xr and the best way to come off is to take the capsul and empty the bigger one into the smaller one for about 2 weeks then do that same thing every other day untill your off you will experience vertigo but not as bad as quiting cold turkey. I hope this helps.

[vermontbridge]

Michelle,

This response is late because I just joined this website. I, too, had a terrible time coming off Effexor. I was OK at first, but when I was completely off the drug, I became miserable. It has been a couple of months since I have been eased off Effexor and I'm finally feeling OK -- not great, but OK. I remain on a low dose of lamotrigine, originally developed for seizure disorders but now commonly used to stabilize moods. After coming off the Effexor, what I have noticed is that my emotions are more intense -- I cry more easily (the happy and sad forms) and I'm a little more easily irritated. But on the positive side, I laugh more easily and my sex drive has returned. It's like my emotions have been blunted by this drug for many years and I didn't even realize it. I am starting light therapy for seasonal affective disorder, as I have for many years (it really does help) and my psychiatrist (medicine manager) told me that if I didn't want to take another anti-depressant, I may wish to try SAM-E, which I am starting today. Hope you're doing better. Bridget