Unusual Effexor withdrawal

[Sandy551]

I hope someone can help me. I am trying to withdraw from Effexor after 8 long years. I attempted it a year ago, but couldn't stick with it due to the awful side effects. So I started back on  and ended up taking it in a very unusual way- one 150 mg capsule, EVERY OTHER DAY. My body seemed to accept this every other day thing for the most part except for what I describe below, so I continued. Now I want to get off of it once and for all and my strange method of taking it has me worried.

On my day to take the pill, I start to suffer the onset of withdrawal symptoms. This has gone on for many many months. Usually starts early AM, so I quick eat some food, and take the pill. Within 4-5 hours, I start to feel worse than I did before taking it. Lightheadedness, near dizziness, icky general feeling. On the off day, I feel fine.

Two weeks ago, I started to open the capsules up (on my day of taking it) and remove some of the little dots of medicine. I knew I had to be very gradual, so I took only about 6 or 8% - very minor. I've maintained this regimine for two weeks.

The reduction in the amount has not changed the feeling I described above. I didn't really expect it at this point but before I do any more reducing I'm now wondering if:  the onset of withdrawal symptoms that I feel is caused by 1) my body reacting to not taking it every day and my system is still on the decline for several hours after I do take it, OR   2) suddenly taking it after not taking it every day.

I hope its clear what I'm trying to convey here- I just got to thinking that this time-released capsule thing is maybe going to make this even more difficult than normal.  If there is anyone with knowledge of how the time release works could help me, I would appreciate it so much. I am so tired of being a prisoner to Effexor.
Sandy

[scott007]

it's near impossible to get off of it. The side effects while trying to get off it are just crazy. I am a fairly normal guy. Used to dealing with difficult situations, pain, sports etc. but Effexor kicked my butt when I tried to get off of it.

[Dana626]

why is evereyone so against this drug?

[Dana626]

I took eff xr for a year 200 mg of it everey day....It litteraly saved my life, this drug it changed my whole outlook on my life and life in general. This drug was a major breakthrough in my life. When I got off of it I just stopped all together because I couln't afford it any longer,and to my surprise I still felt changed and had no side affects.For me this drug is one miricle for me it worked!!! Before I started taking eff xr  I had very serious anxiety and depression--I was so messed up I couldn't even get up the courage to go outside and check my mail,let alone go anywhere or see anyone!Effexor xr changed all of that and now instead of hating life and wanting to die,I love life and can't wait to start a new day....I'm sorry your having such a tuff time getting off of it--Everey one has different brain chemistries....I wish you the best and just want you to know I'm here if ever you want to talk.

[mommy52713]

i have to agree with (allinaroe )affexor is wicked the most awful drug i have ever tried to get off of lexipro is wonderful and i would recomend it to anyone in need of an antidepresant. good luck to you ♥holly effexor needs to be band

[Allinaroe]

I can HELP!
I was on Effexor 75mg 2x daily and had HORRIBLE withdrawl symptoms when i tried to wean off.   the doctor gave me lower and lower doses but it did NOT work the doctors way!

So i did it my OWN way!
I had the doctor switch me to 10 mg Lexapro!  I was on it for only a week and immediately felt better!  
now i take NO SSRIs and feel WONDERFUL!

i am FREE of Effexor and will never take it again!

[kath35]

I have the same side effects and I am on my 3rd day of not having the medication..I was taking the full 150 mg a day and I hate the way it makes you feel for missing a dosage...I want off of it once and for all...I believe it is addictive not matter what they say...

[1347N]

The half life of Effexor Xr is 5 hours, so if I forgot to take my 150 mg in the morning by 5 pm i was feeling the effects and knew I had missed it that morning.  Hard to believe this is a non-additive drug??????