Aa
Long-term withdrawal effects from Effexor XR - HELP!
I have been off Effexor for about 5 months now. I stopped cold-turkey per my doctor's instruction (BIG mistake!). I thought once I was over the initial withdrawal, I would be fine; BUT I only had a couple weeks of feeling o.k. before I started experiencing all sorts of problems. I started with muscle weakness and pain in my calves and stomach pain directly below my rib cage. It then progressed to my arms and now my voice is even weak. Everything is bilateral. Has anyone else experienced these delayed, long-term withdrawal effects from Effexor? If so, did they ever go away? I'm scheduled for an MRI of my brain to rule out anything more serious such as ALS. If my tests come back o.k., the doctor mentioned putting me back on Effexor and then weaning me off of it very slowly to see if that gets rid of everything, but I'm afraid to go back on it in case it just makes everything worse. I am also under the care of a homeopathic doctor and am on several supplements, which have helped greatly with my depression, but my physical symptoms have not gone away. Any advice or help would be appreciated!
Best Answer
Hello, I have slowly been trying to come Effexor due to not being able to get up and around. I went on this medication a year and a half ago and it was great the first month and then it felt like it was wearing off so the doctor up the mg. I go another month and the same so he went ahead and up the mg again. After all is said and done I was taking 500 mg of Effexor a year went by and ny problems started I couldn't move out of my chair. I was so sleepy and unmotivated. I went to a different doctor and she agreed to wean me off the Effexor. So went ahead a started me off with a big decrease to 250mg I felt it for awhile. I hurt everyday for months. After about 6 months she cut me down to 150 mg it wasn't as bad. I actually had more better days than bad days. Now I'm at 75 mg and I've been holding here because I'm afraid if I come off of it completely I will have the withdrawal symptoms I've read on here. So she has put me on Welburtiin to help me be motivated. Which has worked but has increased my anxiety to a level that's unbearable. So I'm going back to the doctor next week. Im going to see if I can go down to maybe a 25 mg before I come completely off. There has been a couple days I forgot to take my meds and I'm an emotional rollercoaster. Have you gotten better? Curious to hear how you are feeling now.
3 Comments
Not the person you're asking, but are you seeing a psychiatrist or a regular doc? Wellbutrin is perhaps the most stimulating of all the antidepressants and Effexor is also a stimulating antidepressant. You're posting on an anxiety forum, but it sounds like you were taking it just for depression, but the combination of the two are not the greatest thing to do if you're an anxiety sufferer -- even if you aren't, that much stimulation can cause anxiety. Your very high dose of Effexor is odd as well, as that can stress out your dopamine at those levels, which might explain the pain. Again, if you're not seeing a psychiatrist but are seeing a general doc you might want to ask around and see if you can't find a psychiatrist who know more about these meds and might be more helpful in your tapering off. It's almost always difficult on Effexor, and I just don't see how adding Wellbutrin will help you stop Effexor and I can see how it would be very predictable to cause you anxiety. But if you stick to a schedule that suits you -- not one that suits some mythical general population but just you and only you -- it will go more easily and hopefully you'll come out of this fine in the end. Good luck.
I have been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety. I forgot to add that I also take buspar for anxiety. I started seeing my regular doctor because I didn't care for then psychiatrist I was seeing. I am searching for a new psychiatrist. I actually had to stop Welburtiin cold turkey because I couldn't even eat. I was throwing everything up. I always throw up when my anxiety gets really high. I just want to feel like a human again
PTSD is best treated in therapy. It's a whole other creature then other forms of anxiety. Buspar is not terribly effective, but if it's helping you that's great, but know that it targets serotonin somewhat, so does wellbutrin, and Effexor targets it a lot. Not a great combo. You very much need a psychiatrist, and I'd find one you like before going further. Your regular doc doesn't sound like he knows what he's doing, in my opinion. He's treating you for depression, not anxiety.
Your telling my story, Paxiled. I myself do not in any way blame Effexor for what happened to myself. It was malpractice by the doctor concerned and it did get investigated by a government body here in the UK. I'm 7 years free from a being on 225mg of Effexor and some of my symptoms, the more physical ones are the worst that they have ever been. I was told 4 yrs ago that my symptoms are of hypothyroidism, however nothing has showed on the actual blood tests and I've been tested annually for thyroid for past 4 years. A known problem with Effexor. however I'm not going to blame this drug for what happened to myself. It was the doctor that was the problem and the facility providing the care. Investigation did admit to myself that the facility concerned was being mismanaged in a manner that was compromising patient safety. I tried to sue for it and got advised that the case was 'prima facia' however was also advised not to go ahead with it as the damages I was likely to receive would be likely to be less than what it would cost to sue. The UK is the hardest country in the world to sue for malpractice, partly due to settlements being very significantly lower than other western countries and also due to it not being guaranteed whether or not you will get your costs if you win the case(which was the real problem I had with claiming for negligence).
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last June 2012 which is one major reason I wanted to go off the EFFEXOR. I was put on synthroid in July, and went off EFFEXOR in November. This past January I started feeling all of the symptoms you guys have been feeling so I got a blood test from my primary care (not neurologist) and now I am hyperthyroid! Both produce the same symptoms as fatigue, muscle soreness and very emotional etc....I asked my primary if this were signs of withdrawal from the EFFEXOR and he said no. My neurologist said give it months until I feel "normal", but I think NOBODY knows....
I also had alcohol cravings while on Effexor, but didn't tie the two together until after I stopped the Effexor and the cravings went away. It's about a year now since I've stopped Effexor and I've had just about every test imaginable done. Of course, most of them come back normal. However, several months ago I started looking into Lyme disease because we live in a very endemic area. Lyme disease can be dormant in your system until you have a physical or emotional stress that lowers your immune systems (like what happens when you suddenly stop taking Effexor). That's what causes the Lyme to then become active giving you all sorts of strange symptoms. It might be worth checking into. It's a touchy area . . . most MDs don't believe in chronic Lyme disease or treating long-term with antibiotics, so you usually end up having to see a Lyme disease specialist or LLMD and it's usually all out of pocket. I keep hearing that my adrenals are stressed (which causes most of these symptoms), yet most MDs don't know how to address that either. I know it's hard . . . we just have to hope and pray that someday we will feel normal again :(
I have been off EFFEXOR for three months now and feel exactly like you do. I felt great for about a week and now I have muscle weakness, very emotional, feelings that my body is moving on the inside...I'm going back to my neurologist February 2013 just to talk to him. I don't want to go back on the drug....
I CAME OF EFFEXOR ALOT SLOWER THAN THE DR. PRESCRIBED. TOOK 2 1/2 MONTHS TO GO FROM 150 TO ZERO. BEEN ALMOST 4 MONTH SINCE IT'S BEEN OUT OF MY SYSTEM (WAS ON IT FIR 5 YEARS) ALMOST EVERY MORNING, I WAKE UP WITH DIFFERENT BODY PARTS HURTING. HAVE THE FLU FOR THE 2ND TIME IN A MONTH...WTF...MY DR TREATED MY BODY ACHES WITH A PRESCRIPTION NSAID PAIN RELIEVER. SHORT TERM ONLY. IT'S AS IF MY DR. DOESN'T BELIEVE I CAN STILL HAVE ALL THIS BODY PAIN!!!! I ALMOST WANT TO GO BACK ON IT....BUT THEN MY ALCHOHOL CRAVINGS WILL COME BACK...DIDN'T REALIZE THEY WERE HAPPENING UNTIL AFTER I WAS OFF THIS MED. OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE BEEN ON AND OFF PROZAC AND ZOLOFT AND NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS...HELP...I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO : (
Thank you so much, Lucie. It's hard not having the answers. All that any of us wants is to just feel "normal" again. I have a friend who has tried coming off Effexor but has not been able to. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Thank you for your support and encouragement, but I want you to have hope too! You are right though, life just doesn't work out sometimes.
The Lexapro didn't work, which I learned is common since Paxil is much stronger than the other ssris. But it might for you, since you were on a different class of medication. Something to try for the pain is to supplement magnesium and take a healthy dose of fish oil every day. For some reason these drugs tend to deplete magnesium, which is why so many get muscle cramps as a side effect. You can also see a naturopath and try natural remedies. My withdrawal was so bad they didn't work for me, but many have reported success with St. John's Wort and relaxants such as passionflower while they overcome the withdrawal. And if you go on Paxil or Effexor websites, they should have a section of success stories, so you can see people who did get better. I believe Paxil Progress does. And again, some have had success switching to Prozac for a time until the withdrawal is done, and it's an easier drug to wean off of. If you have to stay on Effexor, well, whatever, I guess, but given the time that's passed and it's effects on you, I can see why it might not be a good option. Life just doesn't work out sometimes, but sometimes it does, so don't give up hope as I have -- I wish I could still form hope, but that went with the Paxil, unfortunately, but I do have hope for you.
I have read with compassion your posts. I am so sad for the agony you have suffered. Please continue talking about what you are going thru. It helps.
After being on Effexor for almost 15 years I have come to the realization that I may be on it for the rest of my life. I, too, like many others have tried and failed to get off this med! One of my posts says the med I take may not be helping me anymore because of the length of time being on it but what options I have, I don't know. The doctor has tried changing my med but I have to take Effexor. Even the new med doesn't help with the pain I suffer when not taking Effexor. So, he gives me the Effexor back. Unless a DEDICATED physician helps me, it is what it is!
I will remember you in my prayers daily.
Lucie
After being on Effexor for almost 15 years I have come to the realization that I may be on it for the rest of my life. I, too, like many others have tried and failed to get off this med! One of my posts says the med I take may not be helping me anymore because of the length of time being on it but what options I have, I don't know. The doctor has tried changing my med but I have to take Effexor. Even the new med doesn't help with the pain I suffer when not taking Effexor. So, he gives me the Effexor back. Unless a DEDICATED physician helps me, it is what it is!
I will remember you in my prayers daily.
Lucie
Thank you for your quick reply. I am sorry and frustrated that you have not gotten better. I am tired of searching forums and finding so many people who haven't recovered. It leaves me feeling hopeless. As I approach the year mark, I'm afraid I'm going to be one of those who will still be suffering years later. I just want to read someone's story that ends happily, but I can't seem to find any. It's hard just keeping up with life (I'm married with three teenage children). I've tried working, but just don't have the strength/stamina to do it. I have trouble just doing the normal day-to-day stuff. The weakness is so debilitating. My husband, fortunately, is very supportive, but he's angry and frustrated as well. I was truly hoping I had Lyme disease, especially since my son had it and several neighbors have had it. At least then I could be treated. John's Hopkins would be the closest to me (I'm about an hour north of Philadelphia), but I just wish I knew of someone who went there and actually got better. Money is definitely an issue for me too. What happened after you went on Lexapro a year later? I'm so close to giving in.
No, I never got better -- I keep getting worse. But again, I'm supposedly a rare case, and I believe that to be true. There's a website for protracted withdrawals that might help you. Muscle pain and insomnia are very common symptoms for people with this problem. It took a few years for it to hit me, but now it's hit me big time, and I too seem to look pretty healthy for an old guy (pushing 60) in the tests. My newest is plantar fasciitis from, of all things, an elliptical machine, not running or such, and although the MRI says it's a mild case, as with my back, knee, etc., it doesn't go away. As for going back on the drug, I don't know. Dr. Healy says no, he says to wait because going back on the drug will put you back at square one even if it works and you'll probably have to take a higher dose. Don't know if that's true, as no psychiatrist I've seen wants to put me back on a medication that caused so much harm. If you'd asked me seven years ago, I was terrified and angry as hell at Paxil and so I didn't consider it, but now I wish I'd gone back on it. But I may have made a mistake by going on Lexapro after about a year because I couldn't take it anymore, so maybe I stopped the process of my brain regaining normal production of serotonin and choline. I don't know, since I can't go back and have a do-over. What I will tell you is it's very unlikely you'll have a case as bad as mine -- I'm a bit of an anomaly, which isn't pleasant for me but good for you. We do exist, but we're not the majority. The most likely outcome is you will get better. But you have to decide this one. If you have the mobility and the money, neither of which I have, you might think about the Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins or the Cleveland Clinic -- one of the places where they welcome problem cases. Because your average shrink doesn't want to deal with this problem -- very bad for business and it takes too much time from their other endeavors. The shrinks I've seen have told me flat out they will not take the time to research this with their medical schools or anywhere else. Those types of docs exist, but you have to be able to afford them (no insurance) and be able to travel to where they are. If you can do that, I encourage you to try. Do your homework, you're only 10 months in, and be optimistic (I know that's hard, because the withdrawal is probably making you depressed) and try not to avoid, which is my tendency because I'm so scared. Try something! Because most do come back eventually. Peace.
Did you EVER get better? I'm losing hope at this point that I will ever feel like a normal, functioning adult again.
NOW it's been TEN months since coming off Effexor, and I'm STILL having major problems with muscle weakness in my arms and especially my legs. My legs constantly feel like they're going to give out on me. MRIs, EMGs, nerve conduction studies, blood tests all come back normal. The strange thing is that I seemed like I was improving and then all of a sudden things got worse. I don't want to go back on an antidepressant, BUT should I try it and see if the symptoms go away, OR do I keep holding out that ONE DAY I will feel normal again. Some days are so bad that it's a struggle to do anything. Has anyone out there ever gotten better after such a long time? I need hope!
2 Comments
I know this post is 6 years old but I am desperate to try to help my brother. He came off Effexor two years ago. He was only on it for a couple of months (while still in Welbutrin) when he realized it was the wrong medication for him. When he tried to go cold turkey he experienced such severe withdrawal that he was hospitalized - no one thought it was withdrawal. He could not walk and was in excruciating pain. He went back on Effexor and taper off a MG at a time through a compounding pharmacy. He has now been off the medication for over 2 years but is hostile with everyone he encounters and has terminated relationships with most of his friends and is entering divorce proceedings with his wife. He was never this person before taking this medication. What happened ultimately in your case?
If you make a new post, you're more likely to get more answers. But you say he's been off the med for 2 years. How long after he stopped the med did these new personality traits appear? If a long time after successfully quitting the med, it's unlikely it's being caused by something that happened 2 years ago and was successfully beaten by going back and doing it right by a slow taper off. By the way, combining Wellbutrin with Effexor can be a big problem for some, as both are intentionally stimulating antidepressants. Excruciating pain and inability to walk are also very unusual symptoms of withdrawal. Not to say it wasn't withdrawal, but these are ones I've never seen reported. Pain, yeah, especially muscle pain or nerve pain, but pain to the point of not being able to walk? Might have been something else, such as a reaction to being on these two meds at the same time. At any rate, as I read this, slow tapering got rid of the problem, and now 2 years later he is having some of the kinds of behaviors one would associate with what brings someone to go on these meds in the first place. It could be that his mental illness is getting worse. Is he still on the Wellbutrin? Is he still in treatment? And again, how were the 2 years for him between stopping Effexor and the new behaviors?
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I now have some information to work with, as I am certain there will not be help from the medical community I have tried to work with. I will no longer question my own sanity. I would like to come up with a word or a name for the betrayal that persons in our position are in.
Like lambs we have gone to slaughter and others are making money from our discomfort. How long do the "professionals think they can 'snow' us?
If enough of we sufferers would get angry, then maybe we could make some change! In the mean time lets stick together. Today I purchased some Valerian Rood drops to help with the insommnia. I am determined to
get a handle on this pharmaceutical deceit. Is it any wonder we have trust issues.
My case was actually psychiatrist malpractice, though I didn't sue anyone. If I had known what I was in for, I would have, but who would have guessed this could last forever? All he had to do to stop this whole mess, probably, was to put me back on the Paxil. But he never acknowledged that it was withdrawal, and offered me two very problematic medications because one of the things I got from the withdrawal that I never had before was OCD, so he offered clomipramine or luvox. Neither was likely to stop the Paxil withdrawal, and both had so many contraindications and side effects that it would have made me worse. Some think the best thing is to put you on Prozac because it's easier to come off of. Another psychiatrist tried that, but it was several months later after I'd crawled off the couch and gotten the nerve to study the internet more deeply and it just started to make me worse. Personally, I am against all medication in theory because it's artificial to the body and insufficiently studied before we're used as guinea pigs to see what happens. Studies are short term, and pharmaceutical companies and doctors hide the bad info from the FDA. They say it takes a decade to figure out whether medication helps or hurts, and even then nobody really cares about the people who are hurt -- it's a minority of people and our medical system is entirely profit based. Basically, health care is sold to us the same as Ipads. I was never told when I was first put on antidepressants that they could be hard to quit nor was I told about any side effects. I was put on klonopin years and years ago without being told it was an addictive drug that was one of the most difficult to quit. Protracted withdrawals and addiction have made benzos very hard to get now in the UK, where more research is being done on this problem than here, but so far nobody knows how to treat protracted withdrawals effectively and nobody's putting much in the way of resources into it because, again, there's no money to be made in scaring people. Most recent research shows that these drugs permanently alter the brain of a large number of people who use them; that's why you see so many people having to keep going back on them. So there's three categories of people -- those who will have no problems, those who will have moderate problems, and those who will have major problems, and nobody knows in advance who's going to be who. Which is why I always say people should exhaust all options, including natural remedies, before going on medication. But that bring said, I got no relief from spreading phobias until I went on medication, which is why I don't argue to ban them or anything, I just argue for caution and a better way of researching these things before they become widely available. The profit motive just doesn't work for anything we really need, it only works for things that are nice to have, because when people livelihoods are on the line they just don't act morally. Too much to lose. Until we evolve past us vs. them as far as economics is concerned, we'll be stuck with things being falsely advertised and learn the sad results years later. What we need are meds that work with the body, not against it, but that'll take a lot more time than I'll be alive, unfortunately. And they're still the best option we have right now for a lot of people, just not as many as are given the stuff. But whoever said life was easy, or that people were rational?
You share such helpful information. As much of a medication supporter I am, I DO completely recognize that this kind of thing happens, and it's so very unfortunate. Thank GOD for the most part, the very serious debilitating cases (such as yours) are rare.
I'm curious, have you found anything in your research that points toward an effective way to prevent this? I know you tapered off the Paxil, but maybe an even more slow, deliberate taper (like a year or more even?). Does this tend to happen more with people on higher doses, or a longer course of treatment, or is it just a crap shoot?
I'm so glad you're hear to guide these people through this. Sadly, like you said...this just isn't recognized like it should be...and if it WERE recognized and handled appropriately, then meds wouldn't end up getting a bad rep like they sometimes do.
Thanks as always...for your insight, and for still offering non-biased advice, despite the hell you've been through. I respect you so much for that. Despite what you've been through, you're not a "med basher" and you still recognize and acknowledge all the GOOD results people have with meds.
I'm curious, have you found anything in your research that points toward an effective way to prevent this? I know you tapered off the Paxil, but maybe an even more slow, deliberate taper (like a year or more even?). Does this tend to happen more with people on higher doses, or a longer course of treatment, or is it just a crap shoot?
I'm so glad you're hear to guide these people through this. Sadly, like you said...this just isn't recognized like it should be...and if it WERE recognized and handled appropriately, then meds wouldn't end up getting a bad rep like they sometimes do.
Thanks as always...for your insight, and for still offering non-biased advice, despite the hell you've been through. I respect you so much for that. Despite what you've been through, you're not a "med basher" and you still recognize and acknowledge all the GOOD results people have with meds.
Not to contradict people on here, but nobody knows how many people suffer extended withdrawals. Most doctors and psychiatrists are absolutely in denial about this, but it has a name -- protracted withdrawal syndrome. Google it and you'll get the real story. Most people don't have this problem, and the most likely meds to get it from are Paxil and the snris (meaning Effexor) because they're really too strong in effect for some of us to get back to normal easily from. The standard response is to say you're suffering from some previously undetected problem that was covered up by the drug you were on, but this is bogus. It's withdrawal. There's a Doctor Healy, a professor of psychiatry in England, who's up on this, and also another psychiatrist in England who did the research on benzos. You can also get it from alcohol or heroin or any other drug you take for a long time that affects the brain. Sometimes, it's hard for the brain to adapt to working normally. It's much harder when you go off cold turkey, but I tapered off Paxil and I got it. It took me two years to discover on the internet what I had. Now, this could go away tomorrow. The safest way to play it is to go back on the Effexor and then taper off as slowly as you need to. Sometimes going on Prozac and then tapering off that helps, but I don't know if that would work with an snri. I would discuss this with somebody who will listen to you, but do your homework first -- I didn't and waited too long because my psychiatrist wouldn't even consider it was the lack of Paxil that was the problem. It was. Now, even protracted withdrawals usually end for most people, but you never know which one you are, so always play it safe with these medications, or any medication, for that matter. If your problems are only physiological, that's good -- the worst cases can involve interminable insomnia and a slew of psychological problems you never had before. For the physiological stuff, some people find fish oil helpful. As for the homeopathy, unfortunately, if you do go back on the Effexor, it might negate the effectiveness of natural remedies, and given enough time the natural approach just might make you stronger overall. Whichever choice you make, be strong and intend to get better. Work at it. I didn't, and let it get me. I'm glad you're not doing that. Because of that, you will get better.
I've been seeing a homeopathic doctor for a couple months, and she has me on all sorts of supplements. I do see some improvement, but it is very slow. She agrees that my symptoms are from the Effexor. It's just very frustrating because I had NO idea this could happen; and the fact that there is no definitive answer as to how long this could go on for, just makes things worse. Hang in there! I try to look at the positives, such as the fact that I DON'T have MS or ALS, but some days are still very difficult.
I hear you.....my doc never even considered the possibility it was Effexor related and thought I had MS or ALS (which have been ruled out). The neurologist didn't link it to Effexor either and thought it was some sort of auto-immune thing and recommended a rheumatologist. I want answers but more tests sound daunting and now that I see so many other people suffering from the med. long term I am more and more convinced that that is what it is. I took fish oil today because I read that can help and *knock on wood* today has been better than yesterday. I won't know anything for a while though as I do have good days and bad days. Sigh.....it's this huge puzzle and trying to figure it out *****!!! I wish more doctors knew about the long term effects of this med. and could be more definitive in knowing what we are going through. Most days I just feel like I am crazy and feel like no one really believes me and they think I am just lazy.
My doctor mentioned putting me back on the lowest dose of Effexor and then weaning me off VERY slowly to see if the symptoms would go away. I'm not sure I'm ready to risk going through that. Like you, I went through horrible withdrawal and then felt fine, only to get hit with these symptoms a month or so after being off the Effexor. It discourages me to hear that you have been off Effexor for about 10 months and are experiencing all these symptoms. I just want to feel normal again . . . whatever that is.
I havent considered it yet. I literally just realized this could be an Effexor issue. Withdrawal off the meds was bad but then it was over so I thought that was it. I wasn't expecting to have more issues down the road and I am still not completely convinced it's the Effexor withdrawal and not something else. Not sure how I feel about going back on the Effexor though I guess it would give me an answer. Hmmm.........
Have you considered trying to resume the Effexor? Sometimes people in these situations give that a try. Perhaps bring that up to your doc, see what he says.
Remember, as frustrated as you are, it's a GOOD thing that your medical work-ups have been negative!
I pray you find some relief soon. Please update us when you can!
Remember, as frustrated as you are, it's a GOOD thing that your medical work-ups have been negative!
I pray you find some relief soon. Please update us when you can!
I just had a brain MRI as well and it came back clear. Symptoms: memory pproblems, trouble focusing, brain fog, brain zaps, muscle twitches all over my body, balance issues, mood swings, and bone crushing exhaustion and body aches. I am just now thinking that all of this started within two months of coming off Effexor XR, I;ve been off for 9-10 months and it;s not getting better. Blood work was normal except low Vit D. Lyme test came back clear.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?
The vast majority of people who come off these kinds of meds will experience some level of a discontinuation syndrome (aka, withdrawal), but most for people, it is tolerable and short lived. You should have definitely been tapered off slowly, your doctor was wrong to suggest for you to go off cold turkey, unless you were only taking it for a few days.
Effexor is one of those meds that is notoriously hard to come off. There are definitely more horror stories related to Effexor than a lot of other meds. The good news is, even if it takes a lot longer than a person would think, or desire, you WILL get to feeling better. You are doing the right thing by continuing to follow up with your doctor about your symptoms, because another fairly common occurence is that people attribute a lot, or most of their symptoms to drug w/d, when in reality, a lot of times, there is something else going on, even a reemergence of anxiety and depression. It's just always good to keep the assessment process open while you're still experiencing these symptoms.
I would strongly recommend you making sure that the doctor managing this issue is a psychiatrist familiar with these meds. A PCP can manage anxiety and depression to a POINT, but the most optimal doctor to do this is a psych. I also agree that you may want to seek a second opinion from a new doctor, to get a new perspective. Again, unless you were only on the Effexor for a short, short time, your doc should have known that tapering was recommended.
I'm so sorry you are feeling so lousy, and I wish you the best of luck in finding a solution to help get you feeling better real soon! Just try to keep in mind that, while this has gone on FAR too long for you to have to endure feeling so badly, you won't feel like this forever. For some people, and for unknown reasons, it just takes longer for your system to readjust to not having the Effexor on board.
Please keep us updated, we care!