what is the best way to get off of effexor?
146921
Talk to your doctor because you have to be weaned off of it.
245643
please get off the crack
169256
I  have been on Effexor.  It takes about 30 days.
972397
No, antidepressants aren't something to tango with.\n\nWhile you feel that you can just stop taking them, talk to your doctor. You need to let your psychologist prescribe lesser amounts. \n\nLike with any medication given to you, especially long-term medicines, you need to talk to your doctor before quitting. The withdrawal from an antidepressant could be worse than you imagined. \n \nMake an appointment for next week.
673626
I have been on Effexor for 6 years, I try not to forget to take it or I get all shakey and dizzy the next day.  I don't think I've gotten nightmares from missing it.
298909
You need to see another doctor. NOW! Effexor (and all the SSRI medications) can have very serious side effects. Your body has become accustomed to the Effexor in order to function. It should be reduced slowly, and if you are still getting bad withdrawal symptoms, your doctor should at least try supplementing it with something else for a while. Every person is different in their response to medications. No two people are alike, and it is up to you and your doctors to monitor and control this experiment. (yes, it is an experiment with a sample size of one person, you)
985846
Don't panic. I know major withdrawal like you're experiencing sucks, but you're not hooked forever. If you ever need to/want to go off the meds, a doctor will be able to take you off them gradually, so as to avoid the intense side effects.  \n\nIt's like being in a wheelchair or on crutches to help you get around.  People can't dump their ambulatory help and start doing the tango. It takes time and sometimes physical therapy, but that doesn't mean they'll be stuck in a wheelchair forever. The same goes for psychiatric meds. You need professional guidance and time to stand on your own without meds like that.\n\nJust think of the withdrawal symptoms as powerful reminders to take the meds regularly. ;)
800772
I had been on Effexor for quite a long time - and it's not that hard to get off.  It's only hard if you aren't well enough to come off it.  It works well and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.  It does take 6-8 weeks to have any effect though.
1011075
I have a best friend on effexor and it has worked wonders. She has no need for any other meds. This one medicine effects two different chemicals so it is all that is needed. Hope this helps. Check out this site: http://www.effexorxr.com/
1066847
Not a fun thing to deal with.  See or call your doctor as soon as possible.  He/she will be able to prescribe something effective for you plus give you information on how to assure they are gone for good.  This will be a lengthy process, so get on it quick...before you go crazy!\n\nGood luck!
917499
Wellll, my first question is why have you decided to do thsi?? After 7 years what has changed that makes you think that this is a move toward something that is in your best interest?\n\nOk that aside try this: take a pill every other day for 10 days or so, then half a pill every day for 10 days or so then half a pill every other day etc...then half a pill every three days...repeat by lowering amount til you're off...gradual on and off is the key...but if the depression comes back during this process please just go back on the pills... there is a difference between being controlled and being cured.
1017819
I have been on Effexor XR for over a year.  I gained weight and couldn't for the life of me understand why I couldn't lose it.  I ask the Dr and he told me that Effexor wouldn't cause weight gain or inability to lose weight.  I realize Dr's are human, but they really need to research the meds they prescribe more thoroughly and LISTEN to their patients when they have uncommon problems concerning the meds.  I have researched Effexor XR and have found most if not all my problems are Effexor related.  If you decide to stop Effexor, go to your Dr and he will help you taper off.  Don't stop "cold turkey" as I did at first.  It will make you deathly sick.    By the way,  congratulations on your upcoming marriage...  :)
75769
Yeah. try Wellbutrin/Zyban
589984
I am on Effexor and am in the process of coming off of it.  I was on 300mg, now am on 225mg.  So far I really haven't noticed any debilitating symptoms, and I feel like I have more energy.  Not too much dizziness, which is good.  I do experience the 'shocks' but not much.\n\nI've been told that the last small doses are the hardest to get off of -- when you get down to 37.5mg.  I'm not looking forward to it, but my psychiatrist tells me that most people actually do not experience severe symptoms like people complain of on the internet.  And if you are having a hard time and your doctor offers you a small dose of Prozac to relieve your symptoms, take it!  It won't be hard to get off of like Effexor, and it really will help with your withdrawal symptoms.  At least give it a try.\n\nGood luck!
669182
My daddy takes Effexor XR and has heart problems so he takes blood pressure medication too.  That makes me assume Effexor is safe for your heart and should NOT cause any palpatations.  \n\nYou really should call your doctor about this, especially if you haven't been taking it very long.
974539
I am not sure about Effexor but I am taking another SRI medication and I start to feel the withdrawl after about 3 days. I'm not sure your husband's situation or why he is ont he medication but I would suggest seeing if maybe you can go to a local pharmacy and see if they will sell you a couple of pills to tie you over. There was a time when I had run out of refills on my prescription and the pharmacy let me buy 2 pills only to give me time to see my doctor and come back with a new order. The withdrawl symptoms that I had weren't huge but they were definitely noticeable--I couldn't focus, had headaches, felt lethargic. I'm not sure what it would be like in your husband's case....food for thought anyways.
290860
I find that they're similar to the side effects when you first start taking it. The biggest one for me is that "electric jolt" or "brain shock," that hard-to-describe sensation that comes on suddenly, originating in the brain and going throughout your body. It isn't serious, but it is annoying. I have these "shocks" even if I forget to take my meds one day.\n\nIf you're going off, definitely TAPER your dosage rather than go cold-turkey. If you gradually decrease your dosage over a couple weeks, you probably won't notice any withdrawl symptoms. \n\nOf course, I've never successfully quit effexor--I tried switching meds, but my anxiety came back with a vengeance, so I went back on. I felt great while tapering, and even a few days afterward, but then the anxiety came back. I'll try again when my life settles into a more sane routine. I hear that helps when going off meds (which my friend HAS done successfully).\n\nGood luck!