Going off Effexor - side effects

[speakr5]

Hi there, I'm new here though this forum looks similar to one I was on a few years ago...perhaps it moved.

Anyway, I've had GAD forEVER but officially for the past 8 years.  I've been on Effexor for the past three years (150 mg/day) and stable for the past 2 years.  I live in Spain now with my husband and was ill in the spring with a severe ear and throat infection which went into my sinuses and resulted in double vision.  Because of the double vision and the fact that all the tests and research indicated it was inflammation of nerves and would take 3 to 6 months to heal on its own I went to a homeopath to find a natural solution to help.  I also felt that it would help me with other general health issues. 

ANYWAY, the homeopath started asking me to think about going off the effexor and using the remedy she was giving me.  I am very interested in natural remedies and feel I'm at a point where I can afford to go off of Effexor.

So, I spoke with my doctor and regardless of homeopathy he thinks I'm stable enough to go off and so almost 2 weeks ago I went from 150 mg/day to 150mg one day and 75 mg the next, alternating everyday.  The first 5 days were fine...nothing new.  But then WHAM!!!!  Are my emotions ever out of control...one moment I'm fine the next I'm not.  It's worse than when I was on the 150 everyday.  From everything I've read this seems to be normal side effects when going off effexor.  I totally plan to take it slow and told my doctor that.  But I DO want off of them.  I think they have their purpose but their purpose for me is over now - and now it's simply about the addiction to the meds.

What's my point? Oh, well I just want to see what anyone else has gone through when reducing/going off effexor and if anyone has turned to homepathic remedies for this.  I know there are people who are anti- western meds and those who are for it. I was certainly for it before, but now, for me, I want off of them.  I have also had a year of CBT which helped enormously.

ALSO, I need somewhere to vent.  My husband doesn't really get it and when my moods strike (really now that I'm reducing the meds) the poor guy is stuck..doesn't know what to do!   He's patient though... :)

That's about it!
Thanks for listening!
AlPal

[elisee]

I would have so severe physical symptoms going on and off Effexor that I lived on the couch for a couple of days.  Some doctors prescribe Xanax or Klonopin to help with side effects of tapering off medication.

I am very use to those around you not getting that it is really hard to function.  Half the time I don't know what is going on until someone else looks at me funny.  Or maybe I just think they are looking at me funny...

There are articles, books and blogs for those that have to live with us.  You might find something for your husband to read.  You'll get better and stay better with his understanding and support.  If you feel like you have to act a certain way at home, it will set you back.