[diro]

quote:Originally posted by PoppyQueen

Miserable, how can you taper off a drug you've used for 8 years in two weeks? That's absurd. I've been on Effexor 75mg for about 3 years. I wanted to wean off so my doc put me on 37.5mg for one month, then the next month take one every other day, then the third month 1 every few days.

I can't speak of the success as I started seeing another doc and am now on a new drug called Cymbalta for pain reduction. So far, not too bad. It's been 1-1/2 weeks. They do make me very sleepy and sweaty.

As your doc for about 90 Effexor 37.5 and do the wean as I suggested. Doesn't that make more sense to you?

Good Luck!
PQ

[diro]

quote:Originally posted by PoppyQueen

Miserable, how can you taper off a drug you've used for 8 years in two weeks? That's absurd. I've been on Effexor 75mg for about 3 years. I wanted to wean off so my doc put me on 37.5mg for one month, then the next month take one every other day, then the third month 1 every few days.

I can't speak of the success as I started seeing another doc and am now on a new drug called Cymbalta for pain reduction. So far, not too bad. It's been 1-1/2 weeks. They do make me very sleepy and sweaty.

As your doc for about 90 Effexor 37.5 and do the wean as I suggested. Doesn't that make more sense to you?

Good Luck!
PQ

[diro]

quote:Originally posted by miserableffectsor

[diro]

I took 150 mg Effexor per day for about 10 years.
My symptoms prior to being prescribed Effexor were similar to the withdrawal symptoms. I described the way I felt, as that weird feeling in my head that I would get when I was very sick with the flu. I never felt depressed. So when I'd forget to take my Effexor the flu feeling would return and I continued to take it FOR 10 YEARS.
I finally went to a different doctor and took the usual depression test and said I guess the Effexor works but I have never felt depressed. I told him, that when I told my first Effexor prescribing doctor that I wasn't depressed that I was sure he thought I wasn't depressed because of the medication. The depression tests I took then did not indicate depression. However, I guess he thought I should be depressed because of my life in general. I had a very stressful occupation and had my families problems. After all kinds of tests and medications I finally felt the symptoms leave after taking Effexor. Was this due to Effexor or did the feeling just go away? I don't know.
The new doctor didn't believe I was depressed and gave me samples to wean me off them.
He said to take a 75mg and a 37mg for a month then go to 37mg for a month. I went to the 75mg. right away. I had some pretty bad withdrawals but stuck it out. After a month it was pretty good and I went to the 37mg. It was pretty bad at first then the withdrawal
symptoms were fewer. After about a month I stopped for 1 day.
I was having the symptoms real bad. I started taking a half of a 37 mg. every other day. I had fairly severe symptoms on the off day
but wanted to get it over with. At the end, I was just opening a capsule and taking a few granules to lessen the brain impulses and lightheadnesses. I have just been completely off for a few days.
Now I only get the occasional symptoms and they aren't severe.
I have very few and far between symptoms now. Wow, I don't think I've had any today.
So good luck to all, it doesn't last forever.

[tiffanyryann]

I am trying to get off effexor and cannot explain how much everyone's experiences have helped me, I thought I was insane and abnormal!
I have been slowly cutting my dose and still feel pretty icky but one thing that has helped me a lot has been Acupuncture, I always try to lower my dose a bit more after once a week acupuncture as waking up the day after acupuncture is always a bit easier for me.
Hope that helps

quote:Originally posted by Dirck

Hello,

I'm Dirck from Holland. I'm taking since 3 year Effexor 75 and I feel quit good /stable now so I decided to stop taking this med because in 2 months I'm going to australia for a holiday. A good reason to be medicin free I thought.
I reduced my dose to the half since a week but have the same sympthons as written above (dizzy, realy strange dreams, weak/feverish feeling). Am I to fast with reducing? Is there an other medicin or alternative (homeopathic) remedy to reduce the side effects?
Thanks in advance: D.

[itspersonal]

OK, two days on Effexor XR 75mg (third dose this a.m.) and I have a moderate hacking cough. Is this that trouble breathing that the medical information warns of or something else?

Has anyone else had the coughing when starting the drug and how long before it went away?

Also, how long on the drug before the depression it is treating (mild for me as I am already on Luvox) goes away?

Has everyone here experienced that it is horrible with the withdrawals and addictive? I am a one man business owner/operator, sole employee and I can't afford to be incapacitated for two weeks or more.

What are your experiences, thoughts, suggestions?

D.

[justwhatever]

justwhatever
Junior Member

132 Posts

Posted - 07/18/2006 : 02:18:17 Show Profile Email Poster Edit Topic Reply with Quote Delete Topic
i was prescribed this along with xanax 1mg and temazepam 15mg for insomnia. i was prescribed the effexor for some depression and GAD w/ panic attacks and agorophobia. i was still experiencing extreme anxiety initially when i started, so my shrink kept upping my dosage of effexor. The dose im at seems okay since i read everyone else's posts, but i thought it sounded kind of high.

in answer to the previous question, i didn't experience any coughing during my initial couple of weeks. my depression seems a lot better, but i'm worried about side effects of long term uses of these meds.

Any advice... if i'm feeling better, should i cut the dose down--



this forum is about helping and healing-- feel free to correct my mistakes
Edited by - justwhatever on 07/18/2006 04:54:39

this forum is about helping and healing-- feel free to correct my mistakes

[ernest]

I am in need of strong pain meds

[ernest]

step down very slowly,take your time and don't get anxious, break up the 37.5 m.g.effexor capsule into small pieces for the process, all so take 5 m.g. of lexapro with each dose to help take the edge off, it works "I did it." the lexapro is no problem getting off at that low of a dose,once your completely off the effexor. Do it you won't be sorry.

[Angel13]

Hello everyone!!! I am new to this forum. I started effexor XR 75mg at first for about 4 weeks. Then was upped to 150 mg now for almost two weeks. How long does it take for this medicine to start working? I don't feel any better. I am so tired of trying new medications and waiting to see if they work. I am begining to think I am hopeless.[V] Should I be feeling better or does it take a while for some people to start feeling better? I feel so lost....... Please let me know how long I should stay on this or should I try yet another one? HELP PLEASE..........

Angel

[oona]

quote:Originally posted by earthshine9

Effexor is a bad medication it totally screwed me up it worked for awhile on for my depression. but the longer I toook it the worse i physically felt. I had all kinds of stomach problems and body pain flu like symptoms I had to do a slow taper and i felt nauseated alot but finally im off that **** alot people who have taken it have bad reports. Im glad your going off it but please dont assume you are well you might want to cosider trying something else.

E7

It is irresponsible to say that Effexor is bad . What about those of us who it has helped, and I know several.

I tried, with no success, just about every other anti-depressent on the market until discovering Effexor. Effexor gave me the fewest side-effects and quite honestly saved my life!

Maybe its better said 'Effexor is a bad medication, for you!! Each individual case is unique. Every person responds differently. Lets not discourage anyone from trying something that may really help them.

[Miles]

Oona:

Out of curiosity, you state that Effexor has "helped" you. Can you be more specific?

Thanks!

Miles

[lil cuban]

I have been on several anti-dep. and found that Effexor was by the far hardest to come off of. The withdrawls are brutal. You have to tapper of slowly and over an extended period of time. Once I got off it completely it took about 1mo for all side effects to finally go away. I was taking 150mg for about two years and it took about 3mo to come off. The withdrawls are pretty bad. I would try other SSRI's before trying this one. Well, thats my exp. and opinion, hope it helps someone.

[Martinj1966]

Be VERY VERY Careful tapering off Effexor.

I had taken Effexor for about 3 or 4 years. After I had a breakdown, my PDoc & I decided to switch meds. I tapered off Effexor over the course of 3 months and I have to tell you - it was HORRIBLE.

The only way I describe the feeling is I had "brain shivers". Like waves of electric shocks going across my brain. Even with tapering off very very slowing, this was just horrible. I also became very depressed, anxious, angry, paranoid and suicidal.

Good luck to any & all trying to get off this horrible stuff

- Marty

Wellbutrin XR 300mg
Lamictal 100mg
Clonazepam .5mg - as needed
Seroquel 100mg - to sleep

[arrown8606t]

I've been on Effexor XR 225mg for about 10 years. I have to say that this drug probably saved my life, but now I need to stop. The side effects have started to outweigh the benefits. I had a good friend who tried many different drugs and never seemed to get anywhere with them. For this reason, when I found Effexor and it worked, I was understandably reluctant to try anything else. I did try going off it a couple of times before and, as previously described, the side effects of withdrawl are horrendous. I alway know the same day if I missed taking my pills because of the headaches, tingles, (does anyone else's fingers go numb?), dizziness, blurred vision and nausea. Just in the last year or so I've begun to have problems with memory. I can walk from one room to another and not even remember why 10 seconds later. I have chronic depression, anxiety and probably a mild (undiagnosed) OCD. What other alternatives have people had good success with? I started taking this so long ago, surely there have been other things to come along since then. I'm making an appointment to see my doctor and getting off this stuff, but I want to be smart about it. Any input is appreciated.

[pris]

BEWARE: MY DOCTOR PRESCRIPED ME EFFEXOR FOR ANXIETY AND IMITREX FOR MIGRIANS, I ASK HIM IF WAS SAFE, HE SAID YES. I ASK THE PHARMIST IF IT WAS SAFE, SHE SAID YES. I LEFT THE IMITREX THERE AND DID NOT TAKE THE EFFEXOR. A WEEK LATER THE DORTORS OFFICE CALLED ME AT WORK TO WARN ME NOT TO TAKE THESE MEDS TOGETHER COULD CAUSE BAD SIDE EFFECTS, JUST A WARNING ALWAYS DOBULE CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN, BUT ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT, AND PLEASE DO SOME RESEARCH YOURSELF,

[Tom OC]

I just want to chip in that if you take Effexor, and want to stop it---make very sure you do it under a competant doctor's superfision. Drop the dose vaey slowly, and have the doctor give you a substitute that increases serotonin and norephenrine levels, as well as an anti axiety agent (preferably a large dose). I came off the stuff and it was worse than opiate withdrawl. Terminating the use of (6 years) worth of oxycontin @ 120 mg / day did not begin to mess me up like stopping Effexor XR.[xx(] I was put on effexor because of depression, and physical pain (6 fractured vertabrae). Once I got PT for my back, I tapered off the oxycontin in about two months. No fun, but doable []. I was taking 150 mg. Effexor 75x2. Tapered down over 4 weeks. It literally blindsided me. I took my dogs out for a walk, came home, and about 15 minutes later came completely unglued[V]. I stayed that way until I could build up a level of amytryptline (Elavil) in my blood to sub for the effexor.....about 2 weeks.

The good news for chronic pain patients is that, while Elavil is not the worlds best antidepressant, it stops cronic pain dead in its tracks in about 50% of the people who try it. This has been validated in a double-blind placebo study. A strancg footnote is that it is marginally more effective as a pain reliever in recovering narcotic adicts (such as me!).

I must congratulate you on coming off Effexor. I was also on it for a very long time and I literally just stopped taking this Thursday (03/15/07) after a six-month withdrawal. I have a few words of advice for you when you are coming of this drug. Go off of it as slow as possible go from you current does to the next possible smallest dose and what ever you do don’t skip a dose, you will feel worse than you do. After a long time of coming off it and you are near the end go from the extended release to the regular 24-milligram. dose. Then freeze the 24-milligram pill and cut it in half. When you are on that small of a dose you don’t feel it wear off during the morning and when you stop it completely it is like you never took it.
I took Effexor originally for a misdiagnose of depression when it was anxiety. I was kept on the drug for OCD and I finally after some time of being on the drug decided to go off of it. I go to weekly therapy sessions where I work with a psychologist on CBT.
And to be 100% honest with you in many cases these drugs make your problems worse. I wish you the best of luck and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, because I know what you are going through.

I must congratulate you on coming off . I was also on it for a very long time and I literally just stopped taking this Thursday (03/15/07) after a six-month withdrawal. I have a few words of advice for you when you are coming of this drug. Go off of it as slow as possible go from you current does to the next possible smallest dose and what ever you do don’t skip a dose, you will feel worse than you do. After a long time of coming off it and you are near the end go from the extended release to the regular 24-milligram. dose. Then freeze the 24-milligram pill and cut it in half. When you are on that small of a dose you don’t feel it wear off during the morning and when you stop it completely it is like you never took it.
I took Effexor originally for a misdiagnose of depression when it was anxiety. I was kept on the drug for OCD and I finally after some time of being on the drug decided to go off of it. I go to weekly therapy sessions where I work with a psychologist on CBT.
And to be 100% honest with you in many cases these drugs make your problems worse. I wish you the best of luck and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, because I know what you are going through.

[alkisses]

effexor

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ive been on effexor since june of 2004.... 37.5 and upped it over the years...im at 150 mgs now, and thats only been a year on 150 but its enough for me.
at first, after a few weeks, it worked and then after that it stopped. i tried to get off it, hell my body wakes up the next morning with withdrawls from the medication, thats how bad my body is used to it.... i hate the pill, it doesnt do anything for me, i wanna switch, im in the process with the help of 2 physicians to get off it and onto somethign else, it doesnt work for me, and im mad that i was kept on it for so long, because the side effects, just after 1 month of 37.5 mgs a day left me for 3 days in a near psychotic state..... i cant imagine now, theres obviously a way to decrease it under a doctors care, but i wouldnt recommend anyone effexor, it was good for a little while and i mean a few weeks and after that, gone..... just a stupid pill i had to take so i wouldnt feel hungover like i drank 24 beers the night before.
if this scares anyone, im only being honest, i hate that pill. i cant wait till im off it for good.

the feeling of walking forward, then your brain catching up with you, and the lightning zaps in your head, its like a bad alcohol hangover times 20X
i cant wait to get off the drug, but i know its going to be a battle.

[katea29]

OK, I am on day 3 of having stopped taking 150mg of Effexor- COLD TURKEY! My doctor kept telling me that she didn't want me to stop taking it, but I had to! I am only 27 and I have been on anti-depressants off and on for maybe 8 years. Anyways, I had only been taking Effexor for 6 months after years of taking Prozac and I've got to tell you- quitting Effexor is one of the BEST decisions I've ever made! I felt like my doctor kept me on meds because it was an easy solution to mask normal feelings and behaviors.

OK, my withdrawal is by no means the horror story that everyone is making it out to be, but again, everyone is different. Anyway, so I am dizzy and lightheaded and I feel like crying over stupid things, but it's not as bad as I was anticipating! I do not feel sick. I did experience excessive sweating (I had to stay home from work on day 2) and itchiness all over my legs, but I'll live! I just can't wait for the symptoms to become less and less everyday. Ahhhhhhh, finally, the ability to feel my own self again is GREAT! Even when I am crying!!!

[drugbuster]

It will probably get worse for the next 2 weeks and then start to stabilize. You should notice a significant amount of feeling better at about the 5 week mark.

Once you are fairly clear of the drug, try Empowerplus from www.truehope.com. It's working very well for a friend of mine.


Read some other unhappy customer reports at...

petitiononline.com/effexor
/lilpro (Prozac)
/oky71 (Paxil)


Tim

prozackills2002@yahoo.ca

[A1R1]

I came to this site to share information and, to be honest, a lot of what I'm reading is scaring me. I was diagnosed with clinical depression 25 years ago, have been on Prozac and Celexa and was recently switched to Effexor. Am on 150 mg/day. If I went by what I'm reading here, I'd throw those meds in the toilet and flush without a thought. But I think about my endless days in bed when I could barely get up, where simple tasks like brushing my daughter's hair felt like moving a clay mountain and tears fell unexpectedly, like snow in July. My mind was muddeled, thoughts disoriented and regardless of how much I slept, I was always always tired.

Depression is a horrible disease. With or without meds. I've experienced it for the greater part of my life and I've learned and keep learning more about it. My brain chemistry changes as I age. The meds affect it. My hormones affect it. Life situations affect it. In addition to that, I have migraines. I take Zomig and Topamax. Both affect my brain chemistry. I research drug interactions because I am the one who lives with them, experiences them, and can or cannot tolerate them (I am fortunate, my body tolerates Zomig, Topamax and Effexor, all SSRI reuptake meds). I exercise when I can to balance my head. I discusss everything with my doctors and my therapist until I am satisfied.

We are unique. As others have said, what works for one does not work for others. But do not discount your illness. Do not forget what made you put that pill in your mouth to begin with. Depression and other mental health diseases are serious and should not be ignored. Your health is not decided by committee or discussion forums, but by you and your doctor. Be wise and take care of yourself.

Best to all,
Antonia

[Suellen]

I am sorry to go against everyone elses experiences with effexor but I have had no ill effects from this drug at all. I was prescibed this medication for severe depression. What I want to mention on this sight, and I will try to find an area where I can discuss a previously unknown side effect. This medications has a positive affect on Stroke victims. I suffered a stroke in 2002 that has affected my right side. At the time I began taking Effexor I had a very pronounced limp. Because of restricted movement I did not notice immediately. When I returned to the physician for a follow up to monitor my reactions to the effexor I had to leave the supports (walls and rails) I had been using. My walking abilities had been equal to being intoxicated, this time within five steps I realized there was a MAJOR difference, I did not limp!!! For the first time in years I was able to walk properly. Of course I was elated and the physician did say that maybe my leg was simply improving but it was an instantaneous improvement. At that time the doctor increased the amount of effexor to 150 mg per day (from 75 mgs) After a three month period he again reduced my dosage to 75 mg daily and I could notice a decrease in the functions of my foot and leg. After two months I spoke with the doctor again about increasing the dosage because I had noticed such a difference. What I was hoping to see was if there was any difference. If not, fine, but at least we had tried, if there was an increase in my leg functions than it was definatly that medication. And yes, my foot stoppped dragging, my abilities to lock my joints (knee and hip) increased. Before that I would be stopped by a snow bank. To step over any barrier requires that you stand on one leg and lift the other over. As soon as I stepped on my right leg it would collapse. I am trying to get the information out there that "possibly" this medication, with proper medical supervision, can help someone else with reduced mobility. It has increased my abilities and therefore my happiness. If you know someone who is affected by a stroke or other restrictions on their movement maybe you could mention this to them, and they can speak with their own physician.

[drugbuster]

2004-44
August 9, 2004
For immediate release

Health Canada advises of potential adverse effects of SSRIs and other anti-depressants on newborns
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians that newborns may be adversely affected when pregnant women take Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other newer anti-depressants during the third trimester of pregnancy. This advisory is intended to increase awareness among mothers and physicians of the possible symptoms that may occur in the newborn, so that symptoms can be recognized and addressed quickly.

This advisory applies to the following anti-depressants: bupropion (whether used for depression or for smoking cessation), citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine.

International and Canadian reports reveal that some newborns whose mothers took these medications during pregnancy have developed complications at birth requiring prolonged hospitalization, breathing support and tube feeding. Reported symptoms include: feeding and/or breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle rigidity, jitteriness and constant crying. In most cases, the newer anti-depressant was taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms are consistent with either a direct adverse effect of the anti-depressant on the baby, or possibly a discontinuation syndrome caused by sudden withdrawal from the drug.

When treating depression in pregnant women, physicians and patients should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the various treatment options for both the mother and the unborn baby. To date, there is little evidence-based information on how best to treat depression during pregnancy.

If a woman is pregnant and is taking an SSRI, or other newer anti-depressant, she should discuss with the risks and benefits of the various treatment options with her health care professional. It is very important that patients do NOT stop taking these medications without first consulting with their doctor.

The frequency of symptoms may vary with each drug. In the case of two of the newer anti-depressants - bupropion and mirtazapine - discontinuation problems appear to be less than with the other drugs. In the case of mirtazapine, there are only two reports. Health Canada is issuing this advisory to encompass all newer anti-depressants in order to alert Canadians to the potential risk. Health Canada has also worked with the manufacturers of these medications to update their labelling with new precaution information.

Any suspected adverse reactions can be reported directly to the product manufacturer or to:

Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP)
Marketed Health Products Directorate
HEALTH CANADA
Address Locator: 0701C
OTTAWA, Ontario, K1A 0K9
Tel: (613) 957-0337 or
Fax: (613) 957-0335

To report an Adverse Reaction, consumers and health professionals may call toll free:
Tel: 866 234-2345
Fax: 866 678-6789
cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca

For other inquiries: please refer to contact information.

The AR Reporting Form and the AR Guidelines can be found on the Health Canada web site or in The Canadian Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties.

Report of Suspected Adverse Reaction due to Health Products Marketed in Canada (Vaccines excluded)
Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) Guidelines for the Voluntary Reporting of Suspected Adverse Reactions to Health Products by Health Professionals and Consumers

[simple.days@hotmail.co.uk]

I started taking Efexor xl (venlafaxine) in september last year. only now i can identify after this wonder drug and councelling that i had been depresed since i was 11 im now 24. since jan 2007 i have found that life is as exciting as when i was 16 yes its harder work but just as much fun. i can now love my daughter get up every day and not only look after the family,i can look after me with time out a job and a life. i suffer all these side effects as the tingling dzziness the mania at times,the addictive personalities and that if i am more tha 15 hours late im useless. I lose everthing i put down and my memory is non existant but dispite this i have a life again. Im not a useless fat ugly peice of space that would be betta off dead for everyone im a storong person even a comittie chairlady. i wpuld rather feel all these effects than ever enter the misery that i felt for 13 years. i tried every drug the doctor gave for 6 years and this drug made for people who are naturally active when feeling non depressed is the one for me. forget the mind numbing pills they sedate you and make you numb, you miss all the best things in life on them. all i can say is stay woth it for 4 months if no effect its not for you try another and dont rule out depression through reasonable live events this does not need this med this would only suit the long term desperate depressive.i never thought life was possible after depression plesase stick with it. (rip amy 1998 suicide 14 yr) you may not love you but hundreds do just think.

[drugbuster]

www.petitiononline.com/effexor


... until 2004, Effexor was... perfectly safe, non addictive, non habit forming with no serious side effects.


Check out SSRIStories.com for some real fun times on Effexor.


Tim
prozackills2002@yahoo.ca

[Germanic American Princess]

I am responding to the recommendation for Claritin D. I was trying to come off a series of meds that had been prescribed for me for a mild depression I suffered after a life altering injury.

I felt I had a sinus infection and it was recommended by my GP to take a series of sinus meds including Claratin D. I had a weekend in hell. I didn't sleep a wink for 48 hours and then when I did sleep I had the most awful nightmares including the feeling that I was having a seizure.

I am fortunate I have a loving husband who was with me through this terrible episode and except for the occasional brain zap am back to normal and feeling so my happier than I was on the meds.

I wonder if the whole sinus problem was a part of the withdrawal process.

I would never recommend anyone go "cold turkey" as it turned out I did; but I'm so grateful that the use of these meds are behind me.

[Holden Morrisey Caulfield]

I'm going cold turkey. Ha. It's stupid but I thought I'd give it a shot. Almost 48 hours now and I'm getting the shivers. Not as bad as on previous occasions when I've forgotten but still, its not fun. Anyway, hopefully I can get to Friday.

[fadedhorizon]

Originally Posted by bobspeed

It's The Big Turkey Story and a Cold One It Is, Too

So, I forgot to make an appointment with my shrink to talk about meds. I've been on Zoloft for 12 years and Effexor for two, and I routinely see her every six months. This time I forgot. The pharmacy called and to inform me my doctor rejected my prescription renewals because I needed to come in to see her. That was fine with me, so I tried to make an appt., but can’t see her until July 1! Isn’t that special! So I’m being forced to quit both cold turkey. Could be interesting. I’ve talked to her at least twice about stopping Effexor, but she’s against it. And if I ever do stop it, withdrawal symptoms can be nasty, she said, so I would have to taper off. So now why has she dumped this load of ******************** on my head by cutting me off both cold turkey?

Whatever her reasons, I'm on Day 5. I think I'm lucky. My symptoms haven't been severe. No brain zaps, but a lot of swishing when I move my eyes; some nausea, some dizziness. Today is the worst so far, but I'm far away from the horror that some folks go through. Emotionally I'm very calm and feel very, very good.


But my appetite is out of control! I'm eating everything I can get my hands on. It's crazy: huge breakfasts with eggs and meat and spuds, then big sandwiches with chips for lunch, then massive amounts of pasta for supper. And I'm still hungry when I go to bed! What's up with that?

I've been reading this thread and it's sad how many people were "forced" to quit the drug due to incapable doctors.
Doctors put us on these drugs, sure they may help us, but they should know that they will have withdrawl effects and not just *decide* to not refill the perscription. Like... Benzos, too. Put us on a drug and it helps us, then decide "Oops it has addictive potential, no more for you." It's like there's no hope for people with panic disorder. I'm being forced to quit Effexor also, and I've gone from 150mg down to 75mg, with the help of Prozac. (thank god for old perscription refills) I don't feel many side effects, and the horrible headaches I got from being on Effexor have almost gone away, but my anxiety is so high I feel as if my heart is going to explode out of my chest. Just sitting here, my heart rate is sky rocketing, and I'm having allll sorts of random crying spells. Anyone else have trouble finding a doctor who actually knows what they're doing when it comes to dealing with anxiety disorders? (aside from denying all refills and all of a sudden taking you off all your meds)
I'm scared to take the plunge of not taking effexor at all.