[marcybett]

To me this drug is such a sign of irresponsibility by the FDA and doctors who prescribe it. I have just begun withdrawing several days ago. I can't begin to share my anger towards this drug and the way people give it out like candy. I was on it for two years, approximately. I soon began to get bad night sweats and insomnia. My doctor's rememdy was to up my mgs. Then over the course of the last year I was getting CAT scans on my sinuses and going to a general PhD for chronic sinusitis. I couldn't live with the night sweats and went off of it, only then to figure out it was the cause of my sinus problems and was literally making my head sick (ironic?). Coming off of it has been the worst sickness of my life. I've never been so scared for myself...constant vomiting, diarrhea, uncontrollable crying, dizziness, insomnia, electrical zapping all over, weird heart palpitations, and lethargy. You might think that all happened because I went off too quickly. Nope. Weened over a three-week period and still couldn't avoid it. This drug is sick and wrong. I am sure in the future there will be lawsuits over it. I'm disgusted with the medical community for giving us this kind of poison without investigating it first. Please do not go near this drug if you have any foresight at all.

[needlife]

I had a similar experience a few years ago. Effexor has the worst withdrawal of antidepressants. Next worst is Wellbutrin. I weaned off of 75mg of Effexor and was an absolute wreck. Crying, panicking. It was simply horrible. I think your anger is totally justified that Effexor is thrown around like "candy." The withdrawal is absolutely devestating, even with tapering... These drugs turn into a lifetime commitment, or bad withdrawal.

[morticia]

Daniella,
that was a bit snide you dont come to this forum and have an additude like that!

people come to this forum for comfort support and help not to hear snide remakes from you.

its YOU who have some nerve!

Morticia

[alkisses]

its almost impossible to get off of it, but theres nothing wrong with being on antidepressants, remember that, yeah in the long run it may be hard. i was having a hard time takin 37.g mgs every second day, but effexor withdrawls is hell, i've been on it for 2 years and even after one month, 2 days of withdrawls was hell....
every symptom you can think of. now im on it, and a higher dosage, although i dont feel any more "happier" with a dose increase, but i know i need to be on it.

[Miles]

Morticia:

Who is Daniella and what the heck did she say to get you so riled?

Miles

[alkisses]

i was wondering that too, maybe someone deleted her post or somethiing

[wotre5669]

I have been on Effexor 150 mg for going on 5 years now. The meds work great, I was prescribed effexor for Panic Attacks and depression and they are both good now, however, I also get night sweats something fierce. Every night my hair, clothes, sheets, pillow case, everything is wet. I sleep with two giant fans running and no help. It does help somewhat to have sweat pants on or something on my legs so I don't stick together but I still sweat. I have also tried to get off the meds many many times, it is the hardest med to get off of. I have tried everything. So I guess I am to deal with the night sweats. Does anyone have any ideas to help deal with the night sweat problem?