My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Anxiety & Panic Community

Includes Expert Content

Reply: Effexor XR Withdrawal Symptoms

Hi, Thanks for all the advice. I feel stupid for coming to this so late in the game. Ive...

Posted by KiKidenee

Hi, Thanks for all the advice. I feel stupid for coming to this so late in the game. Ive been on psych meds almost half my life now so I don't really know who and what I am without them. I've taken Effexor for so long that it simply became like my baseline- a baseline that drs just shied away from because it's notoriously hard to get off of. So, even though I stopped receiving any benefit a long, long time ago, I stayed on it. Eventually, I would only take maintenance doses to keep the brain squiggles (zaps) and other withdrawal symptoms away. Brain squiggles are the main withdrawal symptom I've had from all the serotonin meds and I hate them. To me, theyre like fingers down a chalk board but inside your head- something you don't hear but feel. They make me cringe. Anyway, I have a new, medicine conservative provider who wants me to come off a few of my meds before I can try something new.

I thought I had this because I take Effexor maybe twice a week to make the brain squiggles stop. But she told me that I had to be off for 2 weeks completely and that they would be *hard*.

I feel like I'm losing my mind. I can't stop shaking and crying and I'm so angry that I feel like I could murder just about anyone in my path. I am blowing up at everyone. Breaking down in public. I've made my poor little boy cry too many times in a few days and I feel terrible and I hate myself more than I ever have. If I could claw my brain out right now I think I would, just for some peace.

I don't know what's real and what isn't. I don't know what is my actual psychopathology that was there all along, that needs to be treated; what is related to the withdrawal; am I just worse? I have no idea.

I wasn't prepared, at all, for this. What can I do now to tell the few people close to me, after I've already done so much damage? How would anyone understand this anyway? It sounds like a science fiction movie and my experience, so far, with living with mental illness is that people aren't very compassionate or sympathetic but very blaming. My baby is 4 years old- do I just ask his father to keep him away from me until it's over?

It's Day 5 of no medicine; Day 3 of brain squiggles which I'm used to but hate and Day 2 of "irrational" and intense mood swings that scare me. I'm scared.View Thread

Posted byKiKidenee

(FromAnxiety Support Group)

418 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Effexor XR Withdrawal Symptoms Hi, Thanks for all the advice. I feel stupid for coming to this so late in the game. Ive...

See Related Mental Health Communities

See All Communities

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Other Anxiety & Panic Disorders Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.