The key is to take a loooooong time weaning off of this stuff. My doctor suggested halving the dosage weekly. Now I'm finding out that was way too fast. In my case, I would think weaning month by month would have been better for me. The first couple of weeks I felt pretty well but once I was totally off of the Effexor, my world crashed and burned. I could almost stand the physical side affects but this anxiety is hell....and I do mean hell.....I have tried everything from meditation, vitamins, walking, listening to music....but nothing helps. It lasts for hours even with the Xanax and these "coping" skills. My advice to anyone who is on Effexor is to have a SERIOUS talk with their psychiatrist and ask lots of questions about how addicting it is.

My sons pharmacist explained to him that what’s happening when you take drugs like Effexor is it replaces the lack of chemicals in your brain that are causing your depression in the first place. Over time your brain stops producing any of them temporarily. So when you stop or significantly lower your dose the brain has to wake up and start working by itself. This varies enormously.
And if your brain was not producing enough in the first place then becoming medication free may not be in your best interests.
And that’s Ok. What we all aim for is quality of life so we can live with peace and contentment and whatever is our normal.
I don’t ever feel hate or resentment to drugs prescribed for my son. I try to always help him accept and appreciate that at least he can have medical care, even if at times he needs to go through some tough times and try new ones. Igive thanks we live in counties where there are options to treat depression and mental illness.
This is just my experience and attitude which has developed over the years, and visiting a developing country where their only option to keep the seriously mentally ill safe from themselves is to lock them in cages!
Once started on medication I see them released, accepted and becoming part of their village life again.
This isn’t to minimise anyone’s pain or experiences, but medication for anxiety and depression is a blessing for the many who find it helps them live in peace.

Hello @wendyw

After reading your post my first thought was how fortunate your son is to have you on his side!

I appreciate your very valid, well thought out approach to meds that are used to treat depression. You make some very good points. I am glad that your son is doing so much better with meds and that you there to encourage him.

Best wishes to you on this Thanksgiving!

Teresa