@kaoru1106

I am not a medical professional, but does sound like you have withdrawn too fast. Read through the previous posts on this thread and go back to the level you think will keep you stable. Then go VERY slowly cutting back on the drug. Some on these posts have taken as long as a year to withdraw from Effexor. You can do it, but going slowly will allow you to still function in your life. Most doctors don't understand the length of time it takes people to get off these drugs. Sometimes your pharmacist has more information about withdrawal and how to do it, but then each of us is different. Listen to your body as you are withdrawing. Best of luck.

Gailb
Volunteer Mentor

@kaoru1106
So sorry for what you are going through.
I had a similar experience.
After being in therapy for a while, my therapist suggested I see a psychiatrist for a 'little something' to take the edge off my anxiety. I agreed.
I was also prescribed Effexor XL 37.5 once a day and then twice a day.
I did VERY well on it. Only a tiny headache for a few days, but nothing that would make me want to come off.
My PCP thought I was doing very well and thought I should come off.
She never told me why or the possible impact.
The words addiction or withdrawal NEVER came up.
Rather than going back to the psychiatrist who prescribed them, I followed what my PCP suggested.
The plan was very much like yours.
By the time I was totally off my evening pill, I felt great!!!!!!!!!!
No side effects!
Then one day (I don't remember how much after stopping my pm pill) I was at a workshop for work.
It was actually a good one and I was having a terrific time and even laughing.
During the break, I went to use the bathroom.
(Sorry for TMI) I sat down to do my business, when an all too familiar thing started to happen.
My legs started shaking, then my body started to quiver along with the shaking and I broke out into a cold sweat with a cotton mouth.
I tried to get up to wash my face but my hands started to shake so much, I couldn't use them to help me get up.
I WAS HAVING THE ALWAYS FUN ANXIETY ATTACK.
Thankfully, my hubby was picking me up with my friends to go out for dinner.
By the time they came, the attack was over and I was 'normal'.
As soon as I got home, I took my pm pill.
Needless to say, I made an appointment to see the psychiatrist.
The taking of the pm did not help the anxiety attacks from coming back.
She asked why I went off without talking with her. I told her.
She told me that after you go off the pills, it won't work for at least 9 months.
So, we tried other meds, non worked and the 'getting on' process was horrible.
At 9 months I asked her if we would try the Effexor, again.
She put me back on them and although they never worked as well as they once did, they worked, but not as well as they once did.

Fast forward more than 10 years. I am now on the max dose.
I don't have anxiety attacks, but my brain is mush!
The Effexor has certainly gotten me through some rough times.
I've been on these pills for more years that I'd like to count, but I think it is time to come off.
I am facing the possibility of a couple of surgeries over the next few months, so coming off right now is not the answer.
I do know one thing from my previous experience...…
1. Do this with my psychiatrist;
2. Do it VERY slowly, even if it will take me more than a year (and with all I take it will probably take that long)..

So that is my story.
I hope things work out for you!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)