I am so glad I found this site! Here's a brief summary of my journey: Started Effexor XR 16 years ago. Last weekend, admitted to the hospital through ER with a small bowel obstruction. I had an NG tube and was NPO for 2 days...so I was forced into a cold turkey stop of Effexor at the max dosage....225mg....and I am now 8 days in, and I am not going back. I have wanted to stop this drug for awhile and I figure that since the bandage has been yanked for me, I will tough it out. So glad to know that the brain zaps are normal. I feel a zap-zap-zap sensation especially at night. Of course, now I am FEELING again too, so the emotional rollercoaster is not pleasant, but I at least FEEL again. Now some back story: Breast cancer in 2006, chemo, radiation, and mastectomy. Mets to ovaries in 2011, complete hysterectomy, and hormone blockers. Mets to bones in 2013, back to IV chemo. Now on Xeloda successfully for 3 years, but that is also stopped until I see my oncologist at the end of the month. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2018 after a mild case of shingles in 2017. Recently discovered I'm anemic and did have a blood transfusion while in the hospital this past week. Since I was barely able to function previous to this weekend's hospital stay, I probably can't differentiate between my normal lousy health feelings and my new withdrawal feelings. Maybe a blessing in disguise for me. I am a widow, but I have 4 adult children who are taking great care of me. The youngest is 21, adult with mild mental retardation, and she watches me and cares for me like a momma bear!! I will have to explain to her that my mood changes are to be expected for a time, so she doesn't get offended. Following with interest to see what works for others! Thanks for letting me vent.

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