@youngsally
I only ever took an antidepressant (Effexor) for hot flashes and that was why it was specifically prescribed. In the oncology world (especially those working with women breast cancer patients), its side effect of stopping/controlling hot flashes was well-known. At the time (year 2000), my oncologist didn't even hesitate, or have to do some research on how to help me with the hot flashes. Except during active cancer treatment, Effexor was my only prescribed drug.

The akathisia is not all the time and started six weeks after I slowly tapered off and (I figure) all the Effexor was completely gone from even body tissues. It comes over me like someone's dumped cold water on me--starts at the top and I feel it travel down my body to my feet. I feel fear (sometimes downright terror), anxiety, restlessness and agitation and must pace, rock and hug myself. I know there's nothing to be frightened of, but it doesn't matter. Taking l-tryptophan and B6 has helped tremendously in reducing, or stopping these episodes and on occasion, I'll take a prescribed half to a whole 5mg Valium. I am taking 10 capsules of various supplements plus 5 B6 tablets at least four times a day (about 5 hours apart). That's a whole lot of pills and I don't know how long it will take for my brain to balance itself. I will taper off of these over some months. I am still trying to find a referral to someone who knows how this drug works, what it does to the brain and how to recover from being on it.