I'm really sorry to hear about your ordeal @notaround. I'm lucky to live in Canada with universal healthcare and a drug plan at work. I have friend in the US who is very sick right now and they are barely scraping by as a consequence. He has benefits that are helping but there are a family of four. It's ridiculous.

I came off Effexor quick, as you are likely aware from my posts above. I'm a stubborn person and when I get a thought in my head...anyway, I wouldn't suggest doing what I did. I'm certainly not through it yet, though I am feeling better overall. Framing helps somewhat - trying to put things into perspective. My husband's dad got hit by a car on Saturday, so I've been alone with a five year old the last few days. And my boss is very stressed, which means a stressful work environment. I'm trying to remember that being a good mom is more important to me than getting to work on time. That I'm adult, and I get my work done and that all this anxiety and rage will pass. It is a constant battle, I find, re-framing things positively when I feel so crappy - but it really is helping.

It's great that your medical centre has recognized the need to support you through this. Know that we're here for you too if you need to talk over your experience. Effexor is brutal. No one should have to do that alone.