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@proserpine

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.

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Replies to "I'm really sorry to hear about your ordeal @notaround. I'm lucky to live in Canada with..."

@proserpine
You've had an awful time of it too for sure. Have you tried icing your side? I get stabbing rib pains (not cardiac - I got all wired up and tested and my heart is surprisingly perfect) and the ice helps until an NSAID kicks in, usually ibuprofen (I think it's called paracametol elsewhere). The trick is to use a thin ice pack so that it lasts just long enough to make it nice and numb, but melts before it can cause any damage.

From what I remember about neurology, I think antidepressants can screw up the nerves in the gut so normal feedback to the brain becomes conscious pain. That or all the physical anxiety/anger isn't helping. Maybe also try mint and fresh ginger tisane. I find the combination to help a lot with stomach problems.

Or a bath with Epsom salts. I do a warm towel on the back of my neck to help with the weird neck twisting that is probably withdrawal. Occasionally I'll get a feeling of tension in my neck and then my head twists sharply to one side. Not painful but annoying and I really hope that no one sees.