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@babydoll

I’m new on this site, and have been reading the symptoms. I am now 7 days out with no Effexor and my symptoms seem to be getting worse instead of better. I do not want to go back on Effexor as I had no emotions at all when taking it. I was at 225mg for 10 years. I tapered down slowly. But these symptoms are horrible. When will they subside?! I’m experiencing brain zaps, anxiety when trying to sleep, sweats then freezing and now flu like symptoms with no energy.

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Replies to "I’m new on this site, and have been reading the symptoms. I am now 7 days..."

@babydoll
My guess and it’s only a guess but sounds like you may not have tapered slowly enough. It sounds like typical withdrawal symptoms to me based on many people’s accounts I’ve read over the past year. Since everyone seems to react differently there is no telling how long it will last. Sometimes weeks sometimes months. Doctors frequently have patients cut their dose by 50% which is to large a cut in most people. If you want the symptoms to stop you’ll need to ask your doctor about going back on it and restart your taper at a much slower rate or maybe the doctor will put you on another medication to help. There are also some vitamin supplements that have helped others. Other members know more about that than I do and hopefully they will be along to offer their experiences.
Getting of these medications is not easy or quick.
Wishing you the best of luck.
Blessings,
Jake

@babydoll- I agree with jake. I think that you have not tapered slowly enough to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Did you see this article? https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/05/health/depression-withdrawal-drugs.html.
I know what you mean about no emotions. I felt like that for over a year when my dr. put me on Prozac. I use to sit on the couch an just stare! However, if you don't want to deal with your symptoms right now you will have to make a choice, put up with the Zaps or go back on effexor until you can get off of it safely. Please let us know how you do!