Newbie on board and on Connect. Was searching for remedies for the brain zap that comes with Effexor reduction/withdrawal.

I was prescribed Effexor 75 mg daily nearly 20 years ago, following a series of panic attacks and a trial with other drugs. I haven't had panic attacks in nearly that many years and have long felt maybe I don't need the medication. I self-reduced to taking 75 mg every other day about a year ago in an effort to wean myself off. I don't recall any problems at all.

Finally spoke with my physician about it recently and was advised to take 37.5 mg every other dose - which is every 4th day - and continue to take 75 mg every other dose - again, every 4th day. He commented that after about a month of this, I ought to be able to quit completely. I don't think so! From the beginning of the reduced dosage, I have had symptoms - the most unbearable one being the brain zap or shiver. Comes close to making me feel non-functional, but perhaps I exaggerate. I have browsed the many, many messages on this board for suggestions and found some that I'll try. I am intrigued with the suggestion of CBD and would like to hear other information and experiences with its use. If it will alleviate the brain zaps, I'll get some. I have heard that it may cause drowsiness. Has anyone found this to be true? I also noted that certain carbs (forget how it was termed) are helpful. Elucidation on that would also be appreciated. I love my carbs but maybe I'm not eating enough or enough of the right kind. I have decreased appetite and get full quickly, thanks to hiatal hernia surgery 4 months ago and perhaps my gastric ulcers as well.

As other info, I have had an "interesting" swelling of the lips and intermittent mouth "sores" and rawness (not canker sores apparently) since the end of November. In an attempt to address whatever is causing this, almost every prescription I was taking has been changed (without relief yet). It has been speculated that perhaps a sensitivity to Effexor has arisen. Does this sound cuckoo after so many years taking it? Does it sound plausible? It is an additional reason I decided to wean myself off of Effexor. At least one physician thought Effexor could be the culprit.

I look forward to the day when these withdrawal symptoms disappear. I have a life to live and have plans for an overseas trip in 3 months. I certainly want to be feeling better - any day now!

Thanks in advance for any input.