Hello! I've been quietly reading and learning from you all for a few months now in preparation for today: weaning off of Effexor XR 150mg after taking it for about 3 years. I waited until I could find a psychiatrist who takes my insurance and I feel so damn lucky that he understands the side effects of this drug. When I told him about the brain zaps, dizziness (can't drive), nausea, and generally feeling really ill if I accidentally miss a dose, he said that all made sense. When I told him that I have to wean off of it because of its effect on my eye pressure (glaucoma) he instantly said, "It's going to have to be slow". Wow! Now his idea of slow and what many people posting here have had to do may be different, but I'm going along with his instructions. I counted all the beads in a 150mg capsule (there were 152 beads), took out 25% of them (38 beads) and so took the capsule with 114 beads today. He said to stay on this dosage for two weeks which will be my next appointment with him. If I have withdrawal symptoms he said to take out only 20% of the beads and see what happens. I guess I'll contact him if my symptoms are bad (I have to be able to drive) in this two week period to see what he suggests doing. So here we go. I feel blessed that I found this group and I thank you all immensely for all you have been willing to share. I am keeping a diary of this experience and will give an occasional update as I go along because with the knowledge that I have, I really think I only need to do this once. The doc says we'll monitor for anxiety as we go along to see if I'll require a bridge. Blessings to all of you as you navigate your own unique journeys with Effexor to feel well again.

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