@ksad I don't know if there are people who are ok coming off effexor. Obviously though if they aren't having issues they would have no reason to seek this forum out.
Don't be discouraged if your dr doesn't take your concerns seriously. I've seen several psychiatrists who don't even believe that withdrawal symptoms last longer than several weeks and write off the symptoms as being a recurrence of the diagnosis that caused a person to be on the medication in the first place. Which is ludicrous to me...I certainly wish they could feel what we feel like! Comparing wd to anxiety/depressive symptims is like apples to oranges.
As far as a taper goes, please look at information on websites such as the withdrawal project and mad in America. Also if you google "waves and windows" you should be led to a great explanation of what is happening to your CNS. I've written about it in previous posts but I know there is lots to sort through in this forum. I think you will find that the more you read, the more you will see the recurring themes among so many people who are going through this. If I were you I would hold your dosage or even updose until you feel stable. And you can't really go day by day..reference waves and windows..you will have good days and then suddenly be blindsided by symptoms days, weeks, months later. This to me is what is so frustrating. Plus, people will say "but you were doing so good, i thought your withdrawal was over, are you sure its withdrawal?" , which makes me want to strangle them. I had a nurse practitioner tell me he thought there was "something else going on" since I "shouldnt still be experiencing symptoms" and tried to put me on an antipsychotic! Just be forewarned that the medical community is sorely uneducated and unwilling to recognize the devastating side effects of a medication that they give out without a second thought. So hang in there, we understand. And I completely relate to your loss of your old self, your job, etc. I had to stop working and I miss those kids (I teach ESL online to kids in China) but more upsetting is the loss of the person I used to be. Even with reinstating after 6 months because I could not put myself through any more WD, things have not returned to normal and I don't know if they ever will. It really sucks too, to be unable to enjoy hobbies and activities I used to do. I feel so bad for my family and friends who have to deal with me never participating in anything. My parents are in their 80s and run circles around me. Its always been hard to match their energy level but now its impossible. They are so worried about this, and I worry about how I will ever take care of them if the need arises, I can hardly take care of myself these days!
I'm glad you've found the forum and I hope that knowing there are others in similar situations at least puts your mind at ease.

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