I am now off this terrible drug. I do not suggest my regimen for anyone, of course, but it worked for me in 28 days. I did not have a craving for the drug but experienced symptpms. I agreed to take this med after the dr told me that it was only minimally addictive. 4 years later, time to move on. I have heard of others calling the main side effect "brain shivers". I can think of no better way to describe it. I weaned myself off of the drug in 23 days. I still felt decreasing side effects through 28 days. The plan was to add an hour or two without the drug every day or so. I decided not to set an alarm for 2:00 AM. I would take the med first thing on waking up. This worked out fine until day 22 (the last pill!). I felt pretty bad for 3 days. Brain shiver constantly but not so bad that it could not be handled. I did not drive during this time. Slowly over the next several days the effects subsided and are now completely gone.

The side effects I experienced were brain shivers, sleeplessness, fatigue, some irritability. I felt pretty bad for 3 days,but it can be done. I happened to be off work during the crucial time. I suggest preparing to take some sick leave toward the end of your regimen

The good things about getting off this drug: I got my emotions back. Joy was really joy and sadness made me cry. I should cry sometimes. It is normal. I'm saving money! I don't need a drug to control my emotions.

My dr wanted me to stay on the drug for only one reason: it's too tough to get off of it. Not good enough. I just had a very difficult time in my life to get through. I really needed counseling and not a drug.

Good luck to all of you working on this. You CAN do it. If you are considering taking this drug,weigh the consequences carefully. My dr said that he does not even prescribe it any more. That should tell us something. I did not do my research before putting this into my body. I was in an emotional state that caused me to simply rely on a dr. That was my mistake. I'll not do that again.