carethe2, what did you end up on? Here it is 2019 but my path is very much like yours was. Took me excruciating months to get off effexor and then a combo of tiny effexor with Prozac. Prozac for a couple of months, but is was bad. Now on Lexapro and it's not taking care of my anxiety and depression. So it's been 10 full months at least of messed up mind. My doc thinks I need to be patient and that I should get up high on Lexapro. Been on 20 then 30 and now 40 of Lexapro hoping and praying that the next dosage level will work.
What did you settle on taking to remedy your situation? I'd love to hear.

After my 6 months of zero meds, my anxiety and depression came back. I took Lexapro and didn’t even last a week. I had the worst anxiety ever. It was horrible. But in my situation, my doc put me on Seroquel at night, which is a “mood stabilizer”. From what I’ve read, it’s akin to lithium… yes, for bipolar. Then she (my doc) added zoloft during the day.

I’m doing very well on this “cocktail”… but not perfect. Still having very down days and not 100% yet. Still on the lowest dose of both, however.

I kind of think I am bipolar (denial much?) because I’m so… boring. I used to get so loaded and full of energy and ideas…

I wonder how I can suddenly be bipolar at 51 years old?

Life is weird.

I went off all of the antidepressants, caused restless legs, vivid dreams, more tired, more depressed, weight gain, etc..Went to the hospital and tried lamictal a mood stabilizer because I was either in a great mood or crying. I feel some joy now and don't feel suicidal.

I was taking Effexor/venlafaxine for hot flashes, not other issues. I found great relief from the withdrawal symptoms (fear, agitation, anxiety and insomnia) by supplementing with L-tryptophan, GABA, ashwaganda, l-methylfolate and fish oil five times per day and about three days per month 1/2 of 5mg valium. Over fifteen months, I am now down to two doses of supplements per day. You can click on my name and read past posts to see my list of supplements and dosages.

Can you please share your protocol with me. I have been on 300mg of Effexor for 15 years. I have started to ween myself of it and I am down to 150mg in a period of 4 months. For the last two weeks I have been feeling nauseous every morning with flu like symptoms, aching all over which wakes me up during the night, tired, dry mouth. My doctor said that my blood work is normal and it could be a bug, I’m sure it’s withdrawal symptoms. I’m so tempted to go back to 300 mg again. How long this will go on.
Thanks for listening ! ST

HI Suzanne – your symptoms sound like what I had when I was getting off venlafaxine. Was only up to 112.5 but when I stopped taking any for more than every other day I too felt nauseous, dizzy, achey, and tired. It was reading the posts on this site that encouraged me not to take a pill when I had been off for seven days. I'm now over two weeks [maybe even three] and no longer have those symptoms. Your situation will be different, but know that we have felt what you are going through.

Hi ….
thank you so much for replying so quickly. You don’t know how it makes me feel knowing that there someone there that is going through what I’m feeling and caring enough to take the time to let me that it is normal. Please let me know if you need my support.
Suzanne

I hit a bad wave and had to reinstate. Please pray for me.

@sandij
Sorry to hear that Sandi, I will.
Hope your a-ok soon!
Jake

Thank you

@suzannetherese
Hi there,
Considering your withdrawals I’d recommend you taper more slowly than you currently are. Remember you have been taking this med a long time and a high dose. It’s going to take your brain awhile to adjust. If your reducing by a certain milligram as your taper decreases your percentage will increase & fluctuate and your symptoms will most likely become worse.
Good luck to you,
Jake

Thanks Bookie for your reply. I really appreciate it. Wishing you well. Keep in touch.