Coming off of Effexor - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

Emerson80 · 06-01-2006, 05:10 AM

I feel horrible... I was on 225, now I am down to 150 for 5 days.
My whole body hurts, my neck is so stiff (ouch). I feel feverish, my throat is sore.
I have horrible headaches and sometimes can't focus.

is this normal?!!?!!?!!?!

gotitbad · 06-01-2006, 03:50 PM

I didn't feel that way. My doctor goes very slowly both going on and off all meds. I would call your pdoc if you continue to feel bad. Maybe you are just getting the flu.

kiehn · 06-01-2006, 04:04 PM

I have heard the same story even worse things, from many people trying to get off effexor. Gotitbad is right you need to come off slowly, very, very slowly. I read one person did this, they opened the capsule each day and took out 1 tiny bead for 5 days, then every 5 days took out another tiny bead and contined until there wasnt any beads left. It could take a couple of months like this but that is how my daughter plans to do so when she gets to the point she want to try and go off. Good Luck, K

SuchGreatHeight · 06-01-2006, 07:15 PM

Actually, sadly, that is normal for a lot of people. What I suggest, is to taper down ever more slowly. It can help some sideaffects. Just remember not to just stop suddenly. I did that, and it it twice as worse.

Good luck.

SGH

ginger3130 · 06-02-2006, 02:04 PM

I loved, loved, loved Effexor. BUT - when I went off of it, the discontinuation syndrome made me crazy, screaming, crying manic. I wasn't on a mood stabilizer at the time. Be careful.