[keri777]

Pdoc is taking me off of Effexor and lowering the dosage slowly to do it and I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced feeling down or low as they came off Effexor? I am starting to feel a little low which is VERY rare for me, usually I struggle with mania. Just curious if this is related.

Keri777
Bipolar I/GAD/PTSD

Effexor
Gabitril
Topamax
Pravastatin
Ativan
Ambien
Abilify Maintena

[Tucson]

The trying effects of withdrawal from Effexor is well-published by others. I know when I come off an AD, I can start to feel depressed. I think it is the brain adjusting to the titration of the AD.

[raestan92]

I've been on effexor for 7 Yeats and still going so I'm no help there... But you mention being on topamax and having mania.....I am in the process of getting off of topamax (I started the beginning of June). It has given me the worst side effects ever. It made me manic...repeat my sentences over and over without realizing..couldn't get my words to come out right, I feel stupid half the time. This last time the doctor increased my dose from 150mg to 200mg daily..that lasted 4 days and I called the doctor and said I was done with it. I this med made me very outspoken and blunt. And makes me cuss A LOT ( I rarely cussed before). Just thought I'd mention the topamax part. Good luck! :-)

[keri777]

I have been on Topamax(600 mg) for six years and have been fine with it... one of my main anti-manic meds BIG TIME! Sorry you had problems with it. I am just having problems with the Effexor, I think.

[Curiosity77]

Coming off effexor was hell for me. I had terrible discontinuation syndrome - physical flu like symptoms, shocks, anxiety, and crying all the time over the smallest things. I had to wean down very gradually, and it took me 6 months. I couldn't tolerate decreasing by 37.5 like the pills come in, so i had to crack the capsules open and pour out gradually more each day, by just a few grains. It was terrible.

[~Christina]

I have heard that effexor is one of the worst drugs to get off .. I will never take it due to that. You might want to cross post your question to the Psychiatric Medications - Forums at Psych Central

[buzz bee]

My MD to me off cold turkey. I have sick to my stomach (like the worst flu virus ever) I had what sounded like lightning flashes in my brain and ears. I was shaky and could not focus on anything. I ached all over.

I called my MD and the nurse picked up the line. I told her how I was feeling and she told me to go take it right away. In 24 hours I was feeling better.

There has been a few times that we went camping and I forgot my meds. Due to horrible side effects we had to come home early. I can go 24 hours with out it but after that, forget it.

Go luck with this. Please keep us posting on your progress as you slowly come off. I would like to know.

Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms Are Evil, Wicked, Mean & Nasty!