Effexor Messed Me Up

I took Effexor XR for a little over two weeks and I ended up in the ER. I couldn't remember to eat or drink and I got so dehydrated that I was shaking uncontrollable and dizzy. The ER doc said I should see my doc again and to stop taking it. He told me to wean off of it so I tried to and it turned me into a wreck!! I decided that I couldn't take it anymore and stopped the weaning early. My stomache was messed up really bad and I cannot sleep at all. I keep getting dizzy and when I move or turn my head it feels like I'm getting shocked and I feel numb for a second or two. Is that normal????? <font color="#000088"> </font> <font color="#000088"> </font>

Have you called your doctor to tell him/her about your reaction and what you're experiencing now? The doc needs to know and he/she can help you with the weaning off and with the withdrawal symptoms.

Brain zaps are part of the withdrawal. I also couldn't sleep and had head noises that would wake me up if I could get to sleep.

Please call your doctor and let him/her help you with this.

My doc doesn't really seem to want to work with me on my meds. I have MDD and GAD with panic attacks. I just started seeing a therapist and I don't think that she can prescribe meds. I used to take Lexapro for four years and it didn't really help but I didn't know what to do about it. The only nice thing about the Lexapro was I didn't have any side affects. He wants me to start Paxil but it sounds like Paxil is just like Lexapro and I need something that will work better on my panick attacks.

Unfortunately what you are experiencing with discontinuing Effexor is common. Effexor does not remain in the body all that long, so missing a dose or taking a lower dose in just one day can cause ill effects. I've been taking Effexor for about 5 years and fortunately have never had problems. Although I have never attempted to discontinue the medication nor do I have any intentions to. Some patients are more sensitive to dose changes than others. My suggestions is to keep your doc informed of what you are experiencing and closely follow his/her instructions.