Lisa
I think In some sense IT is an addiction,
our bodies need It,otherwise we wouldnt have the aweful withdrawls.
and emotionaly we dont want to go through It,so I guess If you look at IT that way we are effexor junkies lol.

The brain zaps are as you explianed them,they get worse when I try to wean down.
I am just going to try a good dose of valium to wean with a side of wellbutrin.LOL

I'm about 6 weeks into my weaning off of Effexor. I was on 150mg, I'm now on 75mg. So far no real problems, except an occassional weird feeling in my head. I'll be glad when I'm rid of this stuff for good... I know that it had a LOT to do with my weight gain, but not 100%... I'm working on the other part that has to do with the gain... (emotional eating!)

Velveteen,
That is where I have been pretty much stuck at 75mg. I think last year or so I tried to decrease to 37.5 and ended up increasing it back up again to 75. I too am an emotional eater but I am hoping that being off the meds will help with the losing process.
Keep me posted on the weaning and Good Luck,
Lisa

Lisa, I don't think it's really "allowed" but when you tried to decrease from 75mg, did you just go directly to 37.5 or did you try to wean yourself down to it? Because I am going to open up the capsule and take about 3/4 of it until I feel all right getting down to half. That's what I did with the 150's... I put about 3/4 into a fruit smoothie or a fruit juice and tossed the rest. I did NOT tell my doctor that's what I was doing, but by the time I asked her for a new script, I was confident that 75mg would be ok.

I'm willing to let this last for months, though I don't really it want it to take that long. I hope you will be able to go off too, if that is what you truly want

Velveteen,
When I tried to wean last year I was given the 37.5 script but on some days I felt like I needed the 75 so I took it 2x a day sometimes. I will have to give it a better effort this time. I have never opened a capsule to decrease a dose, it was always with Dr.s knowledge. I can't remember if I was told to take 75 and 37.5 on alternating days or something like that.
Let me know how you do,
Lisa

Wow-- I'm glad I found this thread! I've been on Effexor for about a year-- I was having such bad anxiety attacks that I couldn't sleep for months-- and effexor really stopped them, but boy is it awful if I miss a dose (even taking one late get me ! I normally take at 10 am, if it's 2 and I've missed I almost instantly get sick-- and by sick I mean ANGRY at everyone, and the brain zaps-- I've never had an anger problem before..)

I'm glad to hear so many people are in the same boat

Fat bottom girl,
same here if I am late I get sick!! I hate it. I get all dizzy and those brain zaps! I also was given it for panic attacks and slight depression. I do feel great but I would like to be med free with all the talk about weight gain and it harder to take it off when you are on it. It is nasty stuff to try to wean off from! Like I have said I really need to call the Doc to end it for all!
And I guess if I find that I need something after all for panic then I will have to be on something but I wouldl at least like to try w/o it because I have been on something for 8-10years.
I hope this link keeps going because there are alot of gals with concerns and probs with effexor and it is nice to share,
Lisa

Hello Ladies!!
I have been on a lot of medications and Effexor is the one that takes the nightly "gasping for air" panic away. I am a big girl, but I honestly believe that it's because I eat when I'm upset (Oh, and I discovered chocolate martinis - Yummmm). Even though I'm on Effexor, I still have down days and times when I feel like I'm the only one who ever felt lonely, put upon, disrespected, used, ect... Then DH and I go out to dinner and I eat like it's my job.

I would rather stay on this drug than wake up feeling like I am going to choke to death because I forgot to breathe. That is the worst. Right now I've begun watching my diet and exercising like crazy. I've lost 4.5 pounds in just over 2 weeks (I wanted wayyyyy more). However, I had a fat/water/muscle weigh in and found that I actually lost 10.5 pounds in fat and gained 7 pounds in muscle. I am constantly amazed at what we have to consider when we talk about weight loss.

If I miss a dose my hands itch. I've missed a day or two and felt sicker than a dog. We're talking staying in bed with a puke bucket while moaning for death. Nevertheless, Effexor works and I love my life, even as an addicted fatty.

Hi there, I have been on 75 mg a day of effect for the past two months. I have gained 22 pounds. I know that I have not changed my diet as I have always had a difficult time with my weight and know that I am "that" person when it comes to the side effects that rarely happen. I have been monitoring my diet for the past year and only eat an Atkins based diet. I struggled with severe panic attacks and minor depression. I am now working with my doctor to "test" the weight loss by now not taking the pills. So my panic attacks are sure to be back but, we will hopefully get some solid information from this experiment.