Effexor Withdrawal, Tapering Help, Side Effects and Alternatives | Alternative to Meds.

This Q&A session with the Founder of Alternative to Meds Center, Lyle Murphy, Top questions about Effexor Withdrawal are covered.
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1. What is Effexor?
Effexor is an SNRI, or, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Effexor has one of the shortest half-lives of all the medications in the Antidepressant drug class. It became widely used because of its ability to deliver effects rapidly.
2. What is Effexor used for?
"Effexor is used as a mood elevator. It is used for people who are suffering from depression, suffering from being morose....to help kind of give them a lift." - Lyle Murphy
The problem with Effexor is it's not sustainable. It likely is not any more sustainable than lifting someone's spirits with Methamphetamines. Effexor really can take a toll on someone's nervous system.
3. What do I need to know about Effexor Withdrawal?
Effexor is actively restricting the re-uptake of Serotonin or Norepinephrine. The Serotonin aspect of this medication is meant to assist with impulse control, symptoms like suicidal ideations. The Norepinephrine aspect acts more like a stimulant, to assist with focus, and elevating an individual's temperament.
"This drug is not actively making Serotonin, it's not making Norepinephrine. On some level, it's spending it" - Lyle Murphy
Warning: Due to the short half-life of Effexor, medication withdrawal symptoms may come on faster. For more information on Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms and Side-Effects please visit:
www.alternativetomeds.com/ant...
4. How can I support my Effexor withdrawal naturally?
There are ways to support it naturally, and there are ways to support it using bridge medications. Another thing people use to help the Effexor Withdrawal process is titration compounding.
To view more about Effexor Alternatives visit:
www.alternativetomeds.com/blo...
"If you can stop the Serotonin plunge, and just be dealing with the Norepinephrine plunge, you can change the withdrawal specifications of this medication from being a dual-pronged thing to being more singular at least." - Lyle Murphy
5. What types of people might not tolerate Effexor well?
Anyone that has anxiety, mania, psychosis...anyone that tends to be a bit high strung, this medication could make them more than high-strung, and leave them completely in panic.
"The short term gains [ of Effexor ] are not often not worth the long term consequences" - Lyle Murphy
6. What are some of the side effects of Effexor?
Excitability, being over-revved, not being able to sleep, abject panic...
To view more about Effexor Tapering visit:
www.alternativetomeds.com/eff...
Thank you for watching this video about Effexor. Please like and subscribe to our page.
To learn more about the Alternative to Meds Center, located in Sedona, AZ, please visit:
www.alternativetomeds.com/about/
To speak with an admissions counselor call 1-800-301-3753

[@lovelyyluciddreams4352]

This video: you’re not alone! Other people feel like they are dying from this drug too! We wish you well 😁

[@georgesullivan4473]

Awesome vlog, I'm 52 years old and after experiencing a very bad year in 2021 i realized something needs to change, I am currently tapering off 😀

[@stevehill1342]

I seriously underestimated coming off this drug!!!! I've been on 75mg for 9 months. After 4 days cold turkey, I had a sleepless night followed by being in complete disarray for the next two days. Sleep remains fractured and increased dissiness. On the morning of day 4, I was in a type of awake sleepwalk coupled with muscle pain and stiffness. So I resumed my 75mg dose a few hours ago and feel a little better. This brought me to this video. Tomorrow I will try again but this time taper to 37.5mg for 2 weeks, and possibley reducing to half of 37.5mg for another 2 weeks. I wish all of you luck for your best path

[@knittingggg326]

What really helped me is opening the capsule and taking out 1/4, then 2/4, a few weeks later 3/4 and so forth. It takes a while but it makes the withdrawal symptoms more bearable. Good luck!

[@mayamorabito1669]

You need to taper over around 3 months to avoid side effects and relapses…

[@PeterBornAgain]

I went cold turkey back in the late 90s best decision of my life!

[@diann3880]

Excellent video. Your delivery and detailed explanation wow so good. Very helpful

[@AnthonyJones-ce2uf]

I love that comment you are not alone.... True.

[@chrisharford7466]

Thank you very very much!

[@brycewastney]

Thanks for this. I’m glad to know I’m not alone with what I experienced. I tapered off 150mg over 3 months. Was on it for 5 years previously. Stress triggered insomnia, which started a deep spiral, then panic attacks, and heavy depression with loss of interest in everything/low sex drive. Suicidal thoughts and dark dreams.. I’m back on it now at 262mg and it feels like I’m back to my normal self again. Starting a new job next week, rebuilding my energy and life after a very frightening 8 months! I’m happy to stay on this dose if it keeps me balanced. Your explanation has helped me see this wasn’t just me being broken, avoiding stuff etc.. it was a chemical / withdrawal type situation.

[@user-rp2ui8ro4r]

Yea im very confused. U stopped to restart? Why?

[@brycewastney]

My now ex girlfriend, thought Id be better off it. She is a life coach. Never should have listened to her. Happily on it for life. It's like night and day... and every time Ive come off I end up in a bad space. Doctor says it's fine to continue:) Happy to be away from that toxic woman!@@RayB.I

[@NewYorkGirlieGirl]

Seems like they restarted due to the horrible withdrawal and return of anxiety.

[@user-rp2ui8ro4r]

@@NewYorkGirlieGirl how do u know that?

[@brycewastney]

yes I came off it after believing some bad advice. Hard lesson to learn, but functioning well now Im back on it. @@user-rp2ui8ro4r

[@rcc475]

Completed 6 months of an Effexor regimen. It's been 3 years since I've taken it and haven't felt the same since.

[@giovannyrivera8268]

Right now I'd rather die than deal with these brain zaps and dizziness

[@MurphyLyle]

Have you tried tryptophan?

[@giovannyrivera8268]

@@MurphyLyle no 🤔 can I find it at a drugstore or do I have to get it prescribed?

[@ShayVidz]

@@giovannyrivera8268 yes but be careful of serotonin syndrome.

[@giovannyrivera8268]

@@ShayVidz it has been about a month and a half since I quit and I feel better than I did while taking them. :)

[@ShayVidz]

@@giovannyrivera8268 so proud of you. I'm on day 5 of withdrawal. I will not be getting back on lol I will be updating my process on my channel

[@joelrivardguitar]

I found the taper was no problem. I did use a Prozac bridge. Once I stopped I had 6 weeks of terrible brain zaps and body aches. Then 1 year of agitation. I reinstated 6 weeks Prozac and then 6 weeks Sertraline after getting constant anxiety along with the agitation. Both drugs stopped all anxiety but increased the agitation. Did another taper and the WD was exactly the same, 6 weeks brain zaps and body aches. Am now on year 4 of constant agitation or what Dr Shipko calls tardive akathesia. A depressive agitation. Brutal. Eating good, bodybuilding, cardio, MMA, it helps while I'm working out but feel terrible again right after. To cope I have to live a structured schedule and social activities are pretty much not happening ever. Intermittent Lorazepam (to avoid addiction) calms it down enough to feel normal. Days where I skip the benzo are a constant fight with agitation. I didn't introduce the benzo until the 3rd year, it's the only thing that helps. Articles by Dr Stuart Shipko helped me and my doctor understand the condition. BEWARE of Venlaflaxine!!!!!

[@mr.giggles4995]

If you're taking a benzo every other day there's a really good chance you're in withdrawal from it, I would be surprised if you weren't. Benzo withdrawal is no joke, one of the worst.

[@joelrivardguitar]

@@mr.giggles4995 I take one dose daily now. A recently missed a dose and went about 50 hours with no noticeable effects. Was surprising.

[@SkyOfTheUniverse]

Very weird feelings while falling asleep and hallucinations during falling asleep

[@3o3brine28]

Yes I’ve had both along with many other side effects.

[@SkyOfTheUniverse]

@@3o3brine28 I'm on it now and when I miss a dose it's a nightmare. How long have you been on it?

[@kasiavu4629]

I wish I would have watched this before I started tapering off. I was guided to do it way to fast and I'm miserable

[@danielandres4353]

I have just switched from extended release to immediate release to start my taper. Thank god I never went up to a higher dose than 75mg. Even coming down 18.75mg (half of one IR pill) is giving me withdrawal symptoms.

[@MurphyLyle]

If you were working with a naturopath, and familiarize yourself with serotonin syndrome, probably the best adjunct would be tryptophan. But of course you only use it during the tapering process and not long-term. And you might feel very lethargic and unmotivated which is probably normal, but hopefully by combining those two you won’t have the harsh serotonin plunge that will affect your sleep, potentially cause OCD, and ramp up anxiety.

[@MS-mz8kh]

How much tryptophan would be safe to take while coming off of Effexor/Venlafaxine?

[@dianemorrell9638]

@@MS-mz8kh My sleep doctor gave me 500 mg. at night to start and increase to 1 gram after two weeks. Didn't work for me though it caused plenty of nausea

[@3o3brine28]

Does anyone else have nausea and vomiting and racing heart?

[@SkyOfTheUniverse]

Yep

[@bugosestfire]

Yes

[@3o3brine28]

Thank goodness. I was afraid I was the only one. I didn’t think the vomiting was really a part of the withdrawal. I also have crazy dreams where I yell out. My daughter has woken me up in the past, and my Dad woke me up last week saying I was yelling in my sleep. The dreams are vivid and not always, but sometimes very scary.

[@glynstrong]

Yes.

[@Dan-qt7kq]

I just don’t feel it’s a long term solution. Wasn’t really sure why dr put me in this, so I decided to stop, 75-37.5, ok then to zero, we’ll, bit emotional and the friggin zaps when I move my eyes. Just don’t feel right, so it’s been a week, so hope it gets over shortly.

[@itsmv111]

Great video thanks for all the information! I've been taking 75mg extended release tablets for 2 years and I want to get off. Should I taper down to 37mg and for how long?

[@AlternativetoMedsCenter]

Since everyone is different, it is impossible to give medical advice without having a doctor patient relationship. Our treatment program is tailored to the individual, so no two treatment plans are ever exactly the same. To learn about our program please visit alternativetomeds.com It is advised to ask your doctor for advice , or join our program and establish a relationship with our doctors.

[@naomimara3340]

Dear Sir, Thank you so much. This is really appreciated, especially the way you explained how the drug and synapse "work" and duality of withdrawal. If you have time,please let us know which alternative/herbal remedy would be ok to use while STILL ON Effextor (small dose, 18.5mg still tappering)? Greetings from Croatia 🤗

[@MissHaotic]

I am on 37.5 right now. Was on 75 2 months ago. Do you have any withdrawal symptoms? He mentioned L tryptophane as an assistant to serotonine depletion, but also the danger of taking it together with a drug that disables serotonine leave the system. I am from Serbia and I don't think there are naturopaths here educated in these topics. Would also appreciate if he gave some advice on the dosage of L-Triptophane during still on 18.5 since I am going to come to that dose soon.

[@naomimara3340]

@@MissHaotic Dear Jelena, I can't really tell if my symptoms (unbearable headache, nausea, pain in my back,neck and shoulder, confusion) are from withdrawal or from getting on "bridge antidepressant" I am on for last 3 weeks (5mg Brintelix). You are so right, there are no "psychiatric naturopaths" or any similar doctors in our area that might help. I feel so confused and lost, as I wasn't ok ON Effextor, also not ok reducing it, and this new one..I don't feel it helps a bit for depression. But it DOES make me calm, so at least I use way less Rivotril/benzo than before. (1.5 mg before, now only 0.75 mg/day). Hope you are doing ok Jelena. If I my ask, why are you getting off? Tnx Ps.I forgot to mention, this wasn't tapering like last time. (3 y ago I was reducing gradually from 150mg to 0 during cca 3 months. This time was fast: 3 days on 75mg, 3 days on 37.5 and then on 18.5 few days and then every other day, every third and it became unbearable so I'm back on 18.5 every day until I get stable..I guess..😞

[@MissHaotic]

@@naomimara3340 I am so sorry to hear you're feeling like this. I stopped Rivotril a year ago and had very nasty withdrawal. I think these drugs fuck up your system more than it was before. I am taking antidepressants for a long time and they stopped working for me, but I was taking them because I was affraid willI be able to function (read - go to work). Also what I founf outhere is that for some ppl Effexor can worsen their anxiety and that is what happened to me. I thought though that it was a byproduct of psychotherapy I started going at that time, but now that I think about it, it was not. I don't want to be on these anymore. I would never ever recommend anyone taking them. As aboutmy withdrawal, I had very strong emotions first, and then now for some time I am feeling difficult to do things. Today I got out from bed more energized and alive. I think this method of going off tou described is way too fast. Also, I found a book yesterday that explains how to supplement for withdrawal and what - Julia Ross "The mood cure". You can find it on Libgen.com. If you have any difficultiesdownloading it, please contact me.

[@MissHaotic]

Sorry for the typos, I'm typing on my phone. I will start taking L-tryptophan, NOW supplements have it, and you can use GABA too to calm you so you don't have to use benzos. She explains nicely how much to take and when and how to avoid serotonine syndrome. I have never tried Gaba, but I am taking magnesium and melatonine before sleep, and it works wonderful.

[@naomimara3340]

@@MissHaotic Good job getting off Rivotril. And now also Velafax..you are almost there! 👍 Thank you for book recommendation, I've heard about it but never read it. Will have a look at it,as soon I am well enough to read. I don't work since March, so I get you. And also the way you feel about how AD affected you..same here. Is there any way I can contact you here on Ytube? Or do you have any e-mail you feel ok to share. You can let me know at [e-mail]..if you want. Anyway, great job, keep going and good luck Jelena. 🤗

[@markhodge5006]

Im currently on 75mg Venlafaxine and was originally on Effexor xr 75mg. I've tried to go down to 37.5 and started having anxiety and panic attacks. I so want to get off this drug. Any ideas?

[@devinmango]

Question for the author, are you saying that when you come off Effexor your brain won’t ever be the same? I’ve been on it since fall of 2021 and I’m tapering but now I’m afraid of what my mind will be when I get off. Will I not have serotonin left?,

[@pamelabellingham5034]

How do I taper from 375 mg ov. Venaflaxine

[@NewYorkGirlieGirl]

I've been on 150 XR mg of Effexor for 22 years. I've felt great for that entire time and am terrified to come off of it. 😩. Mostly because I had debilitating panic attacks and have had no anxiety for 22 years. Of course I'm concerned it will come back.

[@brycewastney]

Im the same. Some of us just need it and it's fine.

[@3tch3r]

This guy's not too smart

[@champchamp4819]

How much Prozac are you giving for the tapper off of Effexor ?

[@rbond4633]

So if someone is on a SSRI, they shouldn't be taking magnesium, niacin and the rest that you mentioned because the drug and these supplements both help increase serotonin and they can get too much, as in serotonin syndrome? Hope not because those nutrients serve many other necessary functions besides aiding serotonin.

[@SHADOW.5]

Right I thought your supposed to take magnesium anyway with this Covid? My mother is a nurse and she told me her doctors at the hospital tell the patients who feet Covid add magnesium to they daily supplements,

[@annt7384]

Effexor - like other SNRIs - is not a mood elevator. You don't swallow an effexor pill and find your mood enhanced a few minutes later. It's used to treat depression and anxiety, but it's not a mood elevator.

[@JayJay-tb5cw]

Overtime it elevates your mood obviously lmao don't debate that please

[@joelrivardguitar]

The first several months I used it, within 30-40 minutes I would feel a "buzz" of enhanced well being. Then the brain zaps and agitation became terrible and the mood effects stopped happening.

[@annt7384]

@@joelrivardguitar I stand corrected; I’ve never heard of an antidepressant giving anyone a buzz.

[@3tch3r]

Anything that makes depression or anxiety better is considered a mood enhancer.

[@jamesmoore4827]

I've been on Effexor XR 150mg for about 7 years. About a year ago a jumped off it cold turkey for about six months and nearly had a complete nervous breakdown so decided to go back on 75mg, starting out with 37.5mg. I so desperately wish to stop taking this drug as I can definitely notice a numbing of my emotions which is unacceptable to me, not to mention the other side effects. The 75mg dose I've been on comes in a capsule which has 6 pellets inside so I decided I might wean myself off by reducing one pellet at intervals. Is this a good idea and if so what time intervals should I wait to reduce? I've only just gone down from the six 6 pellets that make up the 75mg to 5 and can't find any information on what time periods I should reduce? Any help or suggestions would be SO greatly appreciated! Thanks..

[@mayamoubarak3342]

Check the specific group on FB for this matter, “tapering Effexor “ or something like that.

[@jamesmoore4827]

@@mayamoubarak3342 Thanks. But I can happily report that I succeeded in getting off Effexor and am doing really well 🙂

[@mayamoubarak3342]

@@jamesmoore4827 wow, congratulations then! And no problem

[@jamesmoore4827]

@@mayamoubarak3342 Thanks 🙂

[@bweb778]

@@jamesmoore4827 how did the taper go for you? Did you have side effects and for how long?

[@lohaben5443]

Why did my neurologist give me this for migraines????

[@lurdespullan997]

I quit Effexor about 3 months ago and my weight spike up. I workout every day and eat a healthy diet but I have gained a lot of weight. Why ?

[@annmarieoliverie7526]

I’m coming off 150 to 112 effexor not helping with depression. I’m so afraid w all the horror stories of withdrawal’s but it’s made me numb and feel depression is worse. Bad thoughts no interest in much

[@threestripedkicks]

First, you’re not alone. Yes, withdrawals are really tough. Especially if you try to rush it. I was at 225mg/day for 5 years. I spent the last year tapering down to 75mg. Today is my 5th day of no Effexor. From personal experience, and researching and watching videos of other people’s first hand experiences, it’s best to just make a plan and stick to it. Take your time. You can even get Effexor in liquid form and decrease your dose even more gradually, from a compounding pharmacy. Your comment says ‘not helping with depression’ so take a few days or a week and decide if you want to switch to another medication for relief, or stop all together. I chose the latter. Being numb was great 5 years ago, because the only thing on my mind was suicide. This medicine saved my life! Yes, my withdrawals are horrible at times. But I’m willing to sacrifice a couple weeks of my life, maybe a couple months even, to become a functioning human with feelings again. No one (Dr.) said anything about side effects or withdrawals to me. I had to learn the hard way. It’s ok to be scared, I was and still am. I cried like 17 times today for no reason…But after 5 years of feeling nothing… I’ll take it! You have to start somewhere. You’re not going to die, you have options to support the tapering down process and the withdrawals you will experience. Keep researching and listening to others experiences. It will only make you believe in yourself more. All these strangers will say, If I can do it, you can do it! Take your time. You. Are. Not. Alone.

[@bisous10023]

Can you please make a video for how to naturally bring back your neuroepinephrine once it’s been damanged?

[@MurphyLyle]

Tyrosine and DLPA. Mucuna as well. But I would wait until you are off of the effexor to try this Unless you absolutely are not suffering from anxiety in the process

[@user-rp2ui8ro4r]

15:30 can you please please please make a video on neurotransmitter help and inhibitory/excitatory - or sympathetic and prasympathetic nervous systems… I may have anticholinergic damage… any advice for anticholinergic burden (ACB)?? Where do i find info on ur site about nervous systems and if u have them - treatments for ACB? Please help :((

[@user-rp2ui8ro4r]

@@MurphyLylewait you mentioned in an antipsychotic video that: -4000mg vit c -500-1000mg niacin Were standard for dopamine downregulation? But vit c also gives me a spike of energy - is that not the same MOA as norepinephrine?

[@user-rp2ui8ro4r]

Wait so MUNUCA had plant dopamine apprently - So u can get DA thru plants same way u can get estrogen thru soy milks?? Would u reco doing this for acetylcholine too, or?

[@user-rp2ui8ro4r]

How do u heal dopamine receptors or dopaminergic neurons?? Is there a way? Is that the main reason explaining as to why people feel anhedonic?

[@MS-mz8kh]

Can CBD oil help with Effexor withdrawal?

[@MurphyLyle]

Yes, for sure. www.alternativetomeds.com/blog/effexor-tapering/ And also the page www.alternativetomeds.com/blog/effexor-alternatives/ Contain a lot of information that can help you regarding tapering and different alternatives for Effexor

[@shonasutley4420]

Holy hell… I’ve been on it for 20 years and am taking 300mg. I want to get off, but I’m starting to wonder if it’s worth it. 🥺

[@Runark79]

Try?😊

[@angrybabushka]

I've been taking a prescribed dose of 375mg (yes i'm aware its over the therapeutic dose) for over two years now and I'm so sick. I can't do much of anything, I feel like my muscles are degrading and i'm always tingly. My mental health has been just fine, but the physical side affects are so great that I can't function. I sleep 16 hours a day and shake all the time. I feel like cold-turkey would hurt less at this point.

[@MurphyLyle]

While some people can get away with that, it certainly is Gambling where the stakes are high to do it that way. Have you thought about reducing just a quarter of the full dose to see how that is tolerated?

[@angrybabushka]

@@MurphyLyle hey! Sorry it’s been so long since I posted this, I’ve been decreasing myself about 37mg per week and I feel better so far. I’m down to 150mg and I plan on decreasing as far as I can :) towards the end I imagine it’ll be easier to start decreasing in larger increments and reducing my intake by 50% rather than taking it 37mg at a time.

[@duffman2218]

Hello, how are you doing now? I've been tapering off 150mg I'm now at 0mg since a few days ago and it's really hard. Going down from 150 to 37,5 was fairly easy but from 37,5 to 0 is super hard, have you experienced the same thing? Thanks, God bless you.

[@ruthiepierce5299]

does withdrawal ever cause nightmares

[@JK-jq7rc]

I suspect, YES. Should go away after awhile. I wonder if the fight or flight response gets messed with

[@amiles7429]

Yes nightmares are so common, I also experienced awful nightmares/dreams

[@3o3brine28]

Absolutely I have had very frightening dreams as well as very vivid dreams.

[@thatgirlblack]

Yes, also can lead to sleeping problems. Takes you to a not asleep- not awake place with never ending dreams or nightmares.

[@kasiavu4629]

Yes. I've had some of the scariest dreams coming off of this

[@rimpy9913]

Hiii...pleasee help me.... my doctor advice me veniz xr 75mg past 2 years nd then tappering to this medicine at 37.5.. Iam taking now venix xr 37.5 at night.. i want to stop this medicine but when i mis one day dose next morning i am feel dizziness nausea nd worsen effects nd i am totely irritate nd crying that time... please advice what should i do... ??

[@MS-mz8kh]

You must go off of that SLOWLY. You are on a very low dose; I was on the same. I personally broke the 37.5 mg tablet in half and took that each day. Then I slowly weaned myself down from that, in a two month period, until I was completely off. Even at that, I am experiencing withdrawals but no brain zaps; just mild depression. I will see how I feel in one or two months. I was on this medication for 25 years, starting with 75 mg, so it is bound to effect me, going off of it.

[@denistephanierossi118]

Smesso subito dopo 10 giorni ero ridotta uno zombi,mai stata così male in vita mia,ritornata a citalopram. Psicofarmaci sono veleniiiii, maledetto il giorno che ho iniziato a prenderli😢

[@buddyschultz6180]

Pain medicine

[@Jungian111]

"not sustainable" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marcelrey9533]

Just some constructive criticism, learn how to speak in public before going on public forums. Especially for the sake of people who are struggling from the very things you're talking about. Thanks

[@ruthannflentge9536]

Wow

[@mystorymenzi7726]

Dude maybe you should go to medical school yourself and let's see how well you do better

[@blueapplessss]

Thats rude and just not true. He did a great job

[@backgroundcheck97]

Not true

[@wuwei43]

I think you might need some effexor bro

[@ban2700651]

I just started withdrawing from Effexor XR 75 mg. a few days ago. I'm having meltdowns, behaving in ways not my normal, going from a 0 to 100 in a second and feeling like I'm someone else, a real bitch (as my daughter described it) and I'm far from being this. My Primary Care dr. did give me a plan for slowly getting off which will take 6 weeks. I'm considering checking out an endocrinologist to see if from blood test, if what I'm lacking can be addressed by some natural way. This UTube video really scared me. I had no idea the withdrawal symptoms could be so severe. Not long ago, since this med didn't seem to be working, dr. prescribed 150 mgs. I didn't like the double dosage and after a few days, decided it would be better to just keep it at 75mg. Due to some other health concerns, I really want off this med. It keeps me sleepy/tired/yawning all day. The only good thing it did, was take the edge off my emotions. I handled negative stuff coming my way much better. I believe it has been one of the many things that have increased my weight gain and continues to block weight loss. My liver dr. said I needed to lose the weight due to fatty liver. My weight mgmt. dr. gave me 500 mg X2 a day of Metformin. I live with a dull headache and tummy pain since beginning this med. I'm what is called pre-diabetic, and experiencing what feels like neuropathy in both feet. Now, I've had two meltdowns, one this past Friday and second yesterday. Primary wants to check my thyroid in 3 1/2 months due to a recent blood test, but wants to make sure this is an issue for here again, another rx for the rest of my life, if it is. I've had no prior tests that indicated this was a problem All in all, I'm looking for a healthy way to get back into good health. I'm 76 and God has blessed me to look much younger along with hair coloring, so I just want to enjoy life again and wish I had never started the Effexor. I had no idea it would be this difficult to get off and after this video, I'm wondering if I'm going to get back the chemistry I had before. Hopefully, I'll find a way to deal with the withdrawals other than becoming a slave to it., No worries, one way or the other God has a plan.......