Hello everyone.  Since I last wrote, I was going off effexor.  I tried the method of counting down the beads, but in a lot different way, probably not the way I should have.  I was on 150mg and I dumped out the beads and wet my finger and took what was on my finger.  I did that for about a week and then I counted what was on my finger, it was about 22.  From there I counted down to 11 and then went totally off.  I didn't do too bad, yes, I still had the brain shocks and dizziness which was the worst withdrawl for me. 

A lot of people said this drug made them gain weight but I actually have had a slight weight gain, not sure if it is from the drug or not.  I haven't really seen a change in my eating habits.  Well, I went to the Dr. and told her I was off of it with these symptons and that I wanted something natural to help me with my anxiety.  I could already tell that my moods where changing, I am grouchy, impatient and beginning to lash out at my family.  The last thing I want for them is to be hurt because of this drug too. 

So, the Dr. told me about St. John's Wort.  You take 3 a day, all natural in th vitamin section at Wal-mart.  Im not sure if it was St John's or what but I started taking them yesterday and I didn't have one brain shock or dizzy spell!!!!!  I was so dang excited and the thing is, I didn't even notice it until I was talking to my husband last night and was reflecting on the day.  It is worth a try, friends!  Another thing that I used off of this web site is the anthestimine advice.  I would take one in the morning and on in the afternoon to help with the dizziness and shocks.  Two at once was too much and made me sleepy.  I'm feeling great, I cry at times for no reason (cried over a paper I read in my Master's Program, lol all i could do is laugh and cry at the same time, in my husbands arms, I've been a little off that way) I had one really bad dream and it felt like I couldn't breath.  I believe i was a panic attack, not sure but Ive never had anything like that before! 

 

I hope this will help someone else.

Kori