Thanks to everyone who has shared their experience with Effexor. It is a similar SSRI to the one that I have been on for 2.5 years (100 mg Sertraline (Zoloft).
I am a 57 year old woman and began taking this drug around the time I reached menopause. It works to keep you from crying and being generally down but it also makes you numb. After 2.5 years on the same dosage, I could not jerk out a tear if I tried. This drug caused me to clench my teeth at night also, which prompted more medication to try to stop that! I am withdrawing from this drug without doctor supervision, because I know that I can.
I have tried quitting before, several times. But I am going to "push through" this time!
I want to be "normal" again, even if that means I get emotional at times. I try to eat healthy foods and exercise some everyday, so I know I can do this! I went two weeks on 50 mgs, then two weeks on 25. I took my last 25 mg dose a week ago, tomorrow. I had an especially sad day on day 3-4 (wow, I can cry). I have experienced the "zst" brain zaps every day and they are not abating. They are especially bad in the morning and occur sometimes 4-5 times in succession. I feel light headed too when they happen. I read somewhere to expect up to 2 weeks of these side effects. This drug is pretty addictive to create this sensation when you stop taking it, even after I reduced the dosage for almost a month. I do have insomnia and the very weird dreams. It helps to take one antihistamine at bedtime though.
I think that these drugs are too easily prescribed. I will not be getting back on them again, that is for sure!