Have come off Effexor - any similar experiences

[Deadsouls]

Hi, I've recently come off the anti-depressant Effexor after about 2.5 years. I tapered off very slowly and have been off it completely for about a week or so.
I was prepared for the vertigo type feelings, brain zaps and so on but I wasn't expecting the tearfulness. It's like really bad PMT. I keep bursting into tears which is okay, but it almost feels as though the drug kept a lid on my emotions and now I'm feeling them all. (Very trying couple of years). Has anyone else experienced this very emotional state after coming off Effexor. I also felt quite moody and got very angry earlier. Is this a side effect of coming off.
I'm still having brain zaps also. Wondering how long it all goes on for.
Thank you

Hi, well done on coming off it! I have come off fluoxetine this year, which I know is a bit different as it has a longer half life, but I've had similar symptoms - brain zaps, crying, anger, anxiety, inability to cope with small things. I think it takes a while to get out of your system completely so you may have to wait a bit longer for the withdrawal type symptoms to subside. With the crying, anger, etc I think it is your system getting used to the absence of the drug, if you see what I mean. I think it is getting better very slowly. I still have days when I think it's all too much and want to go back on something but those days are getting further apart. I won't lie, it is hard (though of course everyone is different). I try to remind myself that it is a big achievement to be off the meds. I am trying to get into a routine of doing breathing exercises every day as that is supposed to help, as is physical exercise - a 20 minute walk every day is supposed to be enough to make a difference. Apparently research has shown that these things are as effective as meds at managing anxiety and depression, though it is hard having the discipline to do it. Good luck with this, let me know if you want to chat about it... Maybe we could support each other.

Hiya since I wrote that post, almost all the withdrawals subsided. Only slight dizziness every now and then. I was on a very low dose though, I did feel quite nuts for a couple of days. Feel pretty good! What about you? I've been reading about effexor online, it seems like its a very strong drug!

So pleased to hear your symptoms have subsided - hope things continue to go well for you! Effexor is a pretty serious drug I think. I actually had to come off fluoxetine because I was getting terrible shakes (had been fine on it for years)... It is scary what these drugs do to you! I am very up and down but trying to find a way to cope as I really don't want to go back on meds,

Well the thing is, I've always been quite matter of fact about antidepressants viewing them as a practical intervention. But then started looking at peoples' experiences!! And only then realised that effexor is quite bad