Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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I'm finally off that evil drug Effexor

MMP1
MMP1
Well I survived the withdrawal. The brain shocks. The crying spells. The vivid dreams. Effexor is officially out of my system. Well, I get a random "shock" every once in a while, but it's all most gone. And you know what? I feel more normal than I have felt in years. I swear that damn drug had me numbed out. It had to be the drug. I don't think it's an antidepressant at all - it was more like a depressant for me. I feel so strongly about it I went and filed a complaint on the FDA website about the side effects of withdrawal and it's overall effect on me when I was taking it. They really need to have a flashing warning label with this one.
sadiegirl13
sadiegirl13
I think that most of us who have been on this drug feel that it is evil, haha, ESP THE WITHDRAWALS!! Congrats, getting through the withdrawals is hell, but you did it. I hope things improve for you as you move forward.
Nester4U
Nester4U
So glad you are feeling better. I know some of the drugs I've taken that are supposed to be AD's or have AD properties have made me feel even worse and I didn't realize how much worse until my meds got changed and I got off them. Glad the worst is over!!
Halterbroke
Halterbroke
I'm glad you are off and survived the withdrawals.

But for some people (like me) the drug is a miracle. I'm pregnant and off Effexor for the time being and my chronic low-level depression is back. I forgot how horrible it is to fight this every day. Every time I have gone off Effexor it takes about a month for my symptoms to return and then we have to start all over. Nothing else works for me.
spacekat
spacekat
I'm so glad, MMP1!! Withdrawal from Effexor SUCKS! I was on it once but it must have been a low dose because I don't remember most of the withdrawal except the brain zaps - those are simply awful. I'm so sorry you had to go through that!
am613
am613
@halter - have you tried omega3? my doctor tells me to take it even though I'm on an AD ....

Hugs,

AM613