GAD and on Effexor, I'm so terrified

Hi everyone,

I've been on Effexor for six years, only the lowest dose (37.5mg) and because it has turned on me, I'm going to be weaning off of it. My dr diagnosed me with GAD after I suffered a couple of panic attacks, that is why he prescribed the Effexor. Today will be my first day that I skip. I'm so terrified because of all the horrible stories I have read on the internet, in regards to coming off of Effexor. They have scared me to no end!

I'm just needing some support and positive words of encouragement. I would greatly appreciate any help and reassurance during this transition.

Thank you so much!
Karen

Try to stay in the moment and try not to worry about the what if's. Also, it might be a good idea to stay off the net searches for now. I will keep you in my prayers that all goes well for you.
Hugs,
Gail *Nanners*

Karen, I hear ya, I am also 42 and in the midst of peri menopause.
Anxiety that is brought on by a chemcial reaction is scary but is fixable.
You can look into seeing a endocrinologist who also works in naturopathic medicine or an ND (Natural dr) who specialized in the endcrine system.
You can balance the horomones so you don't have to go through all this torture. I am in the same boat, so I totally understand.
A diet w/out sugar and caffeine is a must in order to keep the glycemic load down which causes the anxiety with hormone fluctuations like this.

good luck

Thank you once again for your words of encouragement and understanding. I am my own worst enemy! Rather then doing things to calm me down and distract me, I sit here waiting for the next symptom of withdrawal. Rather then going outside and enjoying the gorgeous weather, I'm on the net reading horror stories from people that attempted to come off the drug. I'm almost at the point where I'm so angry with myself and so angry at the anxiety, I'm just want to throw my arms up and walk away from this mess that I have created!

Having said that, I think I'm going to go for a walk and treat myself to some sushi :)
Hugs,
Karen

Karen,
Good luck to you. I think you're smart to recognize that symptom-surfing isn't helping you right now. I've been on some of those drug side-effect sites, and they seem informative at first, but you have to be careful. I think it's human nature for folks who've had a bad experience to need to talk about it, warn others, etc., as part of dealing with it. It's far less natural to say to yourself, "Hey, I get along okay on Medication X. Let me share that with the world." So my assumption is that I'm reading a *LOT* fewer positive or neutral stories on those sites than what really happens in life.
Do take it slowly and gently with weaning off. Effexor is something your body is used to having, and it makes sense that it would act a little differently as it adjusts to not having Effexor any more. Try to remind yourself that the side effects will pass, even though it's nerve-wracking to think of them right now. I'm so glad you've got your doctor on board with you too - that's a big source of support and answers to questions.
percycat

Karen, I so hear you and know where you are coming from with the perimenopause stuff. Been in this zone for almost 10 years now (I'm 47). I think a small portion of my anxiety is hormonal related as well. As for coming off the Effexor, try to take it one day at a time. I've never withdrawn from a drug but I would suggest that if you just take it one day at a time and see how it goes and stay in the moment as someone said at least you are not worrying about the "what ifs". If it does get too bad, call your doctor and maybe you can wean off of it gradually over time instead of cold turkey.