Hi!

I am not a professional therapist or lawyer, but if you feel that Effexor caused you harm maybe you should see a neurologist.  I Googled 'Effexor withdrawal' and boy-oh-boy is there a lot of information from many people who have experienced very upsetting withdrawal symptoms.  I tried Effexor and did not like the side affects so took one dosage and stopped.  With so many people having such bad experiences on this drug I question why it is even on the market. 

I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression back in the '90s after a lifetime of being depressed to one degree or another.  During my lifetime (I am now 58) doctors have put me through a plethora of medical tests trying to find out why I was so lethargic and tired a lot of the time.  All tests came back negative.  I was told more than once that I was 'healthy as a horse'.  Then I was told it was all psychosomatic.  I was sent home and told to stop feeling sorry for myself and get involved in an activity.  I felt dismissed as being an hysterical female looking for attention.  I was 19 years old.

I had a nervous breakdown when I was about 21.  After years of being told it was all in my head and having not one person take my situation seriously I had had enough.  My mother, an alcoholic, came down on me one night really hard after my father had been over for a visit to help me (supposedly) find another college to go to and my mother drank.  I psyche just snapped . . and I sat rocking back and forth in silence.  I felt my self outside of my body up at the ceiling looking down at me as my mother screamed at me calling me 'selfish', 'spoiled' and other lovely things.  After about ten minutes she realized that something was very, very wrong.  She gave me one of her valiums (yes, she was a drug addict, too) and put me to bed.  I was in therapy the next day.  But, still . . depression was not diagnosed!  I went through my 20s and 30s seeing this therapist and that therapist, group therapy, beating pillows, screaming in sound proof rooms and trying all sort of anti-derpessants - none of which made me feel really good.  Then I read about some of the side effects and withdrawal issues and stopped taking any of them.  The drug's side effects were worse then the depression!

Anyway, by the time I was in my 40s a psychiatrist finally diagnosed me with Clinical Depression that was congenital.  I inherited it from my mother's side of the family which had a long history of alcoholism and other psychiatrict problems.  He then asked me an interesting question: 'When in my life did I ever feel normal?'  I told him that the only time was when I had taken pure, pharmaceutical, time released Dexadrine in college to stay up to do a term paper.  I felt the fog lift!  I felt totally clear of mind.  I felt alive!  I got an A on my paper.  I wanted to take Dexadrine every day to feel this good.  But, I knew that was dangerous and I did not want to become addicted.  He knew from that answer the right drug to give to me: Wellbutrin.  My life changed radically from that day forward.  My father, who had never been a strong believer in psychiatry or taking drugs, was the first to tell me that I was different, better!  He asked me what had changed - that I was a totally different person.  It was the Wellbutrin I told him.  I was able to talk clearly, think clearly, communicate clearly and the fog was lifted just like it had been with the Dexadrine.

So, I do not say that this is good for everyone.  You need to see a psychitrist to get a proper evaluation for your specific problems, but if they feel it might help you - I highly recommend it.  Always remember - every drug does not work for everyone.  I had mild side effects the first time I took the Welbutrin, but that last for about a half hour and never again.  My vison got wavy is the only way for me to describe it.  I have tried to go off the drugs and the depression came back - so I know that the doctor telling me I would be taking it for life - I knew that was true.

I feel your pain and concern for how you are feeling.  I cannot tell you what to do, but if you do think that the drug has affected your health adversely I would get to a neurologist or maybe a psychiatrist to get their medical opinion.  If you feel like you are being blown off and dismissed for your feelings and complaints - go to another doctor!  I really hope you can get the help you need soon so you can feel good again!  ~ Wendy