Effexor withdrawal effects - how long after stopping?

Hi

I posted this originally in the medication forum, but no-one has responded, so I am hoping someone in this forum can give me some advice:

Please could someone let me know how long Effexor withdrawal effects can last after tapering off completely?

I was prescribed Effexor (Venlafaxine) for GAD, but took my last 35mg tablet 4 weeks ago, after tapering down gradually from 150mg under my doctor's advice.

At first the effects were terrible. My head was all over the place, and I had physical symptoms too, such as an upset stomach, headache, fatigue etc.

One by one, the effects dropped off, and now, most of them have gone, but I'm still getting a lot of anger, and stress over the slightest thing. I'm blowing up at my husband and kids if they so much as breathe out of place, and this is followed by severe anxiety and panic, because it all gets too much and I feel like I can't cope.

I hope this is still withdrawal, and that someone can reassure me that it's normal to still have some effects, even after 4 weeks..?

If not, then I'm scared that this will be it now. I'll always be this way; that this is me now, which would mean I'd have to go back on Effexor, or another similar med, and feel dulled again.

Any advice / reassurance would be much appreciated

Have you considered talking to your doctor about these symptoms/experiences you are having since stopping the medication? Your doctor should be able to talk you through if this is still withdrawal or if something else is going on for you. If it turns out that what you are experiencing is no longer withdrawal, you may be able to discuss other medication or treatment options that would be free from any side effects you are wanting to avoid such as the "dulled" feeling you mention...

My boyfriend has been off Effexor now for 2 weeks and still having withdrawal effect....flu like symptoms, headaches, fatigue, sexual side effects. As they are getting slightly better every day, his anxiety is getting worse.