"It’s been four years now since I got off Effexor with your help. It took me nearly three months to taper off the dose, which is funny I think I only took it for 3 or four months before that. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in 2003 though I have had depression and anxiety issues my entire life. Over the course of five years doctors prescribed to me Prozac, Wellbutrin, Celexa and finally Effexor. Each time a med would stop working I would scour the Internet to research other drugs that I could convince my doctor to prescribe me. I began asking myself, what if this one doesn't work then what will fix me? What began as a general annoyance that the drugs either stopped working, caused rashes, or made me fat, ended with Effexor making me sleep like a zombie, have night terrors so horrible that I felt physical pain in my dreams, and cry uncontrollably if I missed a dose. My children would ask me what was wrong and I would tell them not to worry I forgot to take my medicine, they would look worried and say "then please don't forget anymore"

I knew I had to get off and that doctors were not going to fix me. It is not their business to fix us it is their business to keep us coming back and if we are ok we do not need them. It became clear that I was the one living the lifestyle that made me have the problems. I was the one who had to find and make the changes to fix me. I Googled away and I found you.

Finally honest straight forward advice to get off and solutions to alleviate and minimize physical reactions to getting off the drugs. Thank you Thank you thank you! I have dropped your link in quite a few friends’ e-mails after discussing getting off different drugs. Getting off Effexor took a lot of time and dedication and even after I was off completely I still experienced uncontrollable crying (especially if I drank alcohol which is not that often) and zaps in my ears for about 6 months after that. You never said it would be easy, and you never tried to take advantage of me and sell me stuff. Even today I hear zaps from time to time and it just alerts me to get back on my omega 3s and stop eating crap.

Thank you for reassuring me that it can be done and I do not have to be dependent on a foreign chemical to feel normal. Thank you for reinforcing the link between diet (especially refined carbs) and brain function. I have come so far but I am reminded with my relapse of negativity and sadness anytime I deviate back to my old eating habits.

You must get thousands of thank you’s and testimonials each day, and I know mine is just one more but it comes truly heartfelt with immense gratitude. "

-L.D.