The side effects from tapering are quickly diminishing. It’s getting easier to feel “normal” on the days I don’t take Effexor. I rarely even notice any side effects until late at night and it’s usually very minor like tingling lips and fingers, nothing too serious. I do tend to feel brain shocks but I’m telling you fish oil makes that go away within minutes- miracle.
The only “feeling” I can’t quite shake is this overwhelming feeling of being claustrophobic in my own body. I googled it and see it’s common but I hate reading those threads because I always take on others people fears lol.
It’s not consuming… Eventually I’m able to think about something else but when it does pop up it’s petrifying.
Basically I feel like I’m suffocating under my breasts, and skin. It’s like a compulsion to cut off my breasts and break free from my skin (even though I would NEVER act on these intrusive thoughts it’s annoying to have them at all).
To me it sounds like what someone who has an eating disorder might experience … This feeling seems like a precursor to anorexia. That won’t be a problem for me though- I just need to find a solution to these horrible intrusive thoughts and remind myself that I’m obviously not going to suffocate myself.
Ugh… Frustrating to say the least. Anyone feel this ever?
Getting off and Escaping Effexor 
Thanks for your post. Being claustrophobic in my own skin is exactly the way I feel. Now that I know I’m not the only one, I feel much better.
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And I too feel better knowing I wasn’t the only one! I’m on week 6 now things are getting better.. Just can’t kick these pressure headaches and lightheadedness yet.. Stay positive and well wishes!
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