I have been on Effexor for over 5yrs, It has been

Mary, It is very common to have this side effect. I would like to know the dose you are on and why you stopped it.
I have had many patients over the years suffer severe withdrawal from this medicine when stopped abruptly, therefore it is very important to taper very slowly and sometimes when on the last dose we use a week of prozac because it is longer acting and self titrates so the patient is less likely to have these severe symptoms.
You have two choices resume the effexor and taper off slowly over a few weeks or try to wait this out but it could get worse before better and it may last for over a week. I hope this helps. You can private message me if you would like to provide me more info.

Hello: my dosage was 37.5 mg I took it twice a day. My doctor no longer practice at the clinic that I went they have a new doctor. I had no refills left and was at the end of my pills. I felt so comfortable with my doctor and to received his farewell in a letter was horrible. I felt betrayed now I have to trust a new person(doctor) that is so hard for me to do. To open up to someone new so I decided to just stop it and its making me feel so sick its awful. I have been researching on line and have read so many negative reports on the withdraw symptoms on effexor is really scaring me... I just want to feel better I hate this sick nauseaus feeling I got! I came across your web site and figure let me give it a try and get some advice... I really appreciate you taking time to email me it means a lot to me... Thank you Godbless
sincerely mary

Mary, I reccomend that you call the new doctor that has taken over the practice and request from the secretary or medical assistant a refill for your medication.
I understand that it is difficult to trust a new doctor but I am sure your old doctor would not pick someone to replace him that is not just a capable and compassionate.
The new doctor will be obligated to call you in a refill because otherwise it is considered abandonment of care. Also most medical providers know the serious side effects of stopping effexor abruptly.
You should not be scared, the withdrawal from this is not fatal but it will make you obviously feel deathly ill.
Also, if you have depression it is important to stay on you medication. The depression can return once you stop and that will not be good for you. Please listen to my advice and call the new doctor and ask for a refill and then once you are feeling better maybe you could go in to meet him and give him or her a chance.
Let me know what you think./