1) Yes, it's normal to feel those side effects, 2) you shouldn't ever stop taking effexor cold turkey or skip doses.  This drug is notorius for having bad side effects when coming off it. I went off once and am now back on it several years later.  Depending on how long you've taken it and at what dosage, you need to wean very slowly under a doctor's supervision.  Is this a pdoc who recommended you skip doses?

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