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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Caroline Wright on October 14, 2002, at 14:11:25
I have been on effexor now for 3 years and thought I was the only one to have experienced the awful withdrawal symptoms. My doctors continually told me it was impossible to get such bad symptoms after missing only one dose. I was told in the most patronising way that I was probably still 'psychologically' dependant on the drug when I knew full well I wasn't and that the sensations I was feeling were physical and real.
I wonder if anyone knows any more about the brain 'flashes' ( or brain shudders as they are sometimes called) - It would be good to talk to anyone else who has experienced them as my doctors didn't have a clue what I was talking about when I tried to explain them, and they really freak me out. What is happening when my brain does that? Its like an electric shock every few seconds growing more and more rapid. If I don't get my dose within around 24 hours it becomes debilitating and I am literally bedbound and unable to see, feel or think properly. I also sweat terribly. When I'm coming off doses even gradually my dreams are disturbed and I have great trouble rousing myself from sleep in the morning (not the usual having to drag yourself up - much worse) Also does anyone else have the most bizarre dreams on this drug? I don't just mean strange but, you know, life-alteringly, consciousness changingly bizarre? I actually began having strong, vivid lucid dreams where I would visit the same place every night - it was like I was living two lives. I don't hate this drug, it has helped me and I'm sure it has been beneficial in some ways - I would just really like to be in touch with others who have experienced the same things I have.
Posted by noelle on October 14, 2002, at 16:37:09
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - brain 'shivers', weird dreams, posted by Caroline Wright on October 14, 2002, at 14:11:25
I haven't had the brain shivers yet but I have had the "weird dreams" I know what you mean they are so vivid so intense that you almost feel exhausted in the morning. I added Neurontin and I sleep much better, but then agian I'm still on effexor. Good luck
Posted by sleepy lizard on October 14, 2002, at 22:45:58
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - brain 'shivers', weird dreams, posted by Caroline Wright on October 14, 2002, at 14:11:25
I've had much experience with the brain shivers (shocks). I noticed that they have to do with visual perception. If you focus on a spot and then shift the focus it may stimulate the shock. It is very strange and you may have balance problems too. I've had the wierd Sci-Fi dreams too. At one point only sleeping about 3 hours a night 'cause of it. These effects are caused, according to literature I read, to the temporary deficiency of neurotransmitters that were being provided by the medication. They are lower when withdrawing because the brain has not adapted to producing them again. Notice that it takes about a month to start getting the antidepressant effects and also about a month to withdraw. I have had the shocks (brain shivers) much longer than the dreams. I'm at 6 weeks cold turkey. The dreams only lasted about a few days after each drug reduction. The shocks have been reported to last up to 13 weeks. Hope this information helps you. Sorry you are miserable.
Posted by Fenny3 on October 15, 2002, at 17:02:49
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - brain 'shivers', weird dreams, posted by Caroline Wright on October 14, 2002, at 14:11:25
Mhmmm, I know exactly what you mean. Also my dr., who is very receptive to what I have to say, had no idea what I was talking about when I would describe my "frinks" (I made up my own word as I thought I must be the only person to feel this way). Still, my nice dr. doesn't see any harm with remaining on the effexor - I take 75 mg daily. I am getting myself off though asap, which is proving to be very very slowly.
Fen
P.S. I've been on effexor twice, for about 1.5 yrs each time over the last 6 years. My mom is on the same dose and has been for 5 years. Our pharmacist says there is very little data regarding taking it for that long.
This is the end of the thread.
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