I’ve been taking Effexor XR for depression for about 2 years. I’ve noticed that whenever I’ve missed even one day, I go through a strange withdrawl where I suffer what are known as “brain zaps”. Apparently a lot of Effexor users have had this happen as well. Basically, it feels like a very quick rush of lightheadedness that occurs every time I move or turn my head. It’s not a nice feeling, and in the rare instances that I’ve missed two days or more of my meds I find it’s bad enough to seriously impair my ability to concentrate or even function at work, as I feel like I’m suddenly going to pass out about every five seconds.
What I want to know is, what is happening to me physiologically when this occurs? Is it something I’d have to worry about, like constriction of blood vessels? I’ve been able to find out next to nothing through searching online, and even my doctor couldn’t answer my question. :dubious: But there must be some kind of information on it…I hope?
Although I stand to be corrected, I’m afraid you’re right - there is nothing out there regarding the physiology (or pathophysiology) of “brain zaps”.
I say this because not too long ago I was looking for literature on Effexor withdrawal and, even in papes on the subject, a mere mention of the phenomena was something, let alone an explanation.
Warning PDF: This is an article on "Brain Shivers’ and Effexor withdrawal: The term “brain zap” is actually used!
Here’s a couple more newer articles:
Venlafaxine is a widely used serotonin- and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor-type antidepressant that causes serious adverse effects in at least 5% of cases. Serious withdrawal symptoms may occur within hours of cessation or reduction of the usual dosage and may affect motor and coordination skills to such a degree that patients should be explicitly urged either to adhere to a strict medication routine or not to drive a car. Recent clinical evidence about withdrawal symptoms is presented that may indicate incidents in noradrenergic activity irrespective of dosage.
http://www.atypon-link.com/PPI/doi/abs/10.1592/phco.23.5.678.32198?cookieSet=1&journalCode=phco Electric shock-like sensations may occur after cessation of treatment with serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors but are reported in the literature only rarely with discontinuation of venlafaxine. Two patients experienced severe shock-like sensations during venlafaxine withdrawal. For both patients symptoms occurred with lowering of the dosage and persisted for 5 days after complete discontinuation of the drug. These sensations may represent significant alteration of neuronal activity in the central nervous system.
I have these after about 24-36 hours without Effexor. They do feel electrical in nature: buzzing in the ears, tingling in the head, and occasional seeing stars accompany the dizzy surge. They can be severe enough to interrupt my efforts to get to sleep.
Another thing about withdrawal: you have REALLY NEAT DREAMS. Mine often have a stark, Kubrick quality to them.
I hate Effexor because of this. I had to stop taking it cold turkey (from a rather high dosage) when I had back surgery. After the surgery, I told my doc I was never going back on it again. It was one of the most horrible experiences I’ve ever endured.
I switched from Effexor to Cymbalta without any significant withdrawal, by slowly increasing the Cymbalta and slowly increasing the Cymbalta. I know about the brain zaps, though, from times that I forgot a dose or two of Effexor when I was taking it. Very disconcerting.
