Posted by jannbeau on September 4, 2002, at 11:58:41
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Kat on September 2, 2002, at 18:08:56
> During withdrawal from Effexor XR (150 mg/day) I, too, had this swishing (or "swooshing")in my head accompanied by what appeared to be a momentary disconnection between my eyes and my brain, a sort of "dizziness" that seemed to occur when I turned my head; It seems associated with the balance mechanism in the inner ear or 7th cranial nerve (auditory nerve) or something. I also had a major increase during Effexor XR treatment of my ongoing tinnitus (my rt ear seems very sensitive to ANY medication that causes tinnitus or ringing in the ear). I figured this was the "brain shivers" or "brain zaps" I had read about. The swooshing effect only seemed to occur during discontinuation while I was tapering (tapered for about one month from 150 to 75 to 37.5 to 0. Stayed on 37.5 for two weeks, then discontinued) and disappeared within (if I can remember correctly) about one week of complete discontinuation of Effexor. I suffered only mild discontinuation syndrome, perhaps because I am older and already was dealing with some balance problems. I was able to stop rather easily. I stopped because I could NOT tolerate the side effects associated with taking the medication - namely, my total inability to stay alert and to do my job, no matter when I took my medication or how much or little I took. I took Effexor for only six or seven months before stopping. I was sorry to have to dc this med because I took it to control intractable pain and it definitely decreased my pain, even at low doses.
I've been on Effexor for about 3 years. I tried to wean myself off 2 times, going down to a 37.5 mg's every other day. It took over 4 months. But I get so sick, and the swishing in my head is a nightmare. I was totally off Effexor for 6 weeks, and the swishing or electrical current that runs through my head every coupls seconds, never stopped. I talked to my doctor about it, and I think she thought it was crazy to have that noise. I guess the company that puts this stuff out, failed to let docors know this. 2 weeks ago I went back on the Effexor just so the noise would stop. If I miss a dose, it all starts up again. Does anyone else have the same problem? I really want to get off this stuff.
poster:jannbeau
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020829/msgs/118766.html