Posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 10:22:51
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects!!!, posted by BJlass on February 15, 2004, at 15:55:47
Hello, I do believe that Effexor may have long withdrawal syndrome symptoms that are not yet fully understood. I myself have been off the med for about 3 months, but recently suffered from a horrible series of anxiety attacks that continue even now, making it difficult for me to function. My first reaction was that I was suffering from an anxiety disorder. However, upon reading and listening to other people's stories, I've been hearing that often times there seems to be a "rebound effect" (just like benzos, i.e. Xanax) with SSRI's and SSNRI's that is part of the long term withdrawal process which shows up a couple months after you've tapered off or stopped. My brother for example, went through the exact same thing I did a couple months ago. He's been med free for about 4 to 5 months now, but also gets the "spacy" sensations you mentioned, though his anxiety has been alleviated for the most part. I don't think the meds have a permanent effect on the brain (then again I'm not a doctor)... I think it's just the brain rewiring itself after being coaxed into doing something that it doesn't do on its own... suddenly the brain is "confused" so to speak and needs to adjust. I'm hoping this happens soon because uncomfortable would be an understatement to describe how i'm feeling now!
> I'll ask again as no one answered my question but added other interesting info. Has anyone had a weird "spacey" sensation in their forehead after being off Effexor for at least 6 months or more? It's hard to explain-- it's a definite physical sensation.
>
> I think the Effexor has done something permanent to my brain! My doctor (new) says I could have a brain scan but that wouldn't show any damage to neurotransmittors.
>
> Is there any way to find out if this drug has caused change or damage to brain neurotransmittors?
poster:cpallen79
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040215/msgs/314026.html