“Half-life is defined as the amount of time it takes for 50 percent of any drug molecule – from peak plasma levels – to be excreted from the system. How Long Does Withdrawal From Prozac Last? Does effexor cause constipation. Went through brain zaps, brain shivers, unbelievable withdrawal that made me come close to suicide, destroyed my reputation because people thought I was going crazy. Effexor xr brain zaps, effexor xr brain zaps Add effexor to basket. The last couple of days i have been getting the "brain zaps" if you take effexor you know exactly what I mean. ... What causes brain zaps. Providing easy-to-understand information about your medical concerns. Brain zaps and head shivers are common anxiety symptoms that feel like your brain or head was suddenly jolted, buzzed, zapped, electric shocked, or had a tremor. Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Brain zaps can also feel a lot more intense and prolonged to someone who has anxiety, so it can help a lot if one’s anxiety can be managed effectively. “With this in mind, brain zapping discontinuation syndrome would be most prevalent with Paxil, Effexor, Cymbalta, and to some extent Zoloft. It is speculated that serotonin is a huge factor in the development of the zaps. While Effexor withdrawal symptoms are rarely life-threatening, they can be uncomfortable and interfere with your daily life. Reactions: supersonic89. Brain zaps are not the only withdrawal symptom that people weaning from drugs like Zoloft or Prozac can experience — other common withdrawal effects include dizziness, headaches, nausea and paresthesia (burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs or feet). Antidepressants, especially serotonergic ones and most notoriously SNRIs, can all cause brain zaps. Here is the my best analogy I have come up with explaining SSRI discontinuation syndrome AKA brain zaps.. Have you ever licked a 9V battery to test its current level?. I've been off effexor for 8 months and I still get the "brain zaps". You May Feel Flu-Like Symptoms When You Discontinue Antidepressants. The first time I missed one I got brain zaps (a weird funny feeling you get that makes me twitch my head uncontrollably) then the next missed dose was the same as the first except nausea was introduced.. then third dose I missed I was super nauseous disoriented, and felt out of place. I am Effexor and have been for about 6 months currently take 150 mg. I was off Cymbalta for over a year but have started it back up again over a week ago. Along with the potentially harmful effects of mixing alcohol and Effexor, it is important to know that alcohol can worsen the symptoms of depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. Why? (Not to downplay the freakiness of the brain zaps - it doesn't help when shrinks say "oh, they're harmless" - when they don't KNOW what they are or WHY they happen!! By Guest | 12 posts, last post over a year ago. Updated November 2010. Angelica Giron, MD answered this Effects Of ... Was on Effexor for 8 years. 8 USD In stock. 2005;7(3):22. Effexor did not cause my brain zaps. Normally Effexor (venlafaxine) is used in am, since it can disrupt sleep. Just another brain zap. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome is a well-known and accepted syndrome that can occur in people who abruptly discontinue Effexor (venlafaxine), a type of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. 2015;5(6):357-68. doi:10.1177/2045125315612334. 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