Overstimulation from Effexor XR

I have been experiencing a daily headache after taking Effexor XR for nine months, getting off it for two months, and then getting on it again.  The first time I was on it, it was very, very stimulating, like drinking five cups of coffee.  This time around, the medicine is not as stimulating, and I have an uncomfortable/headache sensation in my head.  I believe that this sensation is the result of my brain having been overstimulated for such a long period of time (the first time I was on Effexor XR).  The only way I have found to alleviate this sensation is to somehow get my brain stimulated to the same level that it was before (e.g. drinking coffee, etc).  I could probably bump my dosage of Effexor up until I feel the same way as before, and that would get rid of the headache, but then I will be an overstimulated robot again.  Are there any remedies that might treat this type of withdrawal-like headache (besides pumping myself with stimulants)?  Could it be vascular in nature, like caffeine withdrawal?  I've tried all of the simple over-the-counter medications with no avail.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

There is not much more you can do but you can change medications to another ssri and the chances are you will get a good result without a headache.  There are many to choose from so ask your doctor.