Going off Effexor after 10 years, Why do I feel like there are bugs in my head?

[Debbiequest]

I really need help here; can anyone help answer some questions about Effexor? I’ve been on this medication for over 10 years, and I hate it. I've suffer from Depression all my life, been diagnosed with Manic Depression. The medication did help me to stay “even or level headed  most of the time, but I have no sex drive, gained over 40 pounds and the joy in life is gone, even though I have a great husband and family.  I used to be a very social person before going on this medication, I worked out and ate right, I only weight 125 pounds at 5’ tall, and I was manic on some things like I was a clean freak. But now I gained over 40 pounds, my house is a mess, I am very withdrawn, and can barely work some days.  I have not sex drive, and don’t even care if I get out of bed some days.  I've tried to go off this medication a couple of times, tried to get help from my doctor, but she just tells me that it’s my fault if I go off it, just accept the fact that you will have to take it the rest of your life. I am now looking for a new Doctor.
I done with this medication, my prescription ran out and she won’t refill without an office visit, so she is getting no more money out of me. So yes I quite cold turkey, I know this is not the best way, but no choice here, I am so done. Now when I have tried to quit before I got such bad vertigo and fatigue, so I went back on just to get through the day and cope. Now I am done, over done!  I will deal with the withdrawal symptoms and get this drug out of my system and my life. My questions for everyone or any anyone, a doctor that can give the truth would be great.  Why do I feel like I have bugs in my head? I know it’s mostly likely vertigo, but why is it happening to me? It’s the worst part of withdraw, and is there any natural remedy I can take to ease the symptoms? Please someone help me with some answers. Thanks Deb

[M4Y0U]

Yeah like Paxiled mentioned in his post everyone here will tell you to tapper off slowly but this could be a very long process and personally I did quit cold turkey and had a terrible, i mean it, TERRIBLE month with what you describe as bugs in your brain (brain zaps) and don't worry they will go away after 1 month due to what Paxiled told ya in his post.

Everyone is different when it comes to withdrawals. Some might experience a very smooth withdrawal even while going the cold turkey's route but some do it and the withdrawals symptoms only last for 2 weeks.

Seriously, I recommend the cold turkey option even if it's a nightmare, at least, you will not have to endure semi-withdrawal symptoms over prolonged period of time. Anyway the withdrawal depends on what drug you were using, how long, what dose and your own brain.

My biased opinion: I did quit Cymbalta (duloxetine) which is believed to be one of the worst AD to withdrawn from along with Effexor and I did quit it cold turkey. My experience: First week was a nightmare, I mean it was okay untill the brain zaps appeared. I had to find something to do that would not require sudden movement of the head which would induce chance in perception which would obviously trigger the brain zaps. So watching TV, computer and laying in bed were my options. Second week was also brain zap's week and then they gradually got better and finally on the 4th week I was brain zaps free no withdrawal symptoms. 1 months to get off Cymbalta after 5-6 months of use. and trust me even if it sounds like 5-6 months is not long well 1 month is probably the longer period you will have to endure brain zaps because the brain will eventually adapt to the chance. Tapering off slowly supposed to reduce the withdrawal symptoms but as far as I know, any change in you brain chemistry including reduced dose dealing with serotonin reuptake inhibition will eventually trigger brain zaps and you bet withdrawal symptoms that will last longer since you are slowly tapering off. Too often i saw people getting brain zaps only by reducing their dosage. The choice is yours. You like it quick and tough or long and not so east at all. Personally I preferred the quick option and I don't regret it.

Best of luck,
M4

[Paxiled]

Well, of course we're all going to tell you to taper off, not quit cold turkey, so there's that.  The bugs in your head are probably the brain zaps, which is your serotonin receptors reawakening after being dormant while you were on the med.  Some say hefty doses of fish oil help with this.  Some say St. John's Wort helps with some of the other stuff.  But Effexor withdrawal can be a tough go, so don't expect it to be easy, just be easy with it.  Give it the time it needs.  But given the long time you were on it, I'd still highly recommend tapering off.  As for your reported diagnosis, I doubt you have Manic Depression from your description, and certainly Effexor wouldn't be the med for it if that was the diagnosis.  I think you definitely need a better psychiatrist and perhaps a therapist if you don't already have one to get to the bottom of what you do have.