Wellbutrin/Effexor???

[top4209]

About two years ago my doctor put me on wellbutrin for my depression. After a few months, effexor was added ecause I was still having a random day (approx 1/wk) where my anxiety and depression was absolutley intense.  lately I have started havcing these real intense jerking sensations;kinda like when you get cold quickly and shiver but very intense. This could be like the tremors or zapping that i have read others complain about, but i am unsure. So I guess my question is really- what exactly do those of you that have had them mean by the tremors or brain/body zapping? I have also had weight issues my whole life, but up unitl I started taking effexor I could always lose weight with some dieting and exercise; now no matter what i do i can't lose- instead i gain.

I guess i would love some insight about this medication stuff. Help!!!

[starr28]

Hi,

I didnt have the brain zaps that a lot of people do on effexor but I
did gain weight - about 20 pounds worth!  Also, I came off of it
very slowly and I still had dizzy spells for weeks afterwards.  I
dont know if I will ever go back to this one - it also raised my
blood pressure.  

Best wishes,
starr28

[justme231]

The brain zapping I am happy to report is a thing of the past for me.  Brain zaps in my case were like an electrical shock that hit right between my shoulder blades, but high up, close to my neck.  When they first started they would go through my head, down my right arm and down my left leg.  I started getting them last summer after being on Effexor for just over a year.  I didn't put 2 and 2 together until I went through all the withdrawal symptoms last month while weaning off of the Effexor.  During that time the brain zaps intensified!  They quit going down my arm and leg, but got worse in my head and back.  I don't remember whether I jerked or not, but I do know they would stop me in my tracks and I would jump from the shock of it.  It's like when you accidently touch a live current.  It did eventually go away.  Thank God!  
As far as weight gain!!!!!!  Don't get me started.  Before I started on the Effexor I had lost 50 pounds and kept it off for three years.  Now I have put back on almost 40 of it.  I feel like I have to start all over again!!  I have been told by many who have used it and I will now include myself in their numbers:  "Effexor is the worst drug to come off of."  I will also personally say that if I ever have to go on an antidepressant again in the future...  Effexor will not be it!!
  I hope this helps.