Long Term Effexor Use

[stellacaster]

I've been on Effexor XR for a little over ten years now, as it has been the only drug that has been effective for me. I have recently had some really weird symptoms and was wondering if anyone out there could relate.

Lately I have had sudden/instant dizzy spells that hit me like lightning...it's not the "normal" brain shivers from missing or being late on a dose...this is physically debillitating. I will just be sitting here at the computer...not moving or standing up too fast, and it hits me. I have to immediately lie on the floor and raise my feet so I don't black out. My body feels very weak and it's hard to move. No hyperventilation...no heart palpitations...just extreme vertigo (so I don't think it's panic attacks...been there...done that).

I wanted to know if anybody that has been on Effexor for a really long time has all of a sudden started experiencing something like this. I've never had this happen before. My doctor and I are
currently doing tests to rule out anything physical (MRI, blood work, etc.)...no red flags so far...everything's normal.

If you've been on Effexor for a really long time...can it start doing weird things to your head? My night sweats and hypnic jerks are also unbearable.

[mr.lucky66]

Effexor made me emotionally constipated and now I'm off of it. It also made me semi impotent and it was tough to get off, but worth it.

[teeee]

what happend with your MRI?  lol

[Rawk1959]

I've been on effexor for about 10 years. The last 6 - 9 months I've noticed different things, changes in ability and behavior. My dose has been 475 mg / day for most of that time. I now drop things, like pens, cigarettes. My family is uneasy when I'm driving, telling me of cars in the next lane, and warning me of which exit I have to use; also, other drivers honk at me and I don't know why. When someting is funny on tv I laugh out loud - my wife noticed this. There's other stuff too but you get the drift.
Lately I ran across a headline somewhere that said something like long term use of antidepressants may damage brain cells. I've had an MRI done, will see results tomorrow. I''m abit scared of what those may be.
Randy

[Venora Moonwind]

See your doc and tell what you have told here.Our bodies change so what was good for us 10 years ago may need to be changed.
Good luck and let me know how you are .
Love Venora