system
What causes dizziness, insomnia with nightmares and high irritability after discontinuing effexor?
human
Hi, Missed two days of 150 mg of Effexor, despite all warnings. Went to new Dr day 3 to change back to Zoloft after some 4-5 yrs of Effexor, thought that returning to Zoloft -which I had been taking on-off for some 20 odd years for depression with results until a rather major traumatic event exacerbated problems which prompted my doctor to change ) Dr advised waiting til day 7 of withdrawal before starting Zoloft, but wondering if day 5 would be OK as definitely feeling some of the symptoms of dizziness, slight confusion with feelings that brain is sitting in the back of head with nothing behind the eyes, internal feelings of tremor, insomnia with nightmares and constant wakings, resulting in fatigue and lethargy, sweating, and high irritability toward others. ( lucky I'm home on holidays at this time!) None are extreme, but definitely at an annoying level.Thankyou,    Jan
gpt
HiThanks for using healthcare magicThese all symptoms happened due to effexor withdrawal. It happened due to sudden stoppage of drug. Elimination half life of effexor is 15 to 20 hour. That means it would take 4-5 days to wash out of body. If you are feeling, these withdrawal even after 5 days, then you can take low dose of benzodiazepine, that would help to control the symptoms. Rest you can discuss with your psychiatrist.Thanks