Whenever I have a respiratory illness I have an odd phenomena included in the usual symptoms. I get sensations that are just like withdrawal from Effexor.
I don't have a question really... I just find that very odd

[pegasus]

Hello George H,

What are the 'withdrawal symptoms' like? What feelings and sensations do you get? Can you explain in more detail here, someone on the forums here might know what you mean. You could try our Health Support forum. You could also try the sister site - Neurotalk NeuroTalk Support Groups which is more into physical problems rather than mental health. Might be an idea to let your doctor know about your symptoms too.

Originally Posted by pegasus

Hello George H,

What are the 'withdrawal symptoms' like? What feelings and sensations do you get? Can you explain in more detail here, someone on the forums here might know what you mean. You could try our Health Support forum. You could also try the sister site - Neurotalk NeuroTalk Support Groups which is more into physical problems rather than mental health. Might be an idea to let your doctor know about your symptoms too.

Hi still keeping up w/ unanswered posts I see Thanks for the suggestions, I may follow through on that but right now it's just curiosity mostly. If you've read any posts by people cutting down on Effexor you've probably heard them use a term like brain zap or brain shivers. That's the one I'm talking about. It's also a side effect for some but I only had it when I stopped taking the med. It's a really disconcerting sensation. I can't imagine what the connection could be between a respiratory illness and a withdrawal symptom. Odd hmm?

[pegasus]

Oh I see. I get brain zaps but I'm not on an SSRI at all. Apparently it is called SSRI discontinuation syndrome SSRI discontinuation syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Are you on an SSRI? Maybe when you have a chest infection, for some reason your body is not absorbing the SSRI so well? Definitely worth talking to your doctor about.

[lizardlady]

George, did you miss any doses of Effexor while sick? Maybe it's actual withdrawl symptoms.

I can't say I've had "brain zaps" with respritory problems, but have had some peculiar thoughts.

Here's a thought.... when in doubt google it!

+++++++

edited to add...

OK, I googled it. Most of the information that came up was about SSRI withdrawal, but I did find some stuff related to respiratory infections. Some said it was an effect of having a fever. That makes sense, brain neuron would be effected by increased body temp. The websites also suggested seeing a doc if it's happening because it could be a sign of a serious infection.

Originally Posted by pegasus

Oh I see. I get brain zaps but I'm not on an SSRI at all. Apparently it is called SSRI discontinuation syndrome SSRI discontinuation syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Are you on an SSRI? Maybe when you have a chest infection, for some reason your body is not absorbing the SSRI so well? Definitely worth talking to your doctor about.

The absorption problem seems like a good theory. I'm hoping not to get get sick again tho

Originally Posted by lizardlady

George, did you miss any doses of Effexor while sick? Maybe it's actual withdrawl symptoms.

I can't say I've had "brain zaps" with respritory problems, but have had some peculiar thoughts.

Here's a thought.... when in doubt google it!

+++++++

edited to add...

OK, I googled it. Most of the information that came up was about SSRI withdrawal, but I did find some stuff related to respiratory infections. Some said it was an effect of having a fever. That makes sense, brain neuron would be effected by increased body temp. The websites also suggested seeing a doc if it's happening because it could be a sign of a serious infection.

Thanks Liz. I didn't miss any. I never miss any if I can help it. I never had this happen before Effexor but then I never even had the flu til 2007 or so and I've taken Effexor since the late 90s. The Effexor may very well have changed my brain chemistry The serious infection is pretty likely. I had a high temp yesterday and felt incredibly sick
I feel much better today
Thanks again ya'll

[lizardlady]

George, high temp can definitely effect the way the brain functions. Heck, when I have a high temp I talk to people who aren't there!

[-jimi-]

Oh... so that is how brain zaps feel like! I have had severe withdrawals, but never those. I have them with fevers though, usually high fevers. It makes it impossible to fall asleep. Very unpleasant feeling.

I always pictured brain zaps from withdrawals very differently.