What Causes Numbness Sensation On The Head And Weight Gain?

Posted on Tue, 9 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 9 May 2017 Answered on

Thu, 25 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,
I was on XXXXXXX 25 mg for almost 9 months and 3 months on 20 mg for any Anxiety and Panic Attacks. I dont have depression. After one year, I tappered to 10 mg and 5 mg, got the anxiety back, so Doctor suggested to fo back to 25 mg. I started 25 mg for one month and down to 20 mg for 3 months. On total, past 15 months on XXXXXXX But I was gaining weight significantly like gained around 10-12 kgs weight. When I went to Doctor, he told me to shift to Venlafaxin XR 75 mg.

I started Venlafaxin XR 75 and took first 5 days dose and it was quite normal. From 6th, 7th and yesterday 8th dose, started feeling different and felt like numbness in the brain and overall Anxiety again with too much of stomach upset. I felt like I got anxiety and panic attacks like my initial days of 15 months back. Today Instopped the tablet and hasnt dared enough to take one more.

Can you please tell me the reason for this? Is this because Venlafaxin didn't suited me or will I have to go through the initial teething problems of what I faced when I started XXXXXXX 15 months back. Am i starting from zero again?

Should I shift to XXXXXXX again? As I was more comfirtable with XXXXXXX

Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Escitalopram can be kept as option

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I don't think you should start with Paroxetine again. Starting again from zero dose will take time to result in improvement. The drug is known to result in significant weight gain and starting this is not a good idea. You can keep other SSRI drugs as options. Escitalopram is known to cause very less or minimal weight gain. The drug has same efficacy as Paroxetine can can be kept as option. If the trial failed to act then drugs like Bupropion can be added to the prescription.

Bupropion will augment the actions of Escitalopram and will make you symptoms free. So please talk with your Psychiatrist for these drugs.

Thanks and Take care.

You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 hours later)

Can you please tell me the reason for this symptoms? Is this because Venlafaxin didn't suited me or will I have to go through the initial teething problems of what I faced when I started XXXXXXX 15 months back.

If I start a tablet suggested by you, it will be from zero?

And most importantly how do I get rid of my current symptoms like irritation, fear, anxiety in the stomach. Do I need to start any other medicine then only it will reduce or if I leave without tablet for 2-3 days, will it come down?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Venlafaxine probably didn't suit you

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking

Venlafaxine resulted in side effects like gastric upset and worsening of anxiety. This is a normal and expected thing with Venlafaxine or any other SNRI or SSRI drug especially during first few days of therapy.

You took Venlafaxine for few days only and stopping it abruptly would not cause withdrawal symptoms. But for symptomatic relief you have to start the drugs I've mentioned and this will take time to show full effects. With proper therapy you will be alright and free of serious side effects.

Thanks Take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana