Withdrawal symptoms effexor

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Withdrawal Symptoms of Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Effexor, known generically as venlafaxine, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that belongs to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). While effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders, discontinuation of Effexor can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms, which are often referred to as "discontinuation syndrome."

Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Effexor

Physical Symptoms

Patients discontinuing Effexor may experience a range of physical symptoms. These can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and flu-like symptoms such as sweating and chills. Additionally, some individuals report experiencing sensory disturbances, often described as "brain zaps" or electric shock sensations 12.

Psychological Symptoms

Psychological withdrawal symptoms are also prevalent. These can include anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and depressive symptoms. In some cases, patients may experience vivid dreams or nightmares, as well as difficulty concentrating 12.

Onset and Duration

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within a few days of discontinuing Effexor and can last for several weeks. However, the duration and intensity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Some patients may experience symptoms for a longer period, especially if the medication was not tapered off gradually .

Misidentification of Symptoms

One significant challenge in managing Effexor withdrawal is the potential for symptoms to be misidentified as a relapse of the underlying condition. This misidentification can lead to unnecessary reinstatement of the medication or other inappropriate treatments .

Recommendations for Clinicians

Gradual Tapering

To minimize withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended that Effexor be tapered off gradually rather than abruptly discontinued. This approach allows the body to adjust slowly to the decreasing levels of the medication, reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms .

Patient Education

Educating patients about the potential for withdrawal symptoms and the importance of gradual tapering is crucial. Patients should be informed about the possible physical and psychological symptoms they may experience and reassured that these symptoms are temporary .

Monitoring and Support

Clinicians should closely monitor patients during the discontinuation process and provide support as needed. This may include scheduling regular follow-up appointments and offering strategies to manage symptoms, such as lifestyle modifications and supportive therapies .

Conclusion

Effexor withdrawal can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can be distressing for patients. By understanding the common symptoms and implementing strategies such as gradual tapering and patient education, clinicians can help mitigate the impact of withdrawal and support patients through the discontinuation process.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Withdrawal Symptoms after Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Discontinuation: A Systematic Review

SSRIs can cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinue, and the term 'discontinuation syndrome' should be replaced with 'withdrawal syndrome' to better describe these vulnerabilities.

Systematic ReviewHighly Cited

2015·

329citations

·G. Fava et al.

Selective Immediate Hypersensitivity to Clavulanic Acid

Selective immediate hypersensitivity to clavulanic acid may occur in patients with known hypersensitivity to venlafaxine, a common antidepressant.

2003·

21citations

·N. Raison-Peyron et al.

Methylphenidate as a Possible Cause of Thrombocytopenia

1. Muth EA, Haskins JT, Moyer JA, Husbands GE, Nielsen ST, Sigg EB. Antidepressant biochemical profile of the novel bicyclic compound Wy45,030, an ethyl cyclohexanol derivative. Biochem Pharmacol 1986; 35:4493-7. 2. Package insert. Effexor (venlafaxine). Wyeth-Ayerst. www.wyeth.com. (accessed 2003 May 22). 3. Naranjo CA, Busto U, Sellers EM, Sandor P, Ruiz I, Roberts EA, et al. A method for estimating the probability of adverse drug reactions. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1981;30:239-45. 4. Haddad PM, Devarajan S, Dursun SM. Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal) symptoms presenting as “stroke.” J Psychopharmacol 2001;15:139-41. 5. Johnson H, Bouman WP, Lawton J. Withdrawal reaction associated with venlafaxine (letter). BMJ 1998;317:787.

2003·

10citations

·A. Kuperman et al.

A critical review of caffeine withdrawal: empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features

Caffeine withdrawal syndrome is well characterized and warrants inclusion as a disorder in the DSM and revision of diagnostic criteria in the ICD.

Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2004·

522citations

·L. M. Juliano et al.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitor withdrawal.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitor withdrawal symptoms can be severe and persist for up to 21 days, with symptoms relieved by restarting the medication.

Highly Cited

1996·

285citations

·N. Coupland et al.

Withdrawal Symptoms after Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Discontinuation: Systematic Review

Discontinuing SNRIs can cause withdrawal symptoms, with higher prevalence in venlafaxine, and symptoms typically begin within a few days and last a few weeks.

Systematic ReviewHighly Cited

2018·

146citations

·G. Fava et al.

Successful Discontinuation of Chronic Polypsychotropic Regimen and Resolution of Withdrawal Syndrome Through Nutrition and Lifestyle Interventions: A Case Report.

Lifestyle interventions and psychospiritual support can enable dramatic clinical change without withdrawal syndrome after discontinuing medication, with meditation potentially being necessary for root-cause healing.

Case Report

2019·

1citation

·K. Brogan et al.

Overview: a comparison of withdrawal symptoms from different drug classes.

Withdrawal from drugs of dependence can cause mood disturbances, sleep disturbances, and various somatic symptoms, with nicotine withdrawal leading to heightened irritability and stimulant withdrawal potentially causing depression.

Highly Cited

1994·

115citations

·Robert West et al.

Antipsychotic Withdrawal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Withdrawal symptoms frequently occur after abrupt discontinuation of oral antipsychotics, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.

Meta-Analysis

2020·

22citations

·Lasse Brandt et al.

Withdrawal symptoms in children after long-term administration of sedatives and/or analgesics: a literature review. “Assessment remains troublesome”

Benzodiazepine and opioid withdrawal symptoms in children largely overlap, and a sensitive instrument for assessing these symptoms in PICU patients is needed.

Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2007·

113citations

·E. Ista et al.

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