Physicians and psychiatrists prescribe Effexor, known generically as venlafaxine, for the treatment of depression, panic disorders and anxiety disorders, the Mayo Clinic reports. Physicians also may prescribe it in the treatment of hot flashes, whether these come from menopause or other medical conditions. Effexor can be taken as pills, and extended-release capsules and pills in the Effexor-XR formulation. Taking doses of 75 mg each day of Effexor for depression and anxiety is the norm, while panic disorder sufferers typically start with 37.5 mg each day.
Weight Loss and Nausea
Ending treatment with Effexor or Effexor-XR can lead to serious side effects associated with withdrawal. These side effects can include nausea and/or vomiting. Unintended loss of weight while withdrawing from this antidepressant is also common. This may be the result of another side effect, namely, an appetite loss. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting a doctor or psychiatrist immediately if these problems occur.
Paranoia and Fear
Withdrawal from Effexor can also bring on side effects of a psychological nature including paranoia, which may cause a person to believe that people are conspiring against him. This may lead to a sense of fear, which also may not be based upon reality. A person may become anxious and nervous without Effexor in his body, and may depersonalize, or detach, himself emotionally from his own actions. He also may experience euphoria, or the opposite problem of dysphoria. Persons withdrawing from Effexor may be irritable and may cry uncontrollably, the Mayo Clinic reports, as well as return to a deep state of depression.
Seizures
Uncontrollable shaking and jerking of the body, or simply staring blankly into space, may occur with the withdrawal from Effexor, as well. Seizures or convulsions, the Mayo Clinic reports, do happen to people stopping their treatment with venlafaxine. Although all withdrawal side effects of Effexor require medical treatment, lesser bodily motion problems also may occur. For example, the person may experience muscle twitching, as well as shaking sensations in her feet and legs, or hands and arms. Her bodily actions may appear out of control, even without going into a seizure.
Fatigue and Insomnia
Following the cessation of Effexor use, a person can become abnormally weak and tired, feeling a sense of fatigue without being active. He also may find getting to sleep becomes difficult without his usual dose of Effexor, the Mayo Clinic states.
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