Effexor, clinically known as venlafaxine, is a medication indicated for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1993, and in 2009 there were over 13 million prescriptions dispensed. Effexor works by increasing the overall availability of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. When patients decide to stop taking Effexor, they may experience several withdrawal symptoms, also known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Effexor withdrawal symptoms usually begin within a few days and may last several days to as long as three weeks. Symptoms are usually milder when patients taper off their medication in smaller increments.
Motor and Sensory Disruption
Patients that discontinue their Effexor may experience motor and sensory problems during their withdrawal period. In the August 2006 issue of "American Family Physician," Dr. Christopher Warner and associates list several symptoms associated with atypical antidepressants, including Effexor. Patients may experience dizziness and vertigo, which is a lack of spacial coordination. Patients may also experience electric shock sensations, also referred to as brain zaps. Patients may feel a pins-and-needles sensation or numbness in the limbs. In the November 2007 issue of "Advances in Psychiatric Treatment," Dr. Peter Haddad and Dr. Ian Anderson stated that up to 78 percent of patients discontinuing Effexor experience withdrawal symptoms. In their study, they also stated that patients may feel restless during the withdrawal period.
Psychiatric Symptoms
Patients who stop taking their Effexor may also experience several psychiatric symptoms. In the study by Warner and associates, researchers reported that atypical antidepressant withdrawal may include anxiety and depression. Dr. Greg Mulhauser from CounsellingResource.com also states that patients may experience agitation, confusion and nervousness. In the study by Haddad and Anderson, they state that patients may become manic within days after discontinuing Effexor. In some cases, the psychiatric symptoms of withdrawal may be worse than the original condition for which the patient was prescribed medication. Patients may also experience bouts of withdrawal symptoms due to non-adherence of taking their Effexor as directed by their physicians. Patients may feel that they are no longer depressed and stop abruptly.
Sleep and Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Sleep and digestive problems may arise from discontinuing Effexor. According to Mulhauser, patients may experience anorexia, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting. Patients may also experience significant changes to their appetite. Serotonin directly affects appetite, and when discontinuing Effexor, it may take several days for the appetite to return to normal. Regarding sleep disturbances, in the study by Warner and associates, they state that patients may experience insomnia and the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. They also state that patients may have nightmares and excessive dreaming.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Dr. Christopher Warner et al.: August 2006
- "Advances in Psychiatry"; Recognising and Managing Antidepressant Discontinuation Symptoms; Dr. Peter Haddad and Dr. Ian Anderson; November 2007
- Counselling Resource: Venlafaxine Withdrawal
- Wyeth: Effexor Prescribing Label
Member Comments