Effexor is a brand name of venlafaxine, a prescription drug that belongs to the class of antidepressants called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. It blocks serotonin and norepinephrine, which are two chemicals found in the brain, and prevents their reabsorption. The medication is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder, among others. Before stopping Effexor, the patient should consult the prescribing physician because the drug should be tapered over a period of two weeks rather than stopped suddenly. Immediate cessation of Effexor can result in withdrawal side effects, also called discontinuation effects, according to Drugs.com.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms may occur when the medication is stopped abruptly. These symptoms include headache, muscle ache, cough and fever. These symptoms may present within a few days and last up six weeks; however, the symptoms are mild and decrease with time if the drug is tapered off appropriately, explains the "Drug Information Handbook."
Effects on Behavior
Effexor may produce many adverse effects on normal behavior when stopped suddenly. The patient may exhibit agitation, anxiety, irritability, confusion, depressed mood and nervousness. The frequency of these side effects increases when a large dose was given and with a longer duration of treatment, states RxList.com. If the patient experiences withdrawal effects, he should be placed on the previous dose and tapered more slowly.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects that may occur when Effexor is stopped suddenly include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Loss of appetite and dry mouth may also be present with Effexor withdrawal, reports RxList.com.
Effects on the Brain
Discontinuing Effexor abruptly may cause several symptoms on the brain, such as impaired coordination, dizziness, fatigue, headache, drowsiness and tremor or shaking, according to the "Drug Information Handbook." These symptoms may be severe enough to interfere with the performance of daily activities. Sensory disturbances, such as shock-like electrical sensations, nightmares and difficulty sleeping may also occur. The patient should use caution when performing normal activities such as driving, and activities that require concentration.
Depression and Suicide
Lowering the dose and discontinuing Effexor in patients who have worsening depression or suicidal ideation should be done with caution. RxList.com explains that the patient should be monitored closely when being properly tapered off the drug, especially if the patient's symptoms are severe, have a sudden onset or have presented during treatment.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- RxList.com: Effexor XR
- Drugs.com: Effexor XR
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