Venlafaxine (brand name Effexor) is a commonly prescribed medication for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. An SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), venlafaxine acts on the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Although venlafaxine helps many people, it should never be stopped abruptly, as doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms ranging from mildly uncomfortable to severe.
Here, in this blog, we will be discussing the issue of venlafaxine withdrawal—what it is, why it occurs, how to identify its symptoms, and most importantly, how to do it safely.
What is Venlafaxine Withdrawal?
Venlafaxine withdrawal occurs when the individual who has been taking the drug for some time drastically reduces the dose or simply abandons the drug. Venlafaxine helps stabilize levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. When the medication is reduced or stopped, the brain must readjust to the change, which leads to withdrawal symptoms. It should always be tapered under a doctor’s supervision, as stopping suddenly can cause significant distress.
Whereas withdrawal of alcohol and opioids is harmful, withdrawal of venlafaxine is uncomfortable but not harmful. An individual will need to know about symptoms and how to deal with them in an efficient way.
Symptoms Of Venlafaxine Withdrawal
Symptoms of venlafaxine withdrawal will be different from person to person, but among the most common symptoms are:
- Physical symptoms
- Headaches: They are the most frequent withdrawal symptom. Others have described them as a “pressure” or “tightness” in the head and can be mild or severe.
- Dizziness: Most patients have dizziness or lightheadedness with venlafaxine withdrawal. This is most commonly observed when one abruptly stands up and they feel that they are losing balance or experience vertigo.
- Fatigue: There is a common symptom of abnormally excessive fatigibility or lethargy. Individuals become physically drained even when not physically active.
- Sweating: Painful and uncomfortable excessive sweating occurs in some individuals even when not physically active.
- Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal discomfort can be persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The symptoms are worse during the first two days of withdrawal.
- Psychological symptoms
- Irritability: Mood liability is experienced as the brain adapts to the change in the level of neurotransmitters and develops irritability or becomes more irritable.
- Anxiety: Because venlafaxine is most typically used to treat anxiety disorders, withdrawal will reactivate or exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety. Individuals will say that they are anxious or overwhelmed.
- Depression: Depressed mood or hopelessness is brought back by withdrawal, especially in those who are on venlafaxine for depression. This can be really horrible if it happens suddenly.
- Mood Swings: Most people get sudden mood change during withdrawal, from being absolutely fine one moment and overwhelmed or even crying the next.
- Cognitive symptoms
- Brain Zaps: The worst of the withdrawal side effects of venlafaxine is perhaps “brain zaps” or “brain shocks.” They are characterized as sudden, passing electrical-type sensations in the brain which are jarring and unpleasant.
- Difficulty concentrating: They all experience “brain fog” in withdrawal and are unable to focus on tasks or stay alert.
- Short-term memory loss: Short-term memory loss or inability to recall things as the brain gets used to living without venlafaxine.
- Sleep disturbances
- Insomnia: Inability to sleep or sleeping is one of the symptoms. Individuals wake up repeatedly during the night in bed.
- Vivid nightmares or dreams: Some other people have vivid dreams or nightmares while withdrawing from venlafaxine that once more interfere with sleep.
Why Does Venlafaxine Withdrawal Occur?
Venlafaxine raises the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These are the ones responsible for regulating mood, stress response, and emotional condition. When the medication is stopped, especially if it is stopped suddenly, the brain cannot adjust to the dramatic change in chemistry. That may be why withdrawal happens.
Venlafaxine also has a short half-life, meaning it leaves the body faster than many other antidepressants. This rapid clearance can make withdrawal symptoms more intense, especially if the medication is stopped suddenly. As such, it’s utterly vital to stick to a slow and gradual tapering schedule under a doctor’s direction.
How To Safely Manage Venlafaxine Withdrawal?
If you or someone you know is experiencing venlafaxine withdrawal, the following are some of the critical steps to leave the process safe and successful:
- Tapering off gradually
The best method to prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms is tapering of venlafaxine dosage. Rather than quitting cold turkey, collaborate with your doctor to create a tapering schedule that decreases your dose progressively over weeks or even months. This provides time for your brain to adapt.
- Drink lots of water and nourish your body with healthy foods
Maintain your body’s hydration levels and consume healthy foods to comfort your body with withdrawal’s bodily effects. Nutrient-dense foods, particularly omega-3 fatty acids (like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), can help with brain activity and mood modification during withdrawal.
- Exercise regularly
Routine exercise will relieve most of the withdrawal symptoms, like fatigue, irritability, and anxiety. Exercise increases the release of serotonin and endorphin in the brain, lifting your mood and reducing the feeling of fatigue.
- Medicate symptoms
In some instances, doctors may prescribe drugs to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. For instance, medications for nausea, headaches, or anxiety may be employed as short-term relief remedies until your body becomes accustomed to it.
- Stress-reduction techniques
Withdrawal may stress you, make you anxious, or feel overwhelmed. Deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, or yoga relaxation exercises may calm the body and mind.
- Seek support
Having someone to share with you is critical in enduring any form of withdrawal. A family member, a friend, or even a support group will help in being able to speak with someone who can identify with what you are experiencing and make the process not feel so lonely. A counselor can also give you emotional support as well as help dealing with the psychological impact on health that comes with withdrawal.
- Track your withdrawal and bear in mind
It is possible to taper venlafaxine, and every individual’s experience is different. You will just need to monitor your symptoms and report them to your doctor; they will be able to change your schedule if necessary so you can progress at a comfortable pace for you.
Conclusion
Venlafaxine withdrawal can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be managed safely and effectively. Gradually tapering off the medication with medical supervision, staying hydrated, teaching oneself to cope with symptoms with stress reduction and exercise, and the love and concern of loved ones or a licensed therapist, people can minimize the effect of withdrawal to an extremely low level.
If you believe you would prefer to withdraw from venlafaxine, always talk first with your doctor to develop a customized plan. Although withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, the long-term benefits of recovery make the process worthwhile. Good care, patience, and assistance are the factors to successful recovery.