When you stop using Effexor® (venlafaxine hydrochloride), it's important to do so gradually. If you abruptly stop taking Effexor, withdrawal symptoms could occur. Potential withdrawal symptoms include agitation, tiredness, anxiety, and insomnia. These symptoms improve on their own over time, in most cases, and do not require treatment. In order to help prevent withdrawal symptoms, your healthcare provider may need to wean you off the medication slowly.
(Click Effexor Withdrawal for a more complete list of symptoms that may occur with an Effexor withdrawal. You can also click on the various links in the box to the right to access specific topics on Effexor.)