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Effexor Withdrawal

Effexor® (venlafaxine hydrochloride) and a number of other antidepressants are known to cause withdrawal symptoms in those who quickly stop their medicine.
 

Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

Effexor withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Dizziness
  • A burning or tingling sensation
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Tiredness.
     
In most people, these Effexor withdrawal symptoms improve with time, without the need for any treatment.
 

Limiting Effexor Withdrawal

When a person is going to be discontinuing Effexor, the doctor will wean him or her off slowly to minimize the risk of developing Effexor withdrawal symptoms. If withdrawal symptoms do occur, the doctor may return the person to his or her original Effexor dosage and then wean him or her off even more slowly.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;