Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Effexor Withdrawal
Effexor, a popular antidepressant, has a dark side. Unfortunately, many people who are prescribed this medication find the darker side of it unpleasant, even deadly. Despite the effectiveness as a treatment for chronic depression, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of Effexor withdrawal before discontinuing this medication without professional treatment.
Unpleasant Signs of Withdrawal from Effexor
Some of the signs of withdrawal from Effexor are merely unpleasant, while others are downright dangerous. According to the National Library of Medicine, Effexor has a number of side effects even without the prospect of withdrawal.
Many of the side effects cease after taking the drug for a few weeks. Unfortunately, if you stop taking Effexor these side effects return often becoming worse. Some of these side effects are:
- loss or increase in appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- nightmares
- tremors
- drowsiness
- constipation
- gas
- heartburn
- signs of infection
- ringing in the ears
These are some of the unpleasant side effects of withdrawal from Effexor. There are some symptoms that are much worse. For more information on seeking treatment for even the mild symptoms of withdrawal, call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?).
Dangerous Effects of Effexor Withdrawal
Effexor withdrawal can cause cardiac failure.
Like many Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, you have to taper both onto and off of it or risk dangerous side effects. According to the Medscape CME Program, serious side effects of Effexor withdrawal can start as early as a few hours after a missed dose. Some of these serious side effects are:
- cardiac failure
- psychosis
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- coma
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- stroke like symptoms
- congestive heart failure
- bundle branch blockage of electrical signal in the heart leading to irregular contractions
- loss of control of the muscles around the mouth
- dysphasia
- nephropathy or abnormal functioning of the kidneys
- completed suicide
- hallucinations
- shivering or severe body trembling
If you miss a dose and experience any of these symptoms, you need medical attention and treatment immediately. Many of these symptoms are extremely dangerous and the only way to safely withdrawal once some of the symptoms start is with professional help.
Treatment for Effexor Withdrawal
The treatment for Effexor withdrawal depends on whether you are going to continue on Effexor and stopping it was accidental or if you need to discontinue the Effexor entirely. If you did not intend to stop, simply resuming the Effexor can stop the symptoms quickly, according to the National Institute on Health.
In other cases where you can no longer use Effexor or a medication like it, carefully tapering off Effexor is necessary. In some cases inpatient treatment is needed due to the deadly nature of some of the symptoms. In other cases the tapering can be done in an outpatient treatment center.
For more information on Effexor withdrawal or to find a clinic to help you safely withdraw from this antidepressant, call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?).
