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What Causes Anxiety And Depression While On Effexor?

Posted on Sat, 27 Jan 2018

Question: I've been having dizzy spells but when I get to the hospital they do blood work and EKG. They say it's all normal results. They think it's my anxiety. I'm on effexor xr for depression and GAD. They say I've got health anxiety also. They put me on this after I had a cancer scare back in February. I keep thinking they have missed something after multiple test. Do I trust them and move on? plus could the effexor xr cause insomnia and loss of appetite?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it is rightly possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Presence of dizziness spells with normal blood work and EKG with background information of cancer scare without any substantial cause indicates strong possibility of health anxiety. It is normal for a person with anxiety to experience variety of symptoms including dizziness. Considering this fact with normal reports I feel you can believe your health provider without any doubt.

Regarding your another questions loss of appetite and insomnia are well established side effect of effexor and can occur in any individual receiving effexor.

I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (12 hours later)

Thanks for your help. Do you know a proper way to wean off the effexor xr?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.

First of all thanks for your positive feedback. I am glad to know that answer was useful for you.

For another part of question I request you to provide details of effexor dose so I can make a required chart for you.

Thanks again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (4 minutes later)

I take 37.5 mg of effexor xr every morning.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for clarifying the dose of effexor.

You are recommended to decrease effexor in following manner.

Week one
Three fourth of 37.5 mg

Week 2

Half tablet of 37.5 mg

Week 3

one fourth of 37.5 mg

Week 4
Stop it alltogether

It is advisable to have a word with your treating doctor. If he considers necessary to continue effexor I request you to follow his advice.

I hope this helps you.
In case you have more questions in future i request you to use below url for continuity of care

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386

Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 minutes later)

I'm on the effexor xr capsule. sorry forgot to mention that.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.

In that case increasing the time between subsequent dosage will be sufficient as breaking the tablet will cause more problems.

You can go for alternate day dosing for 10 days followed by every third day dosing for another 10 days and than stop alltogether on 21st day.

Thanks again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

Thanks for your help!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
You are always welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I am glad to know that answers were useful for you.

Write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar