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What Causes Frequent Bouts Of Diarrhea Post Effexor Withdrawal?

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015

Question: I am 61 years old. I recently weaned myself off Effexor after 12 years, a final dose of 375 mg daily. I did this over about 6 weeks. I am having more frequent bouts of diarrhea, once about a week ago and again tonight. In XXXXXXX I was separated suddenly from my job of 15 years, not my own decision (it's complicated, but was totally unwarranted), and my medical care, the reason I went off Effexor. I did my regular screening in February 2015 for colorectal cancer, it was negative. I've also noticed a little mucous in my stool this past week.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diarrhea is a known withdrawal symptom for this medication

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Effexor (venlafaxine) is a medicine the dose of which can be changed or tapered only if your treating physician feels it justified. It is very common to get diarrhea as an withdrawal symptom of this medication. As of now you should take ORS (oral rehydration solution) to replenish for the lost salt an water. In the meantime get in touch with your treating physician and discuss the further plans of action with respect to Effexor.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

How long can I expect the withdrawal symptoms to last?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can last for a month or may be even more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

It is hard to predict how long the withdrawal symptoms would last. It can last for a month or may be even more.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T