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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Effexor XR?

I decided to take myself off of Effexor xr. I have been on it since 2001 ,not for depression but as a cure for my extreme hot flashes. It worked great, Now I feel I no longer have hot flashes .I am weaning off the drug 150mg per day by taking it every other day . How do I deal with the dizziness I'm having?
Tue, 21 Apr 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Effexor XR is Venlafaxine and the drug is a SNRI drug. When the drug use is stopped after prolonged regular use it may result in withdrawal symptoms. When doses of drug are reduced or stopped it can cause restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability etc symptoms. In most of cases the dose reduction should be done gradually over 4-6 weeks by reducing the doses by 20-25% every two weeks. If doses are reduced in this manner then the likelihood of having withdrawal symptoms is reduced significantly.

If you are having dizziness on reducing the doses then drugs like low dose clonazepam can help. The drug will help in reducing restlessness. Keep yourself in cool and calm room and avoid excess exertion till you reduce the doses completely.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care
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What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Effexor XR?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Effexor XR is Venlafaxine and the drug is a SNRI drug. When the drug use is stopped after prolonged regular use it may result in withdrawal symptoms. When doses of drug are reduced or stopped it can cause restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability etc symptoms. In most of cases the dose reduction should be done gradually over 4-6 weeks by reducing the doses by 20-25% every two weeks. If doses are reduced in this manner then the likelihood of having withdrawal symptoms is reduced significantly. If you are having dizziness on reducing the doses then drugs like low dose clonazepam can help. The drug will help in reducing restlessness. Keep yourself in cool and calm room and avoid excess exertion till you reduce the doses completely. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care