Effexor (venlafaxine) is an often-prescribed drug to help manage different mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and panic. However, side effects appear when the medicine is suddenly stopped or a lower dosage is applied.
Knowing these potential withdrawal effects is very important for people who are considering making adjustments to their drug routine. This article focuses on the four most common Effexor withdrawal symptoms that people need to know to make informed decisions about their mental health treatment.
1. Flu-Like Symptoms
Patients withdrawing from Effexor often report flu-like symptoms, which could include headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea. Patients can also experience colds and, at other times, sweating.
These effexor withdrawal symptoms are flu-like and can often be mistaken as the onset of the actual disease. Therefore, it is essential for the patients who get these symptoms to know whether they are symptoms of Effexor withdrawal by seeking help from their healthcare provider.
2. Emotional Variations and Mood Swings
Effexor withdrawal can cause mood swings and emotional fluctuations as well. Some people might become very anxious, short-tempered, or aggressive, while others might not experience any feelings or emotional changes.
These mood swings can be challenging and disrupt daily activities and relationships. For people who feel depressed or experience emotional changes, it is vital to practice self-care, seek support from relatives and friends, and connect to a mental health professional.
3. Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo are the most common side effects of Effexor withdrawal. Patients can experience dizziness, imbalance, or a sensation of the environment rotating around them. Those sensations may be strange and can impose the risk of falling or accident.
It is essential for patients suffering from dizziness symptoms and vertigo not to undertake activities that require balance and coordination until these symptoms are over. A healthcare provider can guide you through this process and relieve these symptoms by exploring various treatment options.
4. Electric Shock Sensations (Brain Buzzes)
One of the most distinct and, at times, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms related to Effexor is the phenomenon called brain buzzes, a feeling of electric shocks in the brain or the body. Some patients may also see flashes of light or hear ringing in the ears, while others may experience a tingling sensation.
The brain buzzes usually do not cause harm but may be very unpleasant. It is vital for patients experiencing these symptoms to know that they are just typical withdrawal signs and they usually go away when the body adjusts to the changes.
Summary
The effects of quitting Effexor or lowering the dosage can be harrowing and annoying. Recognizing the signs of withdrawal, such as flu-like symptoms, mood swings, dizziness, and brain buzzes, is essential to prepare for the healing process.
Patients should seek a healthcare professional’s advice whenever they lower or end their Effexor dosage to be safe and ensure that they are getting the required support. With the help of a healthcare provider, you can find effective ways to overcome Effexor withdrawal symptoms.