Suggest Treatment For Severe Side Effects From Taking Venlafaxine

Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 Answered on

Wed, 7 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having severe side effects from taking venlafaxine I have very very bad gas pains I'm in trying to wean myself off of this

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The symptoms are occurring due to withdrawal of drug.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Venlafaxine is a SNRI drug and you were taking 150 mg of the drug. The drug causes changes at receptor levels so abrupt stoppage or dose reduction after regular use results in withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms you are having are due to reduction of dose to 75 mg from 150 mg. Gradual dose reduction is advised to prevent the withdrawal. In normal cases doses should be reduced by about 20-25% every two weeks. In my opinion the symptoms you are having will reduce in coming 3-5 days by own. For severe restlessness like symptoms medicines like low dose benzodiazepines can help. Consult your doctor before making any change in prescription.

Thanks, Hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar