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Severe Dizziness And Sickness On Trying To Get Off Effexor. What Should I Do?
Hi, I was seperated and divorced from my husband of 31 years over three years ago, i had a nervous break down so i was put on effexor, now my life has changed and i am with a wonderful man and am happy and doing well, i would love to get off the effexor but everytime i have tried my head just gets crazy dizzy and i get sick, help what can i do?
posted on
Fri, 21 Dec 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 29 Dec 2012
Answered on
Wed, 2 Jan 2013
Last reviewed on
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is an antidepressant medication and your symptoms appear to be withdrawal-related. When taken for prolonged periods and stopped, antidepressants can cause withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety or depression.
This can be prevented by tapering down the dosage very gradually before stopping the medication. In addition, practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing , etc. can help in controlling the rebound anxiety. Please consult your doctor for a tapering schedule for the medication.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is an antidepressant medication and your symptoms appear to be withdrawal-related. When taken for prolonged periods and stopped, antidepressants can cause withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety or depression.
This can be prevented by tapering down the dosage very gradually before stopping the medication. In addition, practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing , etc. can help in controlling the rebound anxiety. Please consult your doctor for a tapering schedule for the medication.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
Hello.......
Thanks for your query. It is encouraging to note that efflexor (venlafaxine) has helped you maintain fine over these years. Abruptly stopping the above medication is not advised as it can result in withdrawal symptoms. The drug needs to be slowly tapered off if required by your consulting psychiatrist, usually at a rate of 25%-50% decrease in dosage/ week approx. Hope you found the information useful.
Dr Sundar Gnanavel
Psychiatrist
Thanks for your query. It is encouraging to note that efflexor (venlafaxine) has helped you maintain fine over these years. Abruptly stopping the above medication is not advised as it can result in withdrawal symptoms. The drug needs to be slowly tapered off if required by your consulting psychiatrist, usually at a rate of 25%-50% decrease in dosage/ week approx. Hope you found the information useful.
Dr Sundar Gnanavel
Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
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