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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Breathlessness And Twitching Sensation In Body While On Effexor?

I took Effexor XR today prescribed for anxiety and it feels like I'm high on drugs, its making my eyes feel weird, my heart feels like its going crazy, I'm breathing weird, I'm shaking, I feel a weird need to constantly stretch or be moving, I'm twithcy, I'm cold and sweaty, I feel trapped and so awake and I don't think this is normal
Mon, 31 Aug 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 is Venlafaxine and the drug is a SNRI drug. The drug results in worsening of anxiety, restlessness, twitting like symptoms for first few days of starting the treatment. So the symptoms you are having are occurring due to side effects of Venlafaxine only. No need to worry for these symptoms because these symptoms will reduce with in a week by own. To prevent these symptoms it is advisable to start the drug with low doses and the doses are increased gradually after a week of starting the treatment.

If symptoms are becoming intolerable then consult your doctor for evaluation. Take plenty of water and medicines like low dose benzodiazepines can help to reduce these symptoms. Discuss with your doctor for that.

Thanks, Hope this helps. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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What Causes Breathlessness And Twitching Sensation In Body While On Effexor?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Effexor is Venlafaxine and the drug is a SNRI drug. The drug results in worsening of anxiety, restlessness, twitting like symptoms for first few days of starting the treatment. So the symptoms you are having are occurring due to side effects of Venlafaxine only. No need to worry for these symptoms because these symptoms will reduce with in a week by own. To prevent these symptoms it is advisable to start the drug with low doses and the doses are increased gradually after a week of starting the treatment. If symptoms are becoming intolerable then consult your doctor for evaluation. Take plenty of water and medicines like low dose benzodiazepines can help to reduce these symptoms. Discuss with your doctor for that. Thanks, Hope this helps. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.