Effexor (venlafaxene) Withdrawal, Side Effects, Addiction and Treatment

The FDA mandated in 2007 that Effexor packaging update the black box label on packaging to warn consumers that the antidepressant drug Effexor should not be taken by anyone under the age of 25 years old due to studies that showed the drug caused a five-fold increase in suicidality. This may be a highly profitable reason for getting off Effexor.

The antidepressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine) was discontinued sometime after 1997, (exact data not available) when some trials showed that an extended release version caused less nausea. No other trials or tests besides the nausea test can be found which indicate that the XR version has been proven any more or less safe than the original version of the drug. (1)

Effexor (venlafaxine) is thought to block certain neurotransmitters, described below, which causes an artificial though temporary effect. The effect increases in relation to the strength of the dosage. Effexor is classed as an SNRI drug, and has unique characteristics that set it apart from other re-uptake inhibiting antidepressant drugs.

Some antidepressants increase the available amount of serotonin that is active in the body. Serotonin is what influences such things as anxiety, sleep, memory, aggression, learning, mood, appetite, body temperature, and other important functions. It is an inhibitory agent. Although serotonin is stimulating to certain digestive functions, it is inhibitory to the central nervous system.

Some antidepressants affect the adrenergic receptors, such as adrenaline and norepinephrine. These are excitatory neurotransmitters, which, among other necessary functions, regulates proper blood flow, regulates blood pressure, and stimulates other changes such as those related to “fight or flight” mechanisms.

Some antidepressant drugs can purge and suspend dopamine, which is often referred to as the reward chemical, or the agent which activates the pleasure centers in the body/brain as well as motor function, long term memory, mood and emotion, addiction reinforcement, laughter, and many other responses.

EffexorXR (venlafaxene extended release) is highly unique in that it is one of a very small number of antidepressants in existence that are described as affecting reuptake of all three of these types of neurotransmitters concurrently, especially when taken at higher doses, causing a temporary surge of these agents in the body. (2)

Special warning letters and health alerts have been issued by the FDA to the makers of Effexor (now EffexorXR) since 2003 covering important health consequences including:

• Risk to pregnancy
• Birth defects and complications after birth
• Increased risk of bone fracture linked to decreased bone mineral density in older populations
• Suicidality in children and young adults
• Suicidality in adults
• Risk for serotonin toxicity (see Serotonin Syndrome below)
• Risk for overdose especially in connection with alcohol or other concurrent medications
• Cautions regarding stopping Effexor or EffexorXR abruptly.

We have described some of the important facts in more detail below for educational purposes. If you have additional questions, be sure to ask your care provider or other medical professional for further information so an informed decision can be made about your health and safety or that of a loved one.

Special Note: One of the important black box warnings states never to abruptly attempt stopping Effexor but recommends Effexor tapering to decrease dosage gradually over time whenever possible. More information on withdrawal adverse effects of EffexorXR and how to get off Effexor (venlafaxine) can be found further on in this article.

What is EffexorXR (Venlafaxine) Used For?

EffexorXR is approved by the FDA to be used for treating such conditions as:

• MDD (Major Depression Disorder)
• GAD (General Anxiety Disorder)
• SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder, sometimes called Social Phobia)
• PD (Panic Disorder)

In addition to the above approved uses, off label uses have become an option where other treatments for certain conditions were found unsuccessful.

Studies are sometimes done to explore the effectiveness of drugs, and where enough studies show a reasonable efficacy, the drug can eventually become approved for other purposes than the drug was originally approved for.

Such off-label uses for EffexorXR (venlafaxine) currently include:

• Treatment of hot flashes in menopause
• Migraines, tension headaches
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
• Post breast cancer therapy neuropathy

Effexor Alternatives

There are various Effexor alternatives and treatments that can be researched and implemented, for successfully addressing factors of mental unease. At the Alternative to Meds Center we specialize in many methods of attaining mental health naturally, and free from prescription drugs. Once a person has grasped an understanding of how to get off Effexor safely and comfortably, it may be beneficial to pursue some of the holistic treatments the center has found to be successful.

Effexor (venlafaxine) Alternative Names and Slang

Effexor (venlafaxine) and EffexorXR have been marketed under hundreds of brand names around the world, including these interesting names:

• Easyfor
• Depressa
• Nervix
• Calmdown
• Vexamode
• Venjoy
• Blossom

Venlafaxine hydrochloride is the full generic name for Effexor and EffexorXR. Hydrochloride is a kind of chemical binder used in manufacturing this and certain other drugs. Hydrochloride is an acid, like the hydrochloric acid found in the stomach, instrumental in digestion.

Note that Effexor has now been discontinued in the US due to causing excessive nausea, and has been replaced with the time-release version called EffexorXR.

No street or slang names have emerged, as the drug never became popularized as a stand-alone drug for recreational use. However, the drug has been shown up in batches of street drugs like MDMA or ecstasy, that when analyzed did contain random amounts of drugs such as venlafaxine or other prescription drugs.

Effexor Side Effects / EffexorXR Side Effects

One of the most commonly reported negative side effects of venlafaxine is nausea. The drug manufacturer reports that it stopped making the original version of Effexor in the US because of this negative effect, and replaced it with a time-release version called EffexorXR that was more easily tolerated.

However, a much more troubling Effexor side effect was that both versions of the drug were linked to a higher risk for mortality through overdose than other SSRI type antidepressant drugs, as reported in Wyeth Pharmaceutical’s 2006 letter issued to healthcare professionals. Wyeth’s letter warned of this discovery that emerged after the drug was already on the market. The FDA also sent out a medical alert from its safety information program that was set up to advise consumers and caregivers of such adverse events relating to prescription drugs such as this troubling Effexor side effect.

In addition to the afore-mentioned overdose mortality risk, there are vast numbers of Effexor side effects which may lead to the decision of getting off Effexor. These adverse effects documented for venlafaxine and all of its trade names, include:

• Serotonin Syndrome: a life threatening condition marked by sudden fever, sweating, muscle stiffness or muscle rigidity, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, agitation, etc.
• Many drugs, including alcohol, can interact with SSNRI antidepressants, and can contribute to or enhance side effects including Serotonin Syndrome.
• Elevated blood pressure
• Suicidality emergence, thoughts of hurting oneself
• Increased suicidality where already present
• Loss of bone mineral density leading to fractures
• Worsened depression
• Worsened anxiety
• Akathisia: a ceaseless internal restlessness often accompanied by constant need to be in motion, i.e., pacing, rocking, twisting, etc.
• Seizure
• Insomnia
• Bouts of coughing
• Aggressiveness
• Hostility
• Impulsive or erratic behaviors
• Panic attacks
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness, vertigo
• And many other negative physical, emotional, and cognitive side effects.

Effexor (Venlafaxine) Withdrawal Symptoms

In addition to the side effects of Effexor or EffexorXR, there are adverse effects that can accompany Effexor withdrawal.

This collective set of Effexor withdrawal symptoms is often termed Effexor Discontinuation Syndrome. These discontinuation symptoms can be extreme and even life threatening, especially where Effexor withdrawal is done abruptly or too quickly. However, it should be noted that these can occur even during a careful and gradual taper. It is highly recommended to seek medically assisted Effexor withdrawal treatment, and not try coming off the drug on one’s own.

These Effexor withdrawal symptoms may include, and are not limited to the following:

• Brain zaps, feeling of electric shocks through the head and neck
• Extreme fatigue
• Headaches, migraines
• Flu-like symptoms, ie., fever, chills, cramps, diarrhea, etc.
• Insomnia
• Brain fog
• And many other adverse symptoms.

How Long do Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

The half-life of EffexorXR is anywhere from approximately 9 to 27 hours, and Effexor withddrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours of the last dose. The half-life is the time that it takes for half of the total ingested dose to be cleared from the body. This half-life period is often extended to suggest that it is equivalent to the time a person may experience the manifestations of withdrawal.

Each person’s individual metabolism and genetic factors that dictate metabolism, play a part in the rate of withdrawal. This can make it largely unpredictable to determine when the withdrawal is going to manifest, when it will abate, and the severity. People with a more rapid metabolism may endure a sharper withdrawal. Effexor has a comparably short half-life for antidepressants, and as such can result in a typically more abrupt manifestation of withdrawal. Even though the half-life definition of withdrawal is measured by a number of hours, people often report a protracted withdrawal that can continue for weeks, months, or even years, especially where adequate preparations and support have not been made available in the process.

It is extremely important to bear in mind the FDA warning on stopping EffexorXR all at once. Abruptly discontinuing Effexor can introduce such a shock to the body that the withdrawals could be overwhelming and impossible to endure without medical intervention.

There are diet changes such as reducing sugar and caffeine that can be monitored during Effexor withdrawal treatment, as well as gentle exercise routines and organizing a daily schedule that allows for adequate rest and recuperation.

Discontinuing/Quitting Effexor (venlafaxine)

Can I stop Taking Effexor Cold Turkey?

The FDA has issued clear recommendations against stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) or EffexorXR too quickly and certainly warns against a “cold turkey” approach. To do so can lengthen the time needed to recover from quitting the drug. Always seek competent and professional Effexor withdrawal help.

When a person has been taking venlafaxine or any prescription drug for a period of time, the body begins compensating in many different ways that are not always obvious. Effexor addiction can be a result over time, as well as Effexor dependence. These factors of Effexor addiction and dependence can not be overlooked. Stopping Effexor after the body has become dependent on it can introduce such shock at such a rapid pace, that the change is profoundly unsettling, and can be life-threatening in some cases.

Never attempt to discontinue a drug suddenly. Always seek medical professional help and guidance before quitting Effexor (venlafaxine), EffexorXR, or any prescribed drug.