How Long Do Effexor XR Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some persons may be able to stop taking antidepressants relatively easily, especially if the drug was only taken for a short time, and at a low dose. For others, especially after long-term use and if stopping too abruptly, the adverse effects of Effexor withdrawal can last for several weeks, months, or longer. Factors such as age, general health and others can also impact Effexor withdrawal and how long it may take to achieve full recovery.6
What Is Effexor XR Used For?
The short answer is doctors prescribe Effexor to treat the following conditions: 1
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
Doctors prescribe Effexor XR/venlafaxine for many off-label uses as well. Most commonly, venlafaxine has been prescribed off-label to treat bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia.2 Other off-label prescriptions of Effexor have been used to treat symptoms of menopause,3 obsessive-compulsive disorders, and chronic pain syndromes.4
The SNRI antidepressant Effexor has been around since 1997. Currently, doctors only prescribe venlafaxine under the brand name Effexor XR, which is a time-release version of the drug. it is commonly referred to as “Effexor” but it is not prescribed as an immediate-release drug today.
Effexor XR and Adult Suicide Risk
The Black Box warning on Effexor products mentions the risk of suicide in children and youth. However, the risk of suicide in adults is two and a half times that of placebo according to research published in 2019 by Hengartner and Ploderl. Anyone taking Effexor should be informed of the need to monitor suicidal thoughts, regardless of the age of the patient. 26
How Does Effexor Work?
How Effexor works is “unknown” according to the label itself. The label also tells us that “non-clinical studies” have demonstrated the drug affects serotonin, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and norepinephrine, an excitatory hormone that is related to adrenaline. The drug is also found to affect dopamine but to a lesser extent. To clarify, “non-clinical” trials are animal-based studies done on either live animals or in vitro (studies done in a lab, outside of a living organism).1,12
Although it seems to have taken a long while for prescribers to know about it, the medical literature does acknowledge withdrawal symptoms can occur if you miss several doses or stop taking a drug like Effexor XR (venlafaxine) all at once.4,5
Can You Get Addicted to Effexor XR?
There are different ways to define addiction. A workable definition is this: if there are withdrawals when you stop taking a drug, this is a marker showing that addiction or dependence has developed.6,7
Based on the non-clinical — animal — trials, it is believed that Effexor alters brain chemistry. The neurons in the CNS begin to adapt to and become reliant on the presence of the drug. This is called neuroadaptation.13 So if you change your dose or stop taking venlafaxine, the neurotransmitter cannot immediately adapt, and this causes distressing withdrawal symptoms.5
Research shows that Effexor withdrawal should be done gradually to avoid Effexor withdrawal symptoms. While it was neglected as a serious subject in the drug’s early days, Effexor withdrawal has now formally acknowledged, and has been re-named Effexor discontinuation syndrome in many medical studies and much of the current literature.5,7
Venlafaxine Withdrawal Treatment Options: Outpatient or Inpatient?
Inpatient treatment for Effexor withdrawal is highly recommended, especially if a person is experiencing extreme reactions, or in a case where the person has tried more than once to stop taking Effexor without success. Many of our clients have found that inpatient care was the key to their successful Effexor withdrawal. Protocols used at the center are described in more detail below.
However, we also understand that not everyone can be a candidate for inpatient treatment and opt for out patient care. The most important part of choosing care is being confident in your caregivers. There is an online resource to find licensed physicians called IMHH.org. You can likely find help in your geographic area by searching this directory for physician who not only can prescribe, but follows guidelines based on integrated medicine for mental health.
Slow and Gradual Effexor Withdrawal
Experts recommend slowly and gradually reducing your dosage of Effexor to ease withdrawal symptoms.4,5 Reach out to your doctor for medical advice to ask about how a gradual withdrawal schedule can minimize your withdrawal symptoms.
What About OTC Medications?
Before taking over-the-counter medications, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. A naturopath can guide you concerning any nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that may act as neurotransmitter precursors, to help the body regain balance.
Diet Upgrades in Effexor XR Withdrawal
Certain nutrient-dense foods and supplements may play a significant role in recovery from depressive disorders, according to the work of La Chance et al. We encourage you to learn more about the role nutrition can play and discuss these diet recommendations with your healthcare provider:
Medical research shows the highest antidepressant food scores (AFS) were found in oysters, mussels, other seafoods, and organ meats. In plant-based foods, the highest scores came from leafy greens, lettuces, peppers, and cruciferous vegetables. Consider including more of them in your daily diet.9- Eliminate stimulants: Lowering your intake of sugars and caffeine can have a significantly positive effect on your withdrawal process.
- Supplements that got the highest “antidepressant nutrient score” included these: vitamins A, C, B (especially noted were B1, B6, & B12), magnesium, selenium, potassium, iron, folate, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. (Look for the highest quality supplements you can afford.) You can research the best available food sources for these nutrients and micronutrients — and supplements can further ensure you’re getting enough of them. Lab testing can help determine your body’s profile and needs accurately.
Importance of Exercise in Recovery
Physical exercise is probably one of the most under-used but beneficial types of therapy for recovery after drug use has damaged the body. The effects of getting the body moving, combined with mindfulness and breathing exercises have been well-documented.
Whether your preference is aerobics or yoga, clinical trials have shown significant positive effects of physical exercise on mental and physical health. Take time during your recovery to include exercise, and gain these advantages! 21,22
Supportive Therapy
When the withdrawal process has adequately stabilized, and the person is eating and sleeping, this might be a good time to introduce counseling or other types of psychological therapy. Undergoing supportive therapy can help address areas that may be related to and contributing to depression and anxiety, and that can give you ways to cope with and overcome the stressors in your life. A wide range of international researchers such as Nakao, Lazar, Keng, Clark, and others have recommended approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, problem-solving therapy, competitive memory training, problem-adaptation therapy, reminiscence group therapy, and more.10,11,13,22-25
Effexor XR / venlafaxine Withdrawal at Alternative to Meds Center
There are many non-pharmacological options for effectively dealing with depression and other conditions. However, Effexor withdrawal done correctly will put you in a position to best take advantage of them. At Alternative to Meds Center, we specialize in orthomolecular-medicine-based treatment programs for attaining mental health naturally, free from the need for prescription drugs.
You can view the protocols we use in detail on our services overview pages. Some of the most important and fundamental examples include neurotoxin removal, and neurotransmitter rehabilitation. We have found that the most stubborn and puzzling symptoms, especially those that medication did not resolve, were directly related to accumulated neurotoxic elements in the body. And, once these are gently removed, healing moves forward and regaining mental wellness and a normalizing of neurotransmitter function become possible. Since mental health symptoms are directly associated with neurotoxicity, we cannot overemphasize the importance of having a “clean machine” and what that can do for natural mental wellness.17-19
Easing this neurotoxic burden can make all the difference in a slow and gradual taper.
A wide array of therapeutic services including lab testing and science-based nutrition has been honed and perfected over nearly 20 years, to help our clients through to successful recovery. Some of the most popular options include CBT,13,20 acupuncture,14 therapeutic massage,15 QiGong,16 sound healing, nebulized glutathione, and a host of others. Each program is carefully designed to fit the unique needs and profile of each client.
Ours is a multi-layered and highly personalized approach to regaining mental health in non-toxic, safe, gentle ways. Please call us for more information about how our comprehensive Effexor XR / venlafaxine withdrawal program may be the answer you’ve been looking for to end your suffering, or that of your loved one.
