Effexor XR withdrawal (generic venlafaxine) can be a complex process. This SNRI antidepressant is currently prescribed only in the extended-release format, Effexor XR. Alternative to Meds Center does not recommend trying to withdraw from Effexor XR, or any version of venlafaxine, on your own. Even in choosing an out patient setting. always take time to find competent clinical support. The information below may provide some guidance to share with your prescriber regarding how to manage Effexor XR or venlafaxine withdrawal safely.
You owe it to yourself to be fullyInformed about
Effexor XR WD risks & workable strategies.
Alternative to Meds has been a world leader in antidepressant withdrawal for more than 17 years. Please take time to review years of published evidence of our clients’ success. We investigate possible root cause(s) for conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and others. Typically we find overlooked neurotoxin overload, medical conditions, nutrition deficits, and other problems which can lead to misdiagnoses and many other complexities. We assess the facts and then customize a holistic treatment plan designed to produce lasting results. Take a look at our many testimonials. We’ve been there too, and we understand.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Commonly, many persons will experience symptoms of withdrawal from antidepressant medication within a day or two. While the immediate-release version of venlafaxine has a 5-hour half-life, Effexor XR has a somewhat extended half-life of about 11 hours and this is the version that is now prescribed. The half-life point is a somewhat predictable marker for when withdrawal symptoms will begin to manifest.5,6
Effexor XR Withdrawal Symptoms can include:
Seizures
Stroke-like symptoms 27
Brain zaps or brain shivers (electric shock-like sensations)
Mania, hypomania 28
Anxiety
Depression
Panic attacks
Suicidal thoughts
Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, muscle pain, aches)
Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Impulsive or erratic behaviors
Nightmares
Insomnia, disturbed sleep
Effexor withdrawal can cause a wide range of extremely distressing reactions, and these can differ from person to person. Before trying to get off Effexor XR or venlafaxine on your own, proper guidance can help you get through the process safely.
In short term trials, Effexor XR was found to be effective at reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.29 However, in longer term trials the drug loses efficacy. Drug tolerance is found in virtually all drug classes, according to the Journal of Pharmacology.30 The mechanisms for this are discussed below. The bottom line here, is that when the drug no longer “works”, often people decide to stop taking it.
But importantly, never ever abruptly discontinue Effexor XR as to do so can be life-threatening, and can greatly lengthen your recovery time. Finding competent help who understands the difficulties involved is your best resource to assist you with Effexor XR withdrawal.
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
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,13,20acupuncture,14therapeutic 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.
5. Gabriel, M., & Sharma, V. (2017). Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 189(21), E747. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.160991 [cited 2023 April1 3]
13. Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression. Indian J Psychiatry. 2020 Jan;62(Suppl 2):S223-S229. doi: 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_772_19. Epub 2020 Jan 17. PMID: 32055065; PMCID: PMC7001356. [cited 2023 Dec 1]
16. Yeung A, Chan JSM, Cheung JC, Zou L. Qigong and Tai-Chi for Mood Regulation. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2018 Jan;16(1):40-47. doi: 10.1176/appi.focus.20170042. Epub 2018 Jan 24. PMID: 31975898; PMCID: PMC6519567. [cited 2023 Dec 1]
17. Cardenas-Iniguez C, Burnor E, Herting MM. Neurotoxicants, the Developing Brain, and Mental Health. Biol Psychiatry Glob Open Sci. 2022 Jul;2(3):223-232. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.05.002. Epub 2022 May 23. PMID: 35911498; PMCID: PMC9337627. [cited 2023 Dec 1]
18. National Research Council (US) Committee on Neurotoxicology and Models for Assessing Risk. Environmental Neurotoxicology. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1992. 1, Introduction: Defining the Problem of Neurotoxicity. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234243/ [cited 2023 Dec 1]
25. Lazar, S. W., Kerr, C. E., Wasserman, R. H., Gray, J. R., Greve, D. N., Treadway, M. T., McGarvey, M., Quinn, B. T., Dusek, J. A., Benson, H., Rauch, S. L., Moore, C. I., & Fischl, B. (2005). Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness. Neuroreport, 16(17), 1893–1897. [cited 2023 Dec 1]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Lyle Murphy is the founder of the Alternative to Meds Center, a licensed residential program that helps people overcome dependence on psychiatric medication and addiction issues using holistic and psychotherapeutic methods.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
Our Success Stories
Medication Withdrawal Success Stories
Can you imagine being free from medications, addictive drugs, and alcohol? This is our goal and we are proving it is possible every day!
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
Medical research shows the highest antidepressant food scores (AFS) were found in
You can view the protocols we use in detail on our 
