Independent medical expert answers
on psychiatry and psychology

Effexor (venlafaxine) side effects and withdrawal problems

Written by: Jacob Palme, professor
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 16 Jun 2015.

Abstract:

Effexor can have many side effects and long-time withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it. The most common side effects and withdrawal symptoms are described here.

Common side effects of
Effexor (venlafaxine) are:

  • Headarche,
  • weakness,
  • loss of appetite,
  • weight gain or weight loss,
  • stomach pains,
  • sweating,
  • dizziness,
  • sleep problems,
  • nightmares,
  • tiredness,
  • trembling,
  • confusion,
  • stiffness in the body,
  • anxiety,
  • nervousness,
  • heartburn,
  • nausea,
  • constipation,
  • dry mouth,
  • skin blemishes,
  • yawning,
  • increased cholesterol level in the blood,
  • sexual problems or
  • loss of sex interest,
  • urination problems,
  • increased blood pressure,
  • fainting when you rise rapidly,
  • faster heart rate,
  • difficulty reading small print,
  • other sight problems.

If you have been using Effexor and stop using it, you can get short-term or long-term withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness,
  • sensory problems,
  • feeling
  • like ants are crawling on your skin,
  • sleeping problems,
  • nightmares,
  • anxiety,
  • headaches,
  • sweating,
  • nausea,
  • varying emotions,
  • muscle pain.

These wihdrawal symptom can go on from one week to two months after abruptly stopping using Effexor. It is better to reduce the dose gradually instead of abruptly. If you have severe syptoms after withdrawal, you might consider increasing the dose again and then reducing the dose gradually.

More information
Sources, references: http://web4health.info/en/answers/source/bio-effexor-side-effects-withdrawal.htm
http://web4health.info/en/answers/bio-effexor-side-effects-withdrawal.htm separator Copyright 2003-2015 Web4Health