What are the side effects of Desvenlafaxine and Aripiprazole?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was taking D-Venizep 50 and Arpizol as follows: D-Venizep 50 every alternate day and Arpizol every two days for three months. Before that, I was taking D-Venizep daily and Arpizol every other day.

For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing sleep disturbances, and I could not sleep for five nights. I informed my doctor, and he stopped Arpizol while advising me to take D-Venizep daily. However, I read that insomnia is a side effect of D-Venizep, which has made me anxious. I need proper sleep, and I am afraid. I want to stop these medications. What should I do?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about the sleep disturbances you are experiencing. It is understandable to feel anxious about this situation.

Here are some steps you can take:

Consult your doctor: It is crucial to discuss your desire to stop the medications with your doctor. They can provide a safe plan for tapering off the medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms and manage your sleep issues.
Gradual tapering: Stopping medications like D-Venizep (Desvenlafaxine) and Arpizol (Aripiprazole) suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. A gradual tapering plan, supervised by your doctor, can help reduce these risks.
Addressing insomnia: Since insomnia is a known side effect of Desvenlafaxine, your doctor might adjust your dosage or suggest alternative treatments to help manage your sleep disturbances.
Lifestyle adjustments: Implementing good sleep hygiene practices can also help improve your sleep. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime.
Support system: Having a support system in place, such as family, friends, or a therapist, can help you manage anxiety and other symptoms during this transition.

It is important to follow your doctor's guidance and not make any changes to your medication regimen without their approval. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask or book an appointment with me, as I am a sleep specialist too.

Thank you.