How to manage Venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms on restarting?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have stopped taking Venlafaxine for eight days now. My doctor wants me to start taking it again to wean off correctly. I do not want to go through the withdrawal symptoms again.

What should I do?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Venlafaxine is well known for causing withdrawal (discontinuation) symptoms if stopped suddenly. Dizziness, brain zaps, irritability, flu-like feelings, and sleep disturbance are the withdrawal symptoms shown. That is why your doctor recommends restarting it and tapering slowly.

Your options are,

Restart at a low dose (as your doctor suggested) and taper gradually. This is usually the smoothest way to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
If you do not want to go back on, you can discuss with your doctor whether another antidepressant (for example, Fluoxetine, which has a longer half-life) can be used temporarily to ease withdrawal.
Supportive measures like good hydration, regular sleep, light exercise, and avoiding alcohol or excess caffeine can help with mild withdrawal.
Do not try to push through severe withdrawal on your own. If you are experiencing intense dizziness, agitation, or suicidal thoughts, seek medical help immediately.
It is understandable that you do not want to go through withdrawal again. The safest approach is to restart and then taper under supervision. But this decision should be made with your doctor based on how severe your current symptoms are.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.