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How to manage Venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms on restarting?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.

Answered by Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

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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,

  1. Restart at a low dose (as your doctor suggested) and taper gradually. This is usually the smoothest way to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

  2. 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.

  3. Supportive measures like good hydration, regular sleep, light exercise, and avoiding alcohol or excess caffeine can help with mild withdrawal.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At November 10, 2025
Reviewed At November 10, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Decision Helper
Venlafaxine Discontinuation: Withdrawal Symptom Management Decision Helper

Managing Venlafaxine Withdrawal?

Answer a few questions to understand your options for managing Venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms and when to seek medical help.

This tool provides general guidance and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Medications should be taken after consulting a physician. The dosages will be prescribed by the physician. Do not alter, start, or stop medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki
Dr. Awadhesh P Singh Solanki

Psychiatry

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki is a renowned Psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He is skilled in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic mental health care. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Solanki is dedicated to improving emotional well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, balanced lives through evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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