Withdrawal Reactions Associated with Venlafaxine

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe discontinuation syndromes associated with abrupt and tapered withdrawal of venlafaxine, and to document that withdrawal symptoms may occur after missing a single dose. Clinical picture: We report on two patients prescribed venlafaxine. One developed a broad range of serious side effects after reaching a dose of 300 mg a day, and a severe withdrawal syndrome (including hallucinations) during a slow taper regime. The second had severe discontinuation symptoms during and aborting a slow taper regime, and described withdrawal responses after missing a single dose of venlafaxine. Conclusions: As for the short-acting selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, severe discontinuation reactions may occur with venlafaxine, seemingly marked most distinctly by headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and dysphoria, and may make cessation of the drug extremely difficult. Two strategies for addressing the concern are considered.