Withdrawal reactions associated with venlafaxine.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to describe discontinuation syndromes associated with abrupt and tapered withdrawal fo venlafaxine, and to document that withdrawal symptoms may occur after missing a single dose.


METHODS
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.
Parker
G
G
University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Blennerhassett
J
J
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride