Venlafaxine is an antidepressant. Discontinuation of therapy may be associated with a withdrawal syndrome.
Effects: inhibition of serotonin reuptake and inhibitor of norepinephrine
Clinical features:
(1) abrupt discontinuation following long-term therapy, even with low doses
(2) new onset of a variety of signs and symptoms
(3) exclusion of alternative explanations
(4) gradual resolution if no venlafaxine given or rapid resolution if drug restarted
Signs and symptoms may include:
(1) disturbed sleep
(2) headache
(3) nausea
(4) dysphoria
(5) positional vertigo
(6) irritability
(7) light headedness
