Hi. This Is A 2 Part Question Several Weeks Ago

Posted on Thu, 12 Dec 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 Answered on

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Question : Hi. This is a 2 part question Several weeks ago i had an elevated liver enzyme result (72) from lab work. I did not have the follow up as intended but i am scheduled for labs dec. 18th. I have not drank one drop of alcohol since nov 28th. Also, my dr is weening me off of effexor antidepressant. For the past 7 days, one on one off. I have been feeling itch mainlybin hands and feet but with no rash, and also extremely vertigo feeling. Can yhese symptoms be due to coming off the effexor and/or detoxing my liver? Im 36. I dont consider myself an alcoholic, but when i do drink i think i have too much as i have a high tolerance. Long story short, i am abstaining from alcohol but want to know the chances of these symptoms being from potential cirrhosis or just effexor withdrawal . Thanks. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This seems to be from withdrawal

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

These symptoms seem to be coming from withdrawal of effexor as the body re-adjusts.

Detox usually causes symptoms of a mild flu like reaction like fever, headache, etc.

Cirrhosis will have other symptoms also like fluid retention, low appetite, nose bleeds, yellowish discoloration, weight loss, itchy skin, weakness. If its affects the brain and cause hepatic encephalopathy, there might be poor judgement, low attention, poor concentration, dizzyness, loss of consciousness. Cirrhosis is confirmed with USG, CT scan and biopsy of liver. With symptoms of only itchiness and vertigo, this doesn't seem to be cirrhosis.

I would suggest that during withdrawal you may drink lots of water (with low tds).

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (23 hours later)

Thank you for your response. Regarding the labwork that showed elevation level of 72 liver enzymes, Is it possible that my liver rnzymes were elevated because i drank 3\4 pint of vodka two nights prior to lab work and took 4 tylenol for headache? Basically can that 2 nights before cause the elevation 2 days later on bloodwork?

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It will confirm in your next tests

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Yes its a possibility that a combination of alcohol and paracetamol one day prior caused abnormal liver function. This will need to be corelated with previous tests and further tests. That will confirm if its a long term condition or it was acute deterioration of liver function.

Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar