Tapering The Dose Of Venlafexine. Experiencing Headache, Sinus Problem. What Is Causing This?

Posted on Thu, 16 May 2013

Question: I have been on a discontinuation programme from generic venlafaxine for 10 months....from 225mg....now down to 18 3/4.............I am experiencing severe head pains...flu like symptoms....The worst symptom is severe sinus problems.......Are the 'Sinus Problems' part of withdrawl....& how long do you think that it should be before I quit?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (24 minutes later)

Hello
Welcome to Health Care Magic

You are tapering the dose of Venlafexine since last 10 months and is currently on 18.75 mg. You are having head pains and flu like symptoms. Sinus problem has also got exaggerated.

First of all I would like to tell you that Sinus problem is not a part of withdrawal syndrome. You are tapering the drug since 10 months so even with this tapering withdrawal syndrome is rare.

But the problems of sinusitis may be causing flu like symptoms, headache in you. For immediate relief of headache I would advise you to take steam inhalations at least 3-4 times a day. Steam inhalation will help in liquifying the secretions and will help in easy drainage.

For headache you can take any good NSAID pain killer like Iburpofen. Ibuprofen is also an anti-inflammatory drug which will help in healing also. Try to take medicine after meals.

For some time there is a need for Decongestants. Medicines like Cetrizine, levocetrizine can be taken as once daily doses for about 2 weeks. It will help in easy drainage. You can get your X-ray of sinus done (Caldwell View) and get it checked by an ENT specialist to find out extent of infection.

Hope it helps, if you have more queries then you can ask again.

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD

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

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 minutes later)

Thank you.....My doctor thought the same.....I had 2 lots of antibiotics plus a decongestant nose spray..but has not helped......I suffer from COPD.....so could it be the Symbicourt inhaler?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 minutes later)

Hello again

Symbicourt inhaler should be used only on SOS basis in situation of broncho-constriction. In chronic use even it may cause headache and irritation as side effects.

As I have mentioned already, try steam inhalation. It will provide symptomatic relief. As you have taken antibiotic course so there is no need to take it again. Continue to take decongestants as they will provide relief and prevent congestion.

Thanks

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