What Causes Hearing Sounds In Ear After Effexor Withdrawal?

Posted on Wed, 6 Aug 2014

Question: I am titrating from 300 mg. effexor, for anxiety. Have been on the med for 10 years. I started mid April, 2014 and am now completely off the med for 7 days. About a month ago, I started getting whooshies in my brain and ears. It has now gone to only my ears and I am very dizzy. My husband died 7 months ago, also. Three nights ago, I had a complete meltdown, crying, screaming, etc. Then another happened the following day. I have been to my doc who has never heard of the whooshies, etc. I have also talked to my therapist. Help.

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be venlafaxine induced tinnitus.

Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

In your case, it could be due to venlafaxine. Continuous use of venlafaxine could lead to tinnitus. Usually it improves in few days, but if it stays, then you should consult a ENT specialist. It could be due to neurological damage caused by effexor (venlafaxine).

Better to consult a ENT specialist and rule out any internal damage.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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