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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Lightheadedness While On Effexor?

I am a 42yr old woman who has been on effexor 75mg for about 3yrs. there have been itmes when i have run out of my medicine and it would take a couple of days to get it from pharmacy. Im used to feeling a little aggitated when that happens,but today Im extremely light headed and feel like I cant get with the program. I have taken my meds today but could it be a withdrawl symptom since I did not have it over the weekend?
Thu, 27 Aug 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Effexor is Venlafaxine and you are taking the drug regularly since last 3 years in 75 mg doses. The drug causes improvement in serotonin and nor epinephrin neurotransmission by causing changes in receptor levels. If the drug is stopped abruptly then the drug might cause withdrawal effects because of decrease in levels of the drug in brain. As you haven't taken the drug in weekend so most likely the symptoms like lightheadedness, agitation etc you are having are most likely due to withdrawal of the drug. So to prevent the similar symptoms in future try to refill your prescription in advance and don't forget to take the drug regularly.

Consult your psychiatrist regularly while on this drug.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist
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What Causes Lightheadedness While On Effexor?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Effexor is Venlafaxine and you are taking the drug regularly since last 3 years in 75 mg doses. The drug causes improvement in serotonin and nor epinephrin neurotransmission by causing changes in receptor levels. If the drug is stopped abruptly then the drug might cause withdrawal effects because of decrease in levels of the drug in brain. As you haven t taken the drug in weekend so most likely the symptoms like lightheadedness, agitation etc you are having are most likely due to withdrawal of the drug. So to prevent the similar symptoms in future try to refill your prescription in advance and don t forget to take the drug regularly. Consult your psychiatrist regularly while on this drug. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist