What are the common withdrawal symptoms of Effexor. How long do Effexor withdrawal symptoms typically last. What treatment options are available for managing Effexor withdrawal.

What is Effexor and What is it Used For?

Effexor, known generically as venlafaxine, is an antidepressant medication classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is prescribed primarily to treat several mental health conditions:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Panic disorder (PD)

Additionally, doctors sometimes prescribe Effexor “off-label” for other conditions, including:

• Bipolar affective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Menopausal symptoms
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Chronic pain syndromes

Effexor works by altering brain chemistry, specifically the levels and activity of neurotransmitters in the body. This mechanism of action helps patients better manage their mental health conditions. However, it’s important to note that suddenly changing the dose or discontinuing Effexor can lead to distressing withdrawal symptoms as the body struggles to adapt to the altered neurotransmitter levels.

Common Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

When discontinuing Effexor, patients may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms, often referred to as “antidepressant discontinuation syndrome”. These symptoms can be both physical and psychological in nature.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, muscle pain, aches)
• Headaches
• Dizziness and nausea
• Drowsiness
• Brain zaps or brain shivers (electric shock-like sensations)
• Dry mouth
• Impulsive or erratic behaviors

Psychiatric Withdrawal Symptoms

• Nightmares and insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts
• Seizures

Do withdrawal symptoms indicate an addiction to Effexor? Not necessarily. While some health experts argue that antidepressant medications can cause dependence, others disagree. However, there is a consensus that discontinuing Effexor can indeed cause withdrawal symptoms due to the body’s adjustment to changing neurotransmitter levels.

How Quickly Can Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms Appear?

Effexor has a relatively short half-life of just five hours, meaning that half of the drug is eliminated from the body in this timeframe. As a result, withdrawal symptoms can appear quite rapidly and with significant intensity if the medication is not tapered off gradually.

Can withdrawal symptoms occur even if you haven’t missed a dose? In some cases, yes. Symptoms of withdrawal from antidepressant medications like Effexor can begin within a day or two of a missed dose. However, due to Effexor’s short half-life, discontinuation symptoms can appear suddenly and severely, often within 8 to 12 hours of postponing or missing the last dose.

Duration of Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

The duration of Effexor withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Without comprehensive treatment, these side effects can persist for several weeks or even months. Various factors influence the duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms, including:

• The length of time the individual has been taking Effexor
• The dosage of the medication
• The individual’s overall health and metabolism
• Whether the medication was stopped abruptly or tapered off gradually

Is there a typical timeline for Effexor withdrawal? While individual experiences may vary, a general timeline might look like this:

1. Days 1-3: Initial symptoms begin, often including dizziness, nausea, and headaches
2. Days 4-5: Symptoms may intensify, with the potential for mood swings and “brain zaps”
3. Weeks 1-3: Symptoms may start to subside, but can still be present
4. Weeks 4+: Most symptoms should have resolved, but some individuals may experience lingering effects

It’s crucial to remember that this timeline is not definitive and can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances.

Treatment Options for Effexor Withdrawal

Managing Effexor withdrawal symptoms effectively often requires professional medical supervision. Here are some treatment options that may be considered:

Gradual Tapering

The most commonly recommended approach to discontinuing Effexor is through gradual tapering. This involves slowly reducing the dosage over time, allowing the body to adjust to decreasing levels of the medication. The exact tapering schedule should be determined by a healthcare professional and tailored to the individual’s needs.

Medication Substitution

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend switching to a different antidepressant with a longer half-life. This can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms while still providing therapeutic benefits.

Supportive Therapies

Various supportive therapies can be beneficial during the withdrawal process:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness meditation
• Regular exercise
• Nutritional support

Symptom Management

Specific medications may be prescribed to manage individual withdrawal symptoms. For example, anti-nausea medication for gastrointestinal issues or sleep aids for insomnia.

The Importance of Professional Support During Effexor Withdrawal

Attempting to discontinue Effexor without professional guidance can be dangerous and potentially lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Why is professional support crucial during Effexor withdrawal?

• Tailored tapering schedules: Healthcare providers can create personalized tapering plans based on individual factors.
• Monitoring for complications: Regular check-ins allow for early detection and management of any complications.
• Psychological support: Mental health professionals can provide crucial emotional support during the withdrawal process.
• Medication adjustments: If necessary, healthcare providers can adjust medications to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.

What should you do if you’re considering discontinuing Effexor? Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen. They can provide guidance on the safest and most effective approach to discontinuation, taking into account your individual health needs and circumstances.

Exploring Alternatives to Effexor

For some individuals, exploring alternatives to Effexor may be a consideration. What options might be available?

Other Antidepressants

There are several classes of antidepressants that work differently from SNRIs like Effexor. These include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Atypical antidepressants

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

Several non-medication approaches have shown effectiveness in managing depression and anxiety:

• Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy)
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction
• Regular exercise
• Dietary changes
• Light therapy (for seasonal affective disorder)

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Some individuals find benefit in complementary approaches, although it’s important to note that scientific evidence for these methods varies:

• Herbal supplements (e.g., St. John’s Wort, though this should never be combined with antidepressants)
• Acupuncture
• Meditation
• Yoga

Is it safe to explore alternatives while still taking Effexor? Always consult with your healthcare provider before introducing any new treatments or supplements, as some may interact with Effexor or other medications you’re taking.

Long-Term Considerations After Effexor Withdrawal

Successfully discontinuing Effexor is an important milestone, but it’s not the end of the journey. What should individuals consider in the long term after Effexor withdrawal?

Ongoing Mental Health Monitoring

Regular check-ins with mental health professionals can help ensure that symptoms of depression or anxiety don’t return or worsen after discontinuing Effexor.

Lifestyle Modifications

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can play a crucial role in managing mental health:

• Regular exercise
• Balanced diet
• Adequate sleep
• Stress management techniques

Building a Support Network

Having a strong support network of friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional backing during and after the withdrawal process.

Developing Coping Strategies

Working with a therapist to develop healthy coping strategies can be beneficial in managing stress and preventing relapse of depressive or anxiety symptoms.

How can you prepare for potential challenges after Effexor withdrawal? It’s important to have a plan in place. This might include knowing the signs of recurring depression or anxiety, having a list of coping strategies, and knowing who to contact if you need additional support.

Remember, discontinuing Effexor is a significant step in your mental health journey. While it may come with challenges, with proper support and preparation, many individuals successfully navigate this process and move forward with improved mental wellbeing.

Effexor Withdrawal Help | Time to consider holistic alternatives?

Alternative to Meds News & Blog Articles

Last Updated on May 18, 2023 by Carol Gillette

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr John Motl MD

The SSRI antidepressant Effexor (venlafaxine) is prescribed only in the extended-release format, Effexor XR. If you or a loved one has had unsuccessful results after taking Effexor, you may be considering an Effexor withdrawal program. Alternative to Meds does not recommend trying it on your own and advises you to seek competent clinical support. This information may provide some guidance to share with your prescriber and may give some enlightenment on how to cope with the withdrawal process.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Effexor Used For?
• Common Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms
• How Long Do Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
• Withdrawal Treatment Options

What Is Effexor Used For?

Doctors prescribe venlafaxine under the brand names Effexor and Effexor XR. Recently, as guided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), doctors can only prescribe the extended-release version, Effexor XR, but doctors and pharmacists still refer to it as simply Effexor.

An antidepressant medication and a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), doctors prescribe Effexor (venlafaxine) to treat mental health illnesses such as:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Panic disorder (PD)¹

Doctors have been prescribing Effexor (venlafaxine) for many off-label uses as well. Most commonly, venlafaxine has been prescribed off-label to treat bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia.² Other off-label prescriptions of venlafaxine have been used to treat symptoms of menopause,³ obsessive-compulsive disorders, and chronic pain syndromes.⁴

Although the DEA does not classify venlafaxine as a scheduled drug, meaning it has no abuse potential, withdrawal-like symptoms called “antidepressant discontinuation syndrome” can occur if you miss several doses or stop taking Effexor (venlafaxine) at once. ^4,5

Feeling withdrawal symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate an Effexor addiction. Although some health experts assert that antidepressant medication causes dependence, still others disagree.^6,7 Experts do concur that discontinuing Effexor can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Effexor works like most antidepressant medication classified as an SSRI. It alters your brain’s chemistry, namely the levels and activity of neurotransmitters in your body, to better deal with your illness. So if you change your dose or discontinue taking venlafaxine, the neurotransmitter levels don’t adapt immediately, causing distressing withdrawal symptoms.⁵

For this reason, abruptly discontinuing venlafaxine or sharply reducing dosage can introduce such a shock to the body that the withdrawals could be overwhelming and impossible to endure without medical intervention. Experts recommend tapering from venlafaxine slowly because of the discontinuation symptoms associated with what is termed discontinuation syndrome. ^5,7

Common Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

Although most people begin to feel symptoms of withdrawal from antidepressant medication within a day or two, venlafaxine has a shorter half-life, just five hours, meaning most people’s bodies eliminate half the drug in five hours. So researchers have noted that discontinuation symptoms for venlafaxine can appear suddenly and severely if individuals don’t taper from the drug gradually.^5,6

Stopping antidepressants like venlafaxine can also create a risk of depression recurring in addition to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, muscle pain, aches)
• Headaches
• Dizziness and nausea
• Drowsiness
• Brain zaps or brain shivers (electric shock-like sensations)
• Dry mouth
• Impulsive or erratic behaviors

Psychiatric Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

• Nightmares and insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts
• Seizures

If you or a loved one wants to taper from Effexor (venlafaxine), discuss your treatment options with a healthcare professional. The range and potential severity of Effexor withdrawal symptoms present a strong case for seeking a holistic approach to tapering as well as exploring non-toxic venlafaxine alternatives to treat your condition.

How Long Do Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Experts recommend that if you or a loved one wants to discontinue the use of venlafaxine, you must taper from the drug if you’ve been taking it for at least a week because of the severe Effexor withdrawal symptoms, which can begin within 8 to 12 hours of postponing or missing your last dose. These side effects from withdrawal can last for several weeks or months without comprehensive treatment. Factors such as the dose of medication, how long you’ve been taking the drug, age, and general health condition all impact Effexor withdrawal and recovery.⁶

Withdrawal Treatment Options

Stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) or Effexor XR by going “cold turkey” can lengthen the time needed to recover from quitting Effexor. Always seek competent and professional help from your healthcare provider to discuss which of these options works best to cope with Effexor withdrawal symptoms.

If your withdrawal side effects feel like an Effexor addiction, you can manage your discontinuation symptoms safely and comfortably at the Alternative to Meds Center. The center offers expertise and knowledge grounded in our longstanding heritage of individual care and attention.

Taper Schedule

Experts recommend tapering from Effexor to ease withdrawal symptoms. Tapering tends to be very individualized, so your timeline for tapering off the medication could span from weeks to months and is best done gradually.^4,5 Reach out to your doctor for medical advice to ask about how a taper schedule can reduce your withdrawal symptoms.

OTC Medications

Consult your doctor or healthcare provider about any over-the-counter medications that can help ease withdrawal symptoms. Nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can boost the production of naturally occurring neurotransmitter precursors, which can increase your level of neurotransmitters.

Diet and Exercise

Because you may experience symptoms even while tapering, you can support the withdrawal process by discussing these diet and exercise recommendations with your healthcare provider:

• Choose foods with a high antidepressant food score (AFS): Researchers have determined that specific foods can act as antidepressants. Oysters, mussels, organ meats, leafy greens, peppers, and cruciferous vegetables scored highest on the antidepressant food scores, so include more of them in your daily diet.⁹
• Eliminate stimulants: Lowering your intake of sugars and caffeine can have a positive effect on your withdrawal process.
• Exercise gently every day: Even an easy 10-minute walk can boost your recovery.

Therapy

Undergoing supportive therapy can decrease your risk of having a relapse. Non-pharmacological approaches helped improve depression. These approaches included cognitive behavioral therapy, problem-solving therapy, competitive memory training, problem-adaptation therapy, and reminiscence group therapy. ^10,11

Seeking Support

Whether you or a loved one is looking for an alternative to Effexor or seeking help with withdrawal symptoms, get assistance from medical professionals who have experience with antidepressants.

You have options for dealing with depression and other conditions that Effexor XR is designed to treat. At Alternative to Meds Center, we specialize in many Effexor alternatives and treatments for attaining mental health naturally, free from prescription drugs. In order to get off Effexor safely and comfortably, it may be beneficial to pursue some of the holistic treatments and tapering techniques the center has found to be successful.

1 (800) 301-3753 for Effexor Withdrawal Help

Sources

1. FDA drug label, Effexor (venlafaxine extended-release capsules) approval 1997 [cited 2023 April 13]

2. Walton, Surrey M. Ph.D., Schumock, Glen T. Pharm.D., M.B.A., Lee, Ky-Van Ph.D., Alexander, G. Caleb M.D., M.S., Meltzer, David M.D., Ph.D.d, Stafford, Randall S. M.D., Ph.D. Developing Evidence-Based Research Priorities for Off-Label Drug Use. [cited March 23, 2022]

3. Walton SM, Schumock GT, Lee KV, Alexander GC, Meltzer D, Stafford RS. Prioritizing future research on off-label prescribing: results of a quantitative evaluation. Pharmacotherapy. 2008 Dec;28(12):1443-52. doi: 10.1592/phco.28.12.1443. PMID: 19025425; PMCID: PMC4406412. [cited 2023 April 13]

4. Schifano Fabrizio, Chiappini Stefania. Frontiers in Pharmacology. “Is There a Potential of Misuse for Venlafaxine and Bupropion?” [cited 2023 April 13]

5. Gabriel, M., & Sharma, V. (2017). Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 189(21), E747. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.160991 [cited 2023 April1 3]

6. Campagne D. M. (2005). Venlafaxine and serious withdrawal symptoms: warning to drivers.  MedGenMed : Medscape general medicine, 7(3), 22. [cited 2023 April 13]

7. European Medicines Agency. “Background to the CPMP Position Paper on selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and dependency/withdrawal reactions.” [published April 12, 200] [2023 April 13]

8. Fava, Maurizio M.D., Mulroy, Rosemarie B.A., Alpert, Jonathan M.D., Ph.D., Nierenberg, Andrew A. M.D., and Rosenbaum, Jerrold F. M.D.The American Journal of Psychiatry. “Emergence of Adverse Events Following Discontinuation of Treatment With Extended-Release Venlafaxine.” [published Dec 1, 1997] [cited 2023 April 13]

9. LaChance, L. R., & Ramsey, D. (2018). Antidepressant foods: An evidence-based nutrient profiling system for depression. World journal of psychiatry, 8(3), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v8.i3.97 [published online 2018 Sept 20] [cited 2023 April 13]

10. Diaper, A. M., Law, F. D., & Melichar, J. K. (2014). Pharmacological strategies for detoxification.  British journal of clinical pharmacology, 77(2), 302–314. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12245 [published online 2014 Jan 22] [cited 2023 April 13]

11. Apóstolo J, Bobrowicz-Campos E, Rodrigues M, Castro I, Cardoso D. The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in older adults with depressive disorders: A systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud. 2016 Jun;58:59-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2016.02.006. Epub 2016 Feb 17. PMID: 27087298. [cited 2023 April 13]

Originally Published Sep 13, 2018 by Lyle Murphy, Founder

This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. John Motl, M.D.

Dr. Motl is currently certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry, and Board eligible in Neurology and licensed in the state of Arizona.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology and minors in chemistry and philosophy. He graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine.   Dr. Motl has studied Medical Acupuncture at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and at U.C.L.A.

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Lyle Murphy

Lyle Murphy is the founder of the Alternative to Meds Center, a licensed residential program that helps people overcome dependence on psychiatric medication and addiction issues using holistic and psychotherapeutic methods.

Medical Disclaimer:
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.

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Withdrawal from Effexor – Timeline, Symptoms, & Treatment

Table of contents

• What is Effexor?
• Timeline and Symptoms of Effexor Withdrawal
  • Onset of Withdrawal Symptoms
  • Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms
• How to Avoid Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms
• Effexor Withdrawal Treatment is Possible

Effexor is among the most popular antidepressants prescribed today and is considered to be a physically non-addictive drug. However, a psychological addiction and Effexor withdrawal symptoms may still develop through continued abuse, or when misused in conjunction with other mind-altering substances.

What is Effexor?

Venlafaxine (known by the brand name Effexor) is an antidepressant medication which belongs to a group of medicines known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of a chemical called serotonin in the brain and are commonly used to treat major depression, generalized anxiety disorders, and social phobias. People who frequently misuse this medication are typically found to be suffering from an anxiety or mood disorder accompanied by other substance abuse, including alcohol addiction.

Unfortunately, patients who stop taking Effexor or other SNRIs (either accidentally or intentionally) without taking the proper steps commonly experience withdrawal symptoms known as Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome (ADS), which in some cases may be severe.[1]

If you’ve discussed with your doctor the possibility of reducing your dosage of Effexor or stopping it altogether, there are options that can help you through the process. By gradually tapering down your dose (ideally under the supervision of a medical professional) and by taking steps to cope with your withdrawal symptoms, you can ease yourself off the drug with a minimum of discomfort.

Related post: What Happens During Klonopin Withdrawal?

Timeline and Symptoms of Effexor Withdrawal

Onset of Withdrawal Symptoms

Venlafaxine has a half-life of about five hours[i], which means that the onset of withdrawal symptoms develops quickly, even after missing just a single dose. Half-lives are determined based on the length of time it takes for the body to metabolize one half of the medication that was ingested.

• This means that if you take short-acting venlafaxine (Effexor IR), you may begin to develop withdrawal symptoms within hours on the same day after your last dose.
• Similarly, if you miss a dose of long-acting venlafaxine (Effexor XR), you may start to develop withdrawal symptoms within a day or two.

Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

The severity and duration of symptoms of Effexor withdrawal will vary from person to person, with some experiencing only mild discomfort over a short period of time, while others may experience severe, long-lasting symptoms requiring the care of a medical professional. Common symptoms include[2]:

• Mental and cognitive issues such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, low mood, and nervousness
• “Brain zaps”, a commonly reported symptom that is similar in feeling to an electric shock, jolt, or current running through the head
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Increased sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sleep problems such as insomnia, somnolence (excessive sleepiness), nightmares, or excessive dreaming
• Muscle twitches
• Tingling of the extremities
• Flu-like symptoms

How to Avoid Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms

1. Don’t Stop Taking Your Antidepressant “Cold-Turkey”: Venlafaxine is a medication that is designed to alter the brain’s chemistry in order to alleviate unwanted symptoms. Stopping Effexor on your own via the “cold-turkey” method can not only cause you to experience the withdrawal symptoms listed above but may also lead to a sudden and severe reversion to any mental problems experienced before you began taking the drug.

2. Stay on a Prescribed Tapering Schedule: By gradually decreasing your dose over time as directed by your doctor you will allow your body time to slowly adjust as the medication leaves your body. However, the duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms varies from person to person. To avoid them you should work with your doctor to taper down your Effexor dose over the course of a month or more. If you miss or forget to take a dose during this time, contact your doctor as soon as possible to discuss how best to return to your prescribed tapering schedule.

3. Detox in the Care of a Professional: If you or someone you know is dependent on or misusing venlafaxine, it is important to make sure they detox safely. Safe detoxification includes assistance from a medical professional, either as part of a prescription plan or in a supervised detox setting. A doctor can gradually taper off and reduce the dosage to ease or eliminate the person’s withdrawal symptoms and may diagnose and develop a treatment plan for any additional co-occurring or underlying mental or behavioral issues. 

Related post: Anxiety and Addiction: Treatment Strategies and Recovery

Effexor Withdrawal Treatment is Possible

If you or a loved one are experiencing withdrawal symptoms related to stopping venlafaxine, the expert staff at Briarwood Detox Center will work with you to develop a tapering plan and treatment program that is best suited to you or your loved one’s needs in order to recover safely. Please call us today at (512) 262-4426 or contact us online.

References:

1. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome – PMC (nih.gov)
2. Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome – American Family Physician (aafp. org)

antidepressants, drug detox, effexor withdrawal, prescription drugs

Detox, Drug Addiction, Drug and Alcohol Detox

What is withdrawal syndrome and how to overcome it

Likbez

Health

December 10, 2019

Abruptly quitting a bad habit can kill you.

The state of withdrawal Perhaps the term “withdrawal syndrome” does not mean anything to you. But you are probably familiar with the word “breaking”. The painful physical sensations experienced by a drug addict who has lost his habitual drug is a well-known thing.

Abstinence (the second name for withdrawal) can also be caused by substances that are much more harmless at first glance, for example, some drugs.

Lifehacker found out everything about withdrawal syndrome, its possible consequences, and how to get rid of it.

What is the withdrawal syndrome and where does it come from

The withdrawal syndrome is always associated with the formed dependence. At some point, a person decides (or is forced) to give up the usual dose of one or another substance, on which his brain has “hooked” for weeks, months, or even years of use, and a panic begins in the organ. However, not in a vacuum.

Psychoactive substances change the way the brain works. For example, they increase the activity of some receptors, which increases the production of hormones – the same “pleasure hormone” dopamine or exciting adrenaline. There is also an increase in the level of certain neurotransmitters – excitatory or, on the contrary, relaxing. All this, combined with other reactions, leads to a simple thing: the brain, which is constantly fed with a psychoactive substance, stops regulating an adequate amount of hormones and neurotransmitters on its own.

Well, really, why work? After all, the owner will drink or take a pill – and with hormones everything will become fine by itself.

When the time comes for regular use of a psychoactive substance, but the coveted powder (conditionally) is not there, everything becomes bad. The body needs the usual doses of hormones and neurotransmitters. But the brain is unable to produce them. This severe imbalance between “I want” and “I can” leads to a whole range of physical and emotional consequences.

What substances cause withdrawal syndrome

It’s not just drugs, although you can’t do without them. The five most addictive substances are:

• Heroin and other opiates.
• Cocaine.
• Nicotine.
• Barbiturates are sedatives and hypnotics based on barbituric acid.
• Alcohol. By the way, it is called the most dangerous drug in the world – based on the speed of addiction, and on the impact on the body as a whole, and on the severity of withdrawal that occurs when trying to give up alcohol abuse.

This list is certainly not complete. Some antidepressants, psychostimulants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, and “harmless” drugs such as marijuana and ecstasy also cause addiction, which is fraught with withdrawal syndrome.

How to recognize the withdrawal syndrome

The symptoms vary depending on which substance is lacking in the body. Withdrawal of some drugs causes severe physical discomfort. The lack of others makes itself felt not so much physically as mentally.

In general, there are 10 most common signs of withdrawal.

Mental symptoms of withdrawal syndrome:

• Anxiety. This includes anxiety, irritability, panic attacks.
• Depressed mood. A person suffering from withdrawal wants only one thing: to be left behind. It’s impossible to cheer him up. He is constantly “too tired”.
• Sleep problems. Any: insomnia, nightmares, the need to sleep for days on end.
• Cognitive impairment. Memory impairment, inability to concentrate.

Physical withdrawal symptoms:

• Dizziness, headache.
• Chest tightness, labored breathing.
• Heart rhythm disturbances, fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
• Muscle tension. Including convulsions, tremor (trembling) of the limbs, muscle pain, as with the flu.
• Sweating, numbness and tingling of the skin of the hands and feet.

What is the danger of withdrawal syndrome

Sometimes – nothing but a few days (sometimes weeks) of physical malaise and psychological discomfort. For example, this is how quitting antidepressants or smoking manifests itself. But in some cases, withdrawal can be so powerful that it poses a real threat to life.

The most dangerous physical symptoms appear with a sharp withdrawal from alcohol and tranquilizers, which were previously taken regularly and in large doses. It can lead to seizures, stroke or heart attack, and in the case of alcohol – even to the development of meth-alcohol psychosis, better known as delirium tremens.

How to overcome the withdrawal syndrome

Considering the possible consequences, withdrawal from an addictive drug, as well as the “quit I smoke” gestures, should be coordinated with your doctor or at least with a therapist. The doctor will tell you how to go through the withdrawal period with minimal discomfort.

If you don’t have serious health problems, just a comfortable environment will most likely help:

• a quiet, peaceful bedroom where you can lie down while your body recovers;
• soft dimmed lighting;
• limited human contact;
• support from loved ones;
• healthy food and plenty of fluids.

But at the same time, it is necessary to carefully monitor your well-being. If during the period of the withdrawal syndrome, blood pressure rises, tachycardia (accelerated, uneven heartbeat) is observed, body temperature rises, and even more so, convulsions and hallucinations appear, call an ambulance. You may need hospital treatment.

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• The story of how running helped overcome drug addiction
• How dopamine addiction to technology is formed
• 10 signs that you have an addiction

What is withdrawal syndrome, or How to quit bad habits without consequences

Breaking bad habits requires tremendous willpower.

But when you do this, not only willpower is a huge test, your body is also experiencing severe stress. This problem is solved the old fashioned way, by the principle of clenching your teeth and enduring until you let go. This tactic may work, but you are just as likely to experience withdrawal. We tell you how to survive it and – if possible – avoid it.

How the withdrawal syndrome manifests itself

The withdrawal syndrome is a group of symptoms that manifests itself when a person abruptly refuses substances to which the body is accustomed. It can be alcohol, nicotine, drugs. When it comes to psychoactive substances, the withdrawal syndrome is called withdrawal syndrome, or, in the common people, withdrawal.

Symptoms in this case are divided into two groups: physiological and psychological, according to the degree and intensity of their manifestation, we can talk about a possible risk to human health.

Mild withdrawal syndrome

Moderate withdrawal syndrome

Severe withdrawal syndrome

The intensity of symptoms and their duration depend on the general clinical picture, the psychological characteristics of the person and the “severity” of the substances that he refuses. So, refusing nicotine or coffee, a person can only experience irritability and headaches, and refusing alcohol can go both easily and in severe form with hallucinations – the infamous “squirrel”.

What causes these symptoms?

At first glance and sensations, it seems that the body simply starts acting up, like an indignant teenager, and threatens to turn on the self-destruction program if it is not immediately given a cup of coffee, a cigarette or an antidepressant pill (or maybe something more serious). But in fact, at the moment when you refuse a substance or drug, many body systems experience tremendous stress and learn to work again. They have to independently produce substances that they are used to getting from outside.

Physically addictive substances have analogues that the human body can produce itself: hormones and neurotransmitters.

Substances from the outside are called antagonists, they attach to the receptors that hormones and mediators use to transmit signals, and thus “deceive” the brain

»on dopamine receptors — responsible for the pleasure and reward system, and endorphin — which, in addition to pleasure, also increases the pain threshold.

Habituation and dependence arise at the moment when the brain evaluates and compares the energy costs for the independent production of the desired mediator and for obtaining an antagonist from the outside. The body relies on a constant supply of substances from the outside and, as a result, reduces its own production of mediators.

How to overcome and prevent withdrawal

In some cases, withdrawal can be overcome by gradually reducing the dose of the substance. This strategy works with many prescription drugs, and nicotine patch makers have made their fortunes on it. If you plan to abruptly discontinue the drug, it should be agreed with the doctor you are seeing.

But if you do experience withdrawal, here are a few things you can do to help you overcome it.

Comfort Zone

When the body goes through stress, there is no need to expose it to even more irritating effects. You may need both a physical comfort zone (for example, a bed where you can lie down) and an emotional one.