Effexor, also known for its generic name Venlafaxine, is often used to treat mood disorders. The drug improves mood and energy levels, helping to restore the balance of substances in the brain linked with depression.

While Effexor can be effective and helpful, some people worry about its potential for misuse and abuse. As you might know, many antidepressants lead to addiction. So, is Effexor addictive? Keep reading to learn more about this common medication.

What Is Effexor?

Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant medication and a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by increasing levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. All these are chemicals produced in the brain that control a person’s sense of well-being.

Is Effexor Addictive?

While Effexor is not a controlled substance, it’s an antidepressant. Like many antidepressants, there’s a possibility that some people develop a psychological addiction to this drug.

Unfortunately, because Effexor is not a controlled substance, there are no studies for addiction.

Still, patients who misuse this medication usually take more than the recommended dose or mix it with other substances. It’s common for people with anxiety or mood disorders to also struggle with alcohol abuse and substance abuse in general.

Side Effects of Effexor Abuse

When someone misuses or abuses Effexor, they’re likely to experience side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual sweating
• High blood pressure

This medication may increase serotonin levels, and while rare, it can cause serotonin syndrome. This is common for people who take other serotonin-increasing drugs such as tryptophan and MDMA/ecstasy. Other interactions that can cause side effects include aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners.

Always speak to your doctor and pharmacist before starting any new medications while taking Effexor. This includes herbal products, nonprescription drugs, and natural remedies.

Do I Have an Effexor Addiction?

For someone taking Effexor, noticing the first signs of addiction can be challenging. Keep your eyes open for any of the following addiction symptoms:

• Taking larger than prescribed doses
• Faking symptoms of anxiety or mood disorders to get a prescription
• Doctor shopping to get more prescriptions
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit Effexor
• Losing interest in before enjoyable hobbies and activities
• Experiencing cravings for Effexor
• Feeling incapable of functioning without taking Effexor

Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox Timeline

Once someone has developed a physical dependency on Effexor, they’ll experience Withdrawal Symptoms if they abruptly stop taking the drug. Some people experience what’s known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which mimics withdrawal signs and symptoms, including:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Brain shivers

Because Effexor is used to treat mental health disorders, it’s essential to quit this substance through medical detox. Even if someone isn’t experiencing a severe addiction, mental illness symptoms can be life-threatening.

Medical detox helps people withdraw in a safe, encouraging, and supportive environment. Plus, it will reduce the risk of relapse, as most people will turn either to Effexor or other substances to deal with their withdrawal symptoms.

Detox Timeline

The exact time it takes to withdraw from Effexor will vary by person. The time of substance abuse and whether they abused other substances will play a role too. The average timeline looks like this:

• 1-3 days after the last dose: people experience mild withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, agitation, and nausea.
• 4-5 days after the last dose: withdrawal symptoms intensify, and symptoms such as depression, dizziness, and anxiety appear.
• 1-3 weeks after the last dose: by now, symptoms will start fading, and people will begin to feel fewer cravings for the drug.

Effexor Addiction Treatment

While Effexor isn’t considered an addictive substance, some people do develop an addiction. After detox, most people could benefit from a rehab program that addresses their unique needs. While treatment varies by person, it will likely include:

• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Most people start taking Effexor for a mental health illness, such as depression or anxiety. A dual diagnosis program helps address addiction and mental health disorders to ensure a higher chance of recovery.
• Inpatient Program: The most intensive level of drug rehab. Patients remain living at the rehab facility and get the most hours of treatment throughout the week.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): While rare, long-time addicts might experience worse withdrawal symptoms. A physician might recommend prescription medications to help through the withdrawal process under a supervised program.
• Aftercare Programs: Because addiction and mental illness are often lifelong disorders, aftercare programs help people in early recovery find the support and structure they need to prevent relapse. This is often done through group therapy and behavioral counseling.

Finding Help for Co-Occurring Disorders

Disorders such as depression or anxiety are the most common amongst those suffering from addiction. Thus, individuals with more than one diagnosis need dual diagnosis to address their mental health needs.

While scouting potential centers, ask these questions to help you make an informed decision:

• Do you offer individualized treatment plans?
• Is therapy structured to treat a dual diagnosis?
• Are patients evaluated by a licensed psychiatric professional or physician before admission?
• Are both disorders viewed as interconnected health issues?
• How do you handle relapse?
• Does your facility offer aftercare or referral services?

Lighthouse Recovery Institute is one of the few dual diagnosis rehab centers in South Florida. To start, please give us a call at 866-308-2090 today and speak with an admissions specialist to learn more about our programs.

We offer comprehensive treatment programs that cater to your individual needs. Our mission is to help you find the right path towards recovery, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

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