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Shock-like sensations during venlafaxine withdrawal
Roy R Reeves1, James E Mack, John J Beddingfield
1Department of Psychiatry, Montgomery VA Medical Center, and the School of Medicine, University of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA. roy.reeves@med.va.gov
Pharmacotherapy
|May 14, 2003
Summary
Venlafaxine withdrawal can cause severe electric shock-like sensations, a rare side effect. These symptoms may indicate significant changes in central nervous system neuronal activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used antidepressants.
- Discontinuation symptoms, such as electric shock-like sensations, are known with SSRIs.
- These symptoms are rarely reported with venlafaxine discontinuation.
Observation:
- Two patients undergoing venlafaxine withdrawal reported severe electric shock-like sensations.
- Symptoms emerged during dosage reduction and persisted for five days post-cessation.
Findings:
- Venlafaxine discontinuation can precipitate intense, shock-like sensory disturbances.
- The occurrence in these cases is notably more severe than typically described.
Implications:
- These findings suggest venlafaxine withdrawal may induce significant central nervous system neuronal alterations.
- Clinicians should be aware of this potential severe adverse effect during venlafaxine tapering.
- Further research is warranted to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these sensations.