Does the Wet Finger Method for Effexor Withdrawal Work?

By - Sabriha Hasan

Effexor, a medication sold under the brand name Venlafaxine, is an antidepressant medicine that works primarily on the brain. Major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and some psychological issues such as social phobia, as well as chronic pain, are treated with this medication. 

The discontinuation of an antidepressant-like Effexor frequently results in antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.

To relieve side effects while withdrawing from Effexor, people use different methods like the wet finger method effexor withdrawal. But does it work?

The wet finger method involves ingesting active drugs after extracting them from their dosage form. It is said to work by many people. However, it is not scientifically proven. In fact, it seems to have more side effects.

Let’s dig in.

What Is a Wet Finger Method for Effexor Withdrawal?

To relieve the side effects caused by the discontinuation of antidepressants like Effexor, people have adopted some remedies. Despite the fact that these remedies are not proven in any way, many people believe that they help in reducing or relieving the symptoms of withdrawal. 

Patients have adapted the wet finger method for Effexor withdrawal when they want to stop taking the medication. Just make it clear that if you are thinking about removing some drugs from your daily medications, you can’t avoid them totally at once. The first step is to reduce the dosage intake. Health-promoting withdrawal from drugs is achieved by lowering the dosage intake over time and then stopping it completely.

In the same way, the wet finger method for Effexor withdrawal is simply a way to reduce dosage intake.

In this method, the Effexor capsule is first emptied into a bowl or dish. A person applying this method licks his fingers and dabs over the Effexor capsule’s contents. Wet fingers are used to take the appropriate amount. As time goes on, the amount decreases. 

This can help to reduce the severity of withdrawal side effects.

Does the Wet Finger Method for Effexor Withdrawal Work?

The wet finger method of Effexor withdrawal has not been scientifically proven, as we discussed earlier. Many people believe that it reduces the severity of withdrawal effects and works. But others deny it completely.

In this method, the drug is ingested after it has been removed from its packaging or dosage form. This direct intake of the active ingredients of the drug can result in severe side effects if taken in excess. It is not advisable to take drugs through your fingers. Anyone can exceed their intake limit without knowing it.

In some cases, it can lead to convulsions, fainting, dizziness, or even serotonin syndrome, which is life-threatening if left untreated.

Why There Is a Need for the Wet Finger Method?

Psychological and distress disorders are highly treated with Effexor. Generally, it is prescribed at a low dosage in the beginning. A person just starting out on Effexor needs only 75 mg per day. As time passes, this value can be raised to 375 mg per day for a person.

Effexor can become difficult to withdraw from daily use when the body becomes accustomed to taking such a high dose. Immediate and complete discontinuation of antidepressants like Effexor has severe side effects. Consequently, it’s recommended to utilize remedies that can relieve a person from these side effects. Patients using Effexor, therefore, require the wet finger method for Effexor or Venlafaxine withdrawal relief. 

Wet Finger Method Effexor Withdrawal: Side Effects

Effects of stopping Effexor suddenly can vary from mild to severe, as we discussed previously. Within 8 to 12 hours of discontinuing the medication, these side effects typically appear. Some of the most common Effexor withdrawal side effects include:

As one of the horrible Effexor withdrawal symptoms, Antidepressants discontinuation syndrome (ADS) usually develops six weeks after withdrawal but can occur as early as three weeks after withdrawal. 

Effexor sufferers are much more likely to develop antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) if they abruptly stop taking it, at about 34 percent, than people who take any other antidepressants. The chances of development of anti-depressant discontinuation syndrome or ADS in patients using antidepressants other than Effexor is just 20 percent.

Effexor withdrawal symptoms are best prevented by reducing the dosage you are currently taking. Under the supervision of your doctor, minimize the reduced dosage to zero.

Does Effexor Withdrawal Cause Diarrhea?

Yes, Effexor withdrawal results in many gastrointestinal disorders, just like other common side effects. It can lead to

Does Effexor Withdrawal Cause Weight Loss?

Effexor intake can contribute to weight gain. It is because anti-depressant intake can result in increased appetite and hormonal changes in the body which affects the metabolism and result in weight gain.

People often ask, does coming off Effexor cause weight loss? For weight loss during Effexor withdrawal, there are two factors to be noticed. If a patient is using Effexor for the long term, then it is very rare that Effexor withdrawal leads to weight loss. Long-term Effexor intake changes the hormone level to such an extent that it is difficult for a patient to recover even after its withdrawal.

When a patient uses Effexor for a short period of time, there is a possibility of weight loss. The weight gain during short-term intake is just due to a change in appetite. Once Effexor is stopped, the weight gain returns to normal.

Effexor (Venlafaxine) Withdrawal Timeline

The Effexor or Venlafaxine withdrawal timeline can vary with the patient. A person’s dosage intake has nothing to do with it, but other factors like mental health can affect the venlafaxine withdrawal timeline.

People often ask, how long does withdrawal from Effexor last?  Following the last dose of Effexor, withdrawal symptoms usually appear within 12 hours. The side effects typically resolve within one to two weeks. However, this withdrawal timeline is not constant across all patients.

How to Lessen Effexor Withdrawal?

People often ask, how to stop Effexor safely? With tapering the drug, it is possible to reduce the risk of major side effects when withdrawing from Effexor. Tapering means lowering the amount of Effexor you take from your normal dosage. Thus, the brain will be able to adjust to the chemical changes and avoid discontinuation syndromes. Consult your doctor before starting to taper your drug intake.

In some cases, medications are prescribed to reverse side effects caused by discontinuation. Effexor can also be switched to another antidepressant by your doctor.

FAQs

How do you counteract Effexor withdrawal?

Answer: Take excess water, eat foods high in nutrients, take prescribed medications for symptom relief, and get adequate rest to counteract Effexor withdrawal symptoms. Drinking a lot of water will help you eliminate the toxins from your body, eating nutrient-rich food will enhance your immunity, and sleeping enough will lessen the side effects.

Does Benadryl help with Effexor withdrawal?

Answer: Benadryl is an over-the-counter drug usually prescribed to treat allergic reactions by reducing the effects of histamine in the body. Doctors also prescribe it to relieve the withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants, including Effexor.

What is the best way to wean off Effexor?

Answer: The most effective way to wean off Effexor is tapering off this drug. The withdrawal of Effexor is best achieved by lowering its intake first and then completing its elimination. Instant and random withdrawal can cause many severe side effects. Further, taking medicine as prescribed by the doctors to cure withdrawal symptoms is also of great importance.

Why is it so hard to get off Effexor?

Answer: With a short half-life, Effexor affects two neurotransmitter systems in the body. As a result of Effexor’s rapid metabolism and removal from the body, you may experience intense withdrawal symptoms due to a temporary lack of stimulation of serotonin and norepinephrine receptors in the body. These withdrawal symptoms make Effexor withdrawal difficult.

Conclusion

Does the wet finger method for Effexor withdrawal work? Many people have found this remedy useful in relieving the symptoms of Effexor withdrawal. However, this method has not been scientifically proven. In fact, the wet finger method involves direct intake of active ingredients, which can cause more harm than good.

Effexor withdrawal symptoms can be avoided by tapering off the drug. Tapering does not allow instant withdrawal from the drug. It lowers the dosage intake and gives the brain time to find a balance with the passage of time.