From the Guidelines
Side effects from missing one dose of venlafaxine and then resuming the next day typically last about 24-72 hours. The duration of these side effects can vary based on the regular dose, how long the medication has been taken, and individual factors like metabolism 1. Higher doses and longer-term use may result in more pronounced withdrawal effects that take longer to resolve. Venlafaxine has a relatively short half-life, which is why it can cause noticeable withdrawal symptoms even after missing just one dose.
Key Factors Influencing Duration of Side Effects
- Regular dose: The amount of venlafaxine taken daily can impact the severity of withdrawal symptoms
- Duration of use: Longer-term use of venlafaxine may lead to more significant withdrawal effects
- Individual metabolism: How quickly the body processes venlafaxine can influence the duration of side effects
- Formulation: The half-life of venlafaxine varies between immediate-release and extended-release formulations, affecting the onset and duration of withdrawal symptoms If you frequently miss doses, consider using medication reminders or speaking with your healthcare provider about alternative medications with longer half-lives that might be more forgiving if doses are occasionally missed. Never double-dose to make up for a missed dose; simply resume your regular schedule. It's essential to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and consult with a healthcare provider if concerns about missing doses or withdrawal symptoms arise.
From the Research
Duration of Side Effects
The duration of side effects after missing one dose of venlafaxine and resuming the next day can vary.
- According to 2, serious withdrawal symptoms may occur within hours of cessation or reduction of the usual dosage.
- A study by 3 reported that withdrawal syndrome occurred a few hours after the last dose, with symptoms resembling a stroke, and the symptoms disappeared relatively quickly after re-inclusion of venlafaxine.
- The half-life of venlafaxine is 3-4 h, as stated in 4, which may indicate that the effects of missing a dose could be short-lived.
- However, the duration of side effects can depend on various factors, including the individual's sensitivity to the medication and the dose being taken, as noted in 5.
Factors Influencing Side Effects
Several factors can influence the side effects of venlafaxine, including:
- Dose: Higher doses may be associated with increased frequency and severity of side effects, as reported in 5.
- Individual sensitivity: Some individuals may be more susceptible to side effects, as noted in 3.
- Duration of treatment: The risk of withdrawal syndrome may be higher after long-term treatment, as suggested in 3.
Withdrawal Syndrome
Withdrawal syndrome is a potential risk when discontinuing or reducing venlafaxine, as reported in 2 and 3.