Pharmacist names widespread remedy mistake that may trigger ‘electrical shock’ facet impact
Raj Patel, known as the Straight-Talking Pharmacist to his over 100,000 followers on TikTok, has shared what he has encountered over the last 35 years from behind the counter when looking at a drug named venlafaxine.
Venlafaxine is a commonly prescribed antidepressant(Image: Getty Images)
A pharmacist has lifted the lid on what could happen should you start taking one common drug to help with mental health.
The medical professional has spoken out on a common but unsettling side effect that can affect patients when they are coming off or lowering the dose of the often-used prescription antidepressant venlafaxine.
Raj Patel, known as the Straight-Talking Pharmacist to his over 100,000 followers on TikTok, has shared what he has encountered over the last 35 years from behind the counter with venlafaxine.
He spoke about the antidepressant, which is used to lift mood, and said: “Everyone talks about your antidepressant side effects, but no one tells you about this.”
He then went on to chat about brain zaps, which can occur when people reduce or stop taking certain antidepressants. Mr Patel explained: “People call them brain zaps, the electric shock feeling in your head.”
He makes lots of warnings about different drugs(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
According to Mr Patel, venlafaxine’s relatively short half-life is one reason people may notice changes quickly after missing a dose. He added that venlafaxine is known to be associated with withdrawal symptoms, particularly if treatment is stopped suddenly or the dose is reduced too quickly.
He said: “Miss one dose and your brain notices really fast.”
NHS guidance lists electric-shock sensations among possible antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and warns that they can sometimes be severe or last longer than a few weeks, which is why care needs to be taken.
He said: “I’ve seen thousands of patients go through this, and the ones that do well are the ones that taper it off really slowly.
“Talk in months or years. Your doctor may say a few weeks, but your nervous system needs more time.”
Pharmacists have warned about one specific drug(Image: PA)
He added that the time needed to come off venlafaxine varies between individuals and depends on factors including their dose, how long they have taken it and how they respond to reductions. NHS advice is to speak to a doctor before stopping, with the dose usually reduced gradually over several weeks or months according to an agreed plan.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also recommends a slow, stepwise reduction, with smaller dose decreases where needed and the pace adjusted according to withdrawal symptoms. Anyone taking venlafaxine should not stop suddenly or change their dose without speaking to their prescriber first.
If withdrawal symptoms become difficult to manage, a healthcare professional can review the reduction plan and advise on next steps.
