Can Benadryl help with Effexor withdrawal? (+13 symptoms)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will the role of Benadryl in Effexor withdrawal. We will also discuss the symptoms and alternative medications for the management of Effexor withdrawal.
Can Benadryl help with Effexor withdrawal?
Benadryl may help with a few Effexor withdrawal symptoms. However, it can not manage all the symptoms of Effexor withdrawal. Benadryl is an antihistamine medication that is used in the treatment of common cold and seasonal allergies. However, due to its anticholinergic properties, it can used as a sedative in individuals experiencing sleep disturbances. It may also have some antiemetic effects that can be helpful in managing nausea and vomiting associated with Effexor withdrawal (1).
Effexor (venlafaxine) is a serotonin and norepinephrine retake inhibitor medication. It is frequently prescribed in the management of various mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. It is generally considered a well-tolerated medication but abrupt discontinuation of Effexor may lead to withdrawal effects which can affect the overall quality of life of patients (2).
What does research suggest?
There is only limited research on the role of Benadryl in the management of Effexor withdrawal symptoms. However, some studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of Benadryl in the treatment of sleep disturbances, nausea, and vomiting which are a few commonly occurring symptoms of Effexor withdrawal.
According to research, Benadryl is effective in the management of sleep disturbances associated with many underlying conditions. It increases the total sleep period in individuals with difficulty in maintaining their sleep. Effexor withdrawal may also induce insomnia and sleep disturbances which can be managed by Benadryl (3).
Research suggests that because of the anticholinergic properties of Benadryl, it can also be used as an antiemetic agent for the management of nausea and vomiting associated with Effexor withdrawal (4).
What are the symptoms of Effexor withdrawal?
Abrupt discontinuation of Effexor may lead to several withdrawal effects which may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- fatigue
- irritability
- dry mouth
- agitation
- aggression
- confusion
- sleep disturbances
- reduced concentration
- hypertension
- breathing problems
However, all of these symptoms may occur in every withdrawal case of Effexor. The specific withdrawal symptoms may vary from one patient to another based on their individual factors.
How to manage Effexor withdrawal?
Withdrawal effects of Effexor can be managed symptomatically. There is no specific medication that may treat all of the withdrawal symptoms of Effexor.
Anxiolytics and sedatives are prescribed to manage the anxiety and agitation that may occur due to the sudden discontinuation of Effexor.
Nausea and vomiting associated with Effexor can be managed with Benadryl. It may also help in the management of sleep disturbances that may occur after Effexor withdrawal.
Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are crucial during the withdrawal process. They can assess your progress, adjust the treatment plan if necessary, and address emerging symptoms.
What are the non-pharmacological interventions for Effexor withdrawal effects?
Apart from pharmacological treatment, some nonpharmacological interventions can be followed to prevent or manage the Effexor withdrawal effects. These interventions may include,
- lifestyle modification
- dietary changes
- adequate hydration
- stress management
- daily exercise
- meditation
These interventions may positively impact mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. They may also aid in managing physical symptoms associated with withdrawal.
Based on my knowledge and experience as a pharmacist, Benadryl is not a widely used medication in clinical settings to relieve Effexor withdrawal effects. However, this medication does have some therapeutic benefits which can be utilized for the mitigation of various symptoms of withdrawal of Effexor including, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia.
Depending on your condition, your healthcare provider may consider alternative treatments or medications to manage withdrawal symptoms or address the underlying condition.
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References
1.-
Huynh DA, Abbas M, Dabaja A. Diphenhydramine Toxicity. [Updated 2023 Apr 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557578/
2.-
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. 2022 Oct 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30570984. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30570984/
3.-
Almond SM, Warren MJ, Shealy KM, Threatt TB, Ward ED. A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Medications Used in Older People for the Treatment of Primary insomnia. Sr Care Pharm. 2021 Feb 1;36(2):83-92. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2021.83. PMID: 33509331. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33509331/
4.-
Tsavaris N, Zamanis N, Zinelis A, Tsoutsos E, Mylonakis N, Bacoyannis C, Valilis P, Sarafidou M, Kosmidis P. Diphenhydramine for nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy with cisplatin. J Pain Symptom Manage. 1991 Nov;6(8):461-5. doi: 10.1016/0885-3924(91)90001-k. PMID: 1955741. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1955741/
