Nail lifting wiht Effexor

I've been taking Effexor for three years now and have noticed my fingernails are lifting. I've been diagnosed with Onycholosis (nail lifting) with no known cause. The dermatologist said it was trauma from the keyboard but I don't think that's it because more of my nails are being impacted. This started happening when I started Effexor. May be a coincidence but I was wondering if anyone else was experiencing this problem. Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Onycholysis is characterized by a spontaneous separation of the nail plate. It can be due to dermatological causes, systemic causes, neoplastic diseases and biologic causes. It does not seem related to the drug Effexor.

Try avoiding trauma to the nail, contact with contact irritants and moisture and keep your nail shirt. Topical antifungals and steroids may be needed. Severe cases may need oral antifungals and steroid injections.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.