Can Effexor Be Taken Instead Of Pristiq For Anxiety?

Posted on Sat, 11 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 11 Mar 2017 Answered on

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello
My obgyn put me on pristiq 50mg 8 years ago for general anxiety. I have attempted to stop through the years with terrible side effects so I've continued to take it. My insurance has asked me to change to a different medical due to the cost. My obgyn referred me to a therapist to do so. The therapist has prescribed effexor 75mg to taper. He has not tried this with anyone previously so I am reaching out for answers before I begin. Any suggestions how to taper properly?

Thank you
K

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Your psychiatrist's approach is perfectly reasonable. I'd take Effexor 75mg + Pristiq 25mg for a month, then Effexor 75mg + no Pristiq for a month, then stop everything. This should work fine.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (18 hours later)

Thank you for the response! Unfortunately, the lowest dosage of Prestiq is 50mg and I have been told you should not cut them in half because they are coated time release tablets. Do you have a recommendation?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
In this case, take Effexor 75mg + Pristiq 50mg for a month, then Effexor 75mg + no Pristiq for a month, then stop everything. This should also work fine.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad