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How To Withdraw Karvea And Pristiq Slowly Without Any Side Effects?
Question: Hi there,
My name is XXXXXX, I have been taking Pristiq 400mg per day for several years, I also take 75mg Karvea( blood pressure) I would like to like to stop taking them, on researching it appears that there seem to be some pretty nasty side affects. I would like to add that I was not prescribed this drug for depression but for serotonin depletion.
I look forward to any suggestions, I thank you for your kind attention,
Kindest regards,
XXXXXX
My name is XXXXXX, I have been taking Pristiq 400mg per day for several years, I also take 75mg Karvea( blood pressure) I would like to like to stop taking them, on researching it appears that there seem to be some pretty nasty side affects. I would like to add that I was not prescribed this drug for depression but for serotonin depletion.
I look forward to any suggestions, I thank you for your kind attention,
Kindest regards,
XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Needs discussion with your doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. You are right in being worried about Pristiq. You were possibly prescribed for negative mood states like anxiety, excessive worry, panic, fear etc. Dose is on the higher side also and depending on your condition, if you do not want to discontinue, it can be reduced and symptoms evaluated accordingly.
2. If you want to stop due to worrisome side effect, you need to discuss with your doctor regarding Pristiq reduction. It should be reduced slowly over 1-2 months dose by dose (gradual dose reduction).
3. If its only for Serotonin depletion, you can try other medications like 5-HTP which are known to elevate serotonin. You can also take food rich in tryptophan, which will improve levels of serotonin in the body.
Do discuss with your doctor. Unnecessary medication like SSRI should be avoided if possible. Do not discontinue on your own.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Take Care.
Dr. Prakash HM
Needs discussion with your doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. You are right in being worried about Pristiq. You were possibly prescribed for negative mood states like anxiety, excessive worry, panic, fear etc. Dose is on the higher side also and depending on your condition, if you do not want to discontinue, it can be reduced and symptoms evaluated accordingly.
2. If you want to stop due to worrisome side effect, you need to discuss with your doctor regarding Pristiq reduction. It should be reduced slowly over 1-2 months dose by dose (gradual dose reduction).
3. If its only for Serotonin depletion, you can try other medications like 5-HTP which are known to elevate serotonin. You can also take food rich in tryptophan, which will improve levels of serotonin in the body.
Do discuss with your doctor. Unnecessary medication like SSRI should be avoided if possible. Do not discontinue on your own.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Take Care.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr XXXXXXX
I thank you for your very prompt reply,
Unfortunately my original doctor who prescribed this medication, has since retired.
Normal GP's who have never heard of serotonin depletion, just roll their eyes, huff and puff, but just write the prescription, as they have to get Government Approval in Australia, they rely on the fact that it has been approved
I saw a GP two days ago, unknown to me, I told him the reason why I had been taking this medication, the only comment he made was that he had never heard of anyone taking the dose of 4x100mg per day.
I did try to engage him in a conversation, he said nothing, made the phone call, got the approval, printed out the prescription. He then handed them to me, and I had to ask him to take my blood pressure!! His only comment was, there is a condition known as Serotonin Syndrome,
I went to ask a question, he stood up and ushered me out the door. I went and paid my $74.00 went to the chemist and paid another $69.00 and came home.
I started to search online and thought no! I need proper advice! The only side effect I have had with this drug is really bad Insomnia, I might get 3-4 hours sleep then I get up for maybe and hour and then toss and turn for the rest of the night.
This morning I got up had a cup of tea, and thought to myself.. This is nonsense, I need to find about all this stuff. Thus I am consulting you....
Kindest regards,
XXXXXXX
I thank you for your very prompt reply,
Unfortunately my original doctor who prescribed this medication, has since retired.
Normal GP's who have never heard of serotonin depletion, just roll their eyes, huff and puff, but just write the prescription, as they have to get Government Approval in Australia, they rely on the fact that it has been approved
I saw a GP two days ago, unknown to me, I told him the reason why I had been taking this medication, the only comment he made was that he had never heard of anyone taking the dose of 4x100mg per day.
I did try to engage him in a conversation, he said nothing, made the phone call, got the approval, printed out the prescription. He then handed them to me, and I had to ask him to take my blood pressure!! His only comment was, there is a condition known as Serotonin Syndrome,
I went to ask a question, he stood up and ushered me out the door. I went and paid my $74.00 went to the chemist and paid another $69.00 and came home.
I started to search online and thought no! I need proper advice! The only side effect I have had with this drug is really bad Insomnia, I might get 3-4 hours sleep then I get up for maybe and hour and then toss and turn for the rest of the night.
This morning I got up had a cup of tea, and thought to myself.. This is nonsense, I need to find about all this stuff. Thus I am consulting you....
Kindest regards,
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
SSRI possibly high dose leading to insomnia
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
As you wanted to reduce the use, I did not comment about the dose. The dose is indeed high.
Even 50 mg per day is supposed to be sufficient for improved activity and 400 mg is really high and that is the highest usually prescribed.
SSRI are known to elevate mood and thus, this might be causing you insomnia.
Best case scenario, lower dose slowly about 1/3 or 1/4 every 2 weeks. When your symptoms of insomnia start improving without any other effects, you can continue the dose. However, I would seriously advise you to discuss in person with a doctor.
Also you can add tryptophan rich diet into your food menu like poultry, dairy products, nuts, legumes and seeds.
Do not avoid SSRI completely without competent advise. As your diagnosis is not sure, you can try the above methods. Be careful, and inform your family/friends to look for any change.
Medication induced side effects due to lowering, you might not be the best judge many times.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
SSRI possibly high dose leading to insomnia
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
As you wanted to reduce the use, I did not comment about the dose. The dose is indeed high.
Even 50 mg per day is supposed to be sufficient for improved activity and 400 mg is really high and that is the highest usually prescribed.
SSRI are known to elevate mood and thus, this might be causing you insomnia.
Best case scenario, lower dose slowly about 1/3 or 1/4 every 2 weeks. When your symptoms of insomnia start improving without any other effects, you can continue the dose. However, I would seriously advise you to discuss in person with a doctor.
Also you can add tryptophan rich diet into your food menu like poultry, dairy products, nuts, legumes and seeds.
Do not avoid SSRI completely without competent advise. As your diagnosis is not sure, you can try the above methods. Be careful, and inform your family/friends to look for any change.
Medication induced side effects due to lowering, you might not be the best judge many times.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr P!
I hope you are not offended by shortening of you name!
No disrespect, I Like to be called Jen....
Ok I have taken your suggestion on diet, I have been eating organic foods for years, I harvest from my own garden, ....
What I would like to discuss is the reduction of the Pristig, I would also ask if I break a tablet in half being that is a slow release pill. How would that effect reducing the dose?
I understand I need a slow slow, approach to reducing the dose... I am thinking I take three tomorrow and four the next... see what happens? what do you think?
Kind Regards XXXXXX
I hope you are not offended by shortening of you name!
No disrespect, I Like to be called Jen....
Ok I have taken your suggestion on diet, I have been eating organic foods for years, I harvest from my own garden, ....
What I would like to discuss is the reduction of the Pristig, I would also ask if I break a tablet in half being that is a slow release pill. How would that effect reducing the dose?
I understand I need a slow slow, approach to reducing the dose... I am thinking I take three tomorrow and four the next... see what happens? what do you think?
Kind Regards XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Go slow
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
Drugs usually have a certain half-life and would be active for 2-3 days. Changing a dose won't help.
Body takes more than a week to adjust to changing dose. You have to give a time frame of minimum two weeks to see for problems, if any.
You can change on 1/4 basis. If you are taking four times, go for three times and hence forth. Make sure, you take it properly. Any symptoms or changes, meet your doctor. Remember it is dangerous to do on your own and expert support is necessary.
Do it slowly. You have taken for years, take a few months to be careful.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Go slow
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
Drugs usually have a certain half-life and would be active for 2-3 days. Changing a dose won't help.
Body takes more than a week to adjust to changing dose. You have to give a time frame of minimum two weeks to see for problems, if any.
You can change on 1/4 basis. If you are taking four times, go for three times and hence forth. Make sure, you take it properly. Any symptoms or changes, meet your doctor. Remember it is dangerous to do on your own and expert support is necessary.
Do it slowly. You have taken for years, take a few months to be careful.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much Doctor P!!!
So if I understand correctly I will reduce 100mg per month, seems very reasonable to me.... Took years to get this far.... I Thank you so much for your great advice.... remember I do not have a regular doctor, I would certainly stay with one If he/she would even put some thought to my problem!
Thank you Dr P *loveXXXXX Kiss*
So if I understand correctly I will reduce 100mg per month, seems very reasonable to me.... Took years to get this far.... I Thank you so much for your great advice.... remember I do not have a regular doctor, I would certainly stay with one If he/she would even put some thought to my problem!
Thank you Dr P *loveXXXXX Kiss*
Brief Answer:
perfectly acceptable
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Yes, you have understood correctly.
If you are taking four doses every six hours, take three doses, every eight hours.
Make sure, you don't miss any dose.
Any further queries, feel free to ask again. Improve your tryptophan intake.
Hope it helps.
Happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
perfectly acceptable
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Yes, you have understood correctly.
If you are taking four doses every six hours, take three doses, every eight hours.
Make sure, you don't miss any dose.
Any further queries, feel free to ask again. Improve your tryptophan intake.
Hope it helps.
Happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr P,
sorry I did not make myself clear, If I reduce the dose by 1/4 a month I would need to break a pill into 4, from what I have read, if you break a slow release pill it may not be effective, pristiq has no lines to break them smaller, Your advice will be appreciated,
I take 4x 100mg every morning along with my tiny dose of 75mg of Karvea.
Dr P, I need to know if I can split a 100mg pill into 4, being as they are time released, I thought if you break the seal of the pill, then you cannot guarantee the dose? I think I will give it a go, can not be worse, than just going on as I am
Going to bed now, 8.17pm probably be up 11.30 or there a bouts,Thanks Dr P
Love XXXXXX xx
sorry I did not make myself clear, If I reduce the dose by 1/4 a month I would need to break a pill into 4, from what I have read, if you break a slow release pill it may not be effective, pristiq has no lines to break them smaller, Your advice will be appreciated,
I take 4x 100mg every morning along with my tiny dose of 75mg of Karvea.
Dr P, I need to know if I can split a 100mg pill into 4, being as they are time released, I thought if you break the seal of the pill, then you cannot guarantee the dose? I think I will give it a go, can not be worse, than just going on as I am
Going to bed now, 8.17pm probably be up 11.30 or there a bouts,Thanks Dr P
Love XXXXXX xx
Brief Answer:
do not break
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
If you are taking 4x100mg as I assumed, three times daily should be sufficient if you want to reduce.
However, cutting would make it act early and not the slow release form as intended.
Breaking not advisable. Take 3 times equally. Every eight hours. Should be adequate. Go slow.
Watch for symptoms always.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
do not break
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
If you are taking 4x100mg as I assumed, three times daily should be sufficient if you want to reduce.
However, cutting would make it act early and not the slow release form as intended.
Breaking not advisable. Take 3 times equally. Every eight hours. Should be adequate. Go slow.
Watch for symptoms always.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr P!
The doctor who prescribed the Pristiq Just said take all the dose in the morning,,,, not broken up throughout the day!
Well that puts a different shine on matters, what if I start breaking up the dose through out the day.. I would start small, take 3x tablets in the morning, and one at midday.. then if that goes ok! I think 2 in the morning and 2 at midday?
I think I am getting the gist of things, I should not be taking 4 pills in the morning??? Maybe I should start with 3x morning and 1 at midday for a month and see what happens????
Luv XXXXXXX
The doctor who prescribed the Pristiq Just said take all the dose in the morning,,,, not broken up throughout the day!
Well that puts a different shine on matters, what if I start breaking up the dose through out the day.. I would start small, take 3x tablets in the morning, and one at midday.. then if that goes ok! I think 2 in the morning and 2 at midday?
I think I am getting the gist of things, I should not be taking 4 pills in the morning??? Maybe I should start with 3x morning and 1 at midday for a month and see what happens????
Luv XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Extended release, wont work that way.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
You are at present taking extended release tablets. So, your doctor advised you to take all 4 at once. Extended release, once taken, will remain active for a longer period of time, as it is slowly released.
A dose taken today, will be slowly release till tomorrow to maintain a steady dose.
If you take 3 in morning and one in afternoon or evening, it would be the same dose - of total 400 mg
If you take 2 in morning and 2 in mid day, it would be the same dose of 400 mg.
Your body would not react as it will be getting 400 mg dose daily.
If you want to slow down/ reduce dose, 300 mg in morning should suffice. You will get an idea of it within three days. If no symptoms, continue for a month. Then think about 200 mg.
If you have any symptoms and you think you have a problem, do get back to me, or if immediate seek professional help.
During all this time, avoid too much of caffeine or any amount of alcohol as much as possible.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Extended release, wont work that way.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
You are at present taking extended release tablets. So, your doctor advised you to take all 4 at once. Extended release, once taken, will remain active for a longer period of time, as it is slowly released.
A dose taken today, will be slowly release till tomorrow to maintain a steady dose.
If you take 3 in morning and one in afternoon or evening, it would be the same dose - of total 400 mg
If you take 2 in morning and 2 in mid day, it would be the same dose of 400 mg.
Your body would not react as it will be getting 400 mg dose daily.
If you want to slow down/ reduce dose, 300 mg in morning should suffice. You will get an idea of it within three days. If no symptoms, continue for a month. Then think about 200 mg.
If you have any symptoms and you think you have a problem, do get back to me, or if immediate seek professional help.
During all this time, avoid too much of caffeine or any amount of alcohol as much as possible.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr P!! It has taken a few hours, thank you so much, I have a really good feeling about reducing the pristiq. Thank God! I found this site! and you!!
In the morning I shall take three of the Pills, and If I feel weird at any time through the day I will take another one...
I should tell you that if for some reason I forget to take my pills in the morning, at say 6.30- 7am, then about 10-11am I get hand shakes and lightheaded.
Thank you so much Dr P!!!
Please feel free to share my conversations, to any Doctor or Patient that may have the symptoms as me!!!So sorry I missed your last post... 3 in the morning! Good to go! Thank you so much!!! I might Just have a few hours of Peaceful sleep!!!
Luv XXXXXX X
In the morning I shall take three of the Pills, and If I feel weird at any time through the day I will take another one...
I should tell you that if for some reason I forget to take my pills in the morning, at say 6.30- 7am, then about 10-11am I get hand shakes and lightheaded.
Thank you so much Dr P!!!
Please feel free to share my conversations, to any Doctor or Patient that may have the symptoms as me!!!So sorry I missed your last post... 3 in the morning! Good to go! Thank you so much!!! I might Just have a few hours of Peaceful sleep!!!
Luv XXXXXX X
Brief Answer:
Go slow and steady.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
Yes, You can do that. Your body will take time to adjust.
Handshakes and light headedness are more in relation to hypoglycemia rather than drug induced. Eat at regular times, take medication properly. If you feel anytime down emotionally without a reason, and it continues for maybe 2-3 days, then you might need to change dose.
However, research says, 50 mg should be sufficient for improvement. 400 mg is extreme. Go slow and be sure. .
This drug is not addictive and you need not worry.
Be cheerful. Take care.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the query and rate the discussion.
Thanks for asking once again. I will be sure to use this experience in future.
Dr. Prakash HM
Go slow and steady.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.
Yes, You can do that. Your body will take time to adjust.
Handshakes and light headedness are more in relation to hypoglycemia rather than drug induced. Eat at regular times, take medication properly. If you feel anytime down emotionally without a reason, and it continues for maybe 2-3 days, then you might need to change dose.
However, research says, 50 mg should be sufficient for improvement. 400 mg is extreme. Go slow and be sure. .
This drug is not addictive and you need not worry.
Be cheerful. Take care.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the query and rate the discussion.
Thanks for asking once again. I will be sure to use this experience in future.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr P,
I would like to tell you what happens tomorrow, I will gladly rate you, but if is Ok with you I would like to continue our conversation for a while, so I do not have to go through the whole scenario again.... I do really appreciate your time, You might just find a new way of dealing with and helping others just like me! I think it will take me quite a while to get of this horrible drug..
Luv XXXXXX X
I would like to tell you what happens tomorrow, I will gladly rate you, but if is Ok with you I would like to continue our conversation for a while, so I do not have to go through the whole scenario again.... I do really appreciate your time, You might just find a new way of dealing with and helping others just like me! I think it will take me quite a while to get of this horrible drug..
Luv XXXXXX X
Brief Answer:
Take your time
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
No problem. Go slow. You can get back to me anytime. Not to worry.
Do not close the discussion until you are sure of yourself.
Any queries, happy to help again.
Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
Take your time
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
No problem. Go slow. You can get back to me anytime. Not to worry.
Do not close the discussion until you are sure of yourself.
Any queries, happy to help again.
Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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