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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Effexor

Posted on Fri, 18 Dec 2015

Question: How do I get off effexor anti depressant?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Gradual tapering would not cause withdrawal symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Effexor is a SNRI drug and best way to discontinue the drug is by gradual tapering. Gradual tapering of doses over 6-8 weeks prevents any withdrawal effects. In my clinic I usually advise my patients to reduce the doses by about 20% every two weeks progressively and the stopping completely at about 6-8 weeks.

Dose reduction in this gradual manner results in smooth exit from drug. Stopping the drug cold turkey might result in withdrawal symptoms and is not advisable.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (9 minutes later)

Venlafaxine is the toughest to discontinue because of its short half life and terrible withdrawal symptoms. Is it better to switch from effexor to opiprolam over a week and discontinuing the opiprolam.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better to reduce the doses very gradually

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up

Opiprolam is a newer drug and have different mechanism of action. The drug can help in easing the tapering process but with this drug you will suffer withdrawal symptoms too. Better to start with some SSRI especially Sertraline to ease withdrawal. But as per my opinion gradual dose reduction is best thing to ease withdrawal. Tapering from Opiprolam would also be hard.

Thanks. Still have doubts please ask again.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar