Suggest Ways To Wean Off Venlafaxine

Posted on Sat, 14 May 2016

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

Sat, 14 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I just discovered I have been taking 300 mg of Effexor by mistake for about 3 weeks. My PA raised my single dose to 150 mg and I was taking 2 75mg once a day. Did not see change on prescription bottle . Kept taking 2 daily.
I have been sweating , increased irritability , fatigue in afternoon, and just slept 14 hours. My red wine in the evening has accelerated the effects of alcohol . I have no medication left and do not know how to get back to my original dosage as my PA in out of town. My prescription will be refilled on May 20th. Can I go that long and then revert to 150 mg per day.

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Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can reduce by 75 mg today and than 75 mg after one week

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Venlafaxine if stopped abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms so it is better to go slow. Expert recommend 20-25 % reduction per week so you can reduce by 75 mg to 225 mg per day from today itself and than another 75 mg to 150 mg after one week.

There is no point in continuing high dose.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.

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