Suggest Ways To Wean Off Venlafaxine

Question : I have been taking venlafaxine successfully for several years, however I've developed what my doc and I suspect is antidepressant induced hyperhydrosis. My current dosage is 225 mg. he is switching me to Brintellix. I am to cease the venlafaxine and begin with 5mg Brintellix after a few days. Is 3 days cessation sufficient to avoid serotonin OD? I am traveling next week for work and really don't want to have an issue while out of town. I have clonazepam to assist me with any significant breakthrough anxiety.

Thank you, Dr. Sheppe. NY Pres and its Psychiatry Dept has a terrific reputation. Is there any down side to beginning the Brintellex earlier than that, say after 24-48 hrs?

As a follow-up, my Dr is a board certified internist and we have a 25+ year terrific relationship, but he was a bit dismissive of my suggestion that my antidepressant is behind my bouts of excessive sweating. We've run thyroid, estrogen and autoimmune disorder tests ... all fine. BP is so normal, it's boring; sugars fine. I'm post-menopausal for at least 10 years, taking replacement, levels good and checked twice a year. I am heavy (about 80lbs overweight, and I have been at least 50 lbs overweight for 10+ years) and I've long has the "Spiritual gift of perspiration," but this is much different. I'll break out in a profuse sweat just moseying down the air conditioned grocery aisle, or changing a load of laundry -- hardly strenuous; sometimes it happens while at rest or sleeping. Started about two years ago, but has gotten worse in the past several months. Sweat pours off my hairline, neck, then eventually my lower back, and once it starts, it will go for hours, even after cooling off. It's gotten to the point that it's socially embarrassing.

I finally sat down and went through my regular meds and supplements and read all the side effects to see if any were associated with excessive sweating. That's when I discovered that venlafaxine (and other antidepressants) can have that effect. I've been on antidepressants most of my adult life (Elavil, Zoloft, Venkafaxine) and have tolerated them well, even long term. Dosage on the venlafaxine has been upped three times over about 10 years. Been at 225 mg for about 3-4 years.

How common, really, is ADIES? There is little credible infirmation out there for us lay persons.

Thanks again. I truly appreciate your time and attention.

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