Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is It Safe To Wean Off Pristiq Slowly Without Any Withdrawal Effects?

My doctor put me on pristiq and wanted to add another drug to enhance it. My depression was not bothering me that bad, I had been doing good and I did not want MORE medication for my depression. I would rather work it out by walking about my feelings, but she told me it was in my past and would not talk with me about it. Since I was upset with her, I decided to call her and ask her to help me withdraw from the pristqu and she got upset with me and said it was against the law to go off of a drug. So, I decided to go off of it on my own and I knew I should not do it quickly, so in January, I started cutting down on the drug and now in April, I am only taking 1/4 of a pill about every other day. I have found me a new doctor to go to that has helped others get off of all of their prescription drugs. Is there any information I need to know, or am I doing it the right way??
Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

Pristiq is Desvenlafaxine and the drug is a SNRI drug. You have been suffering from depression, as per guidelines in depression treatment should continue to at least 6 months to 2 years following remission of symptoms. This maintenance treatment helps to reduce the relapse of episodes. When the maintenance treatment is finishes then individuals are advised to reduce the drug doses baby gradually over 6-10 weeks depending upon the drug. In normal cases doses should be reduced by 20-25% every 2 weeks to reduce the risk of withdrawal. You have reduced the doses gradually so have not suffered withdrawal. Try to discuss with a psychiatrist and then make change in your prescription.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Is It Safe To Wean Off Pristiq Slowly Without Any Withdrawal Effects?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries Pristiq is Desvenlafaxine and the drug is a SNRI drug. You have been suffering from depression, as per guidelines in depression treatment should continue to at least 6 months to 2 years following remission of symptoms. This maintenance treatment helps to reduce the relapse of episodes. When the maintenance treatment is finishes then individuals are advised to reduce the drug doses baby gradually over 6-10 weeks depending upon the drug. In normal cases doses should be reduced by 20-25% every 2 weeks to reduce the risk of withdrawal. You have reduced the doses gradually so have not suffered withdrawal. Try to discuss with a psychiatrist and then make change in your prescription. Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care