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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Effexor?

hey, my mom is having some really scary symptoms for approx three days. Her depression meds were changed from Zoloft to 150 mg of effexor. she has done nothing but stumble and fall since we made the change. ive not been with her 24/7, My aunt has. She also takes gabapentin as well as diclofenac. She;s also takng ativan prn. can you give any advice on how to back off from some of these . thank you
Mon, 4 May 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Zoloft is Sertraline and the drug is relatively better tolerated than Effexor or Venlafaxine. She has been advised to take 150 mg of Effexor which is a high dose and probably this has resulted in side effects she is having. In my opinion doses of the drug should be increased gradually over about 2-4 weeks to prevent these side effects. You can discuss with her doctor for reduction of doses for some time and then doses can be increased again. This would prevent any side effects. Give her medicines in her prescribed doses only. PRN basis Ativan can help to reduce such symptoms.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care
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What Are The Side Effects Of Effexor?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Zoloft is Sertraline and the drug is relatively better tolerated than Effexor or Venlafaxine. She has been advised to take 150 mg of Effexor which is a high dose and probably this has resulted in side effects she is having. In my opinion doses of the drug should be increased gradually over about 2-4 weeks to prevent these side effects. You can discuss with her doctor for reduction of doses for some time and then doses can be increased again. This would prevent any side effects. Give her medicines in her prescribed doses only. PRN basis Ativan can help to reduce such symptoms. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care