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Tapering off Effexor XR
I've been taking Effexor XR daily for 20 years. My prescription is for three 75mg capsules (225mg total) once a day. I want to get off this medication, so my doctor suggested I try to taper off by only taking two XR capsules instead of the three capsules. I thought this might be too much of a decrease, so she suggested I add a regular 37.5mg Effexor tab to the two XR capsules to make it easier and try that for 2-4 weeks. If no major issues I could then decrease my dosage a little bit more. Does this sound reasonable?
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Yes. I work in psych and this is usually how it is done, to decrease by 37.5 mg every 2-4 weeks depending on how you tolerate the decrease, until you are no longer taking the medication. This one can take a few months to get off of but titrating down like this is the safest way to stop the medication. Good luck!!
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1 ReactionThanks! I am grateful for your input. I wonder if taking the 37.5 tablet later in the day is better than taking it in the morning when I take the two ER capsules.
Is it ok to go from 37.5 mg Effexor XR to 37.5 mg regular Effexor as a means of tapering ?
Is there a slower way of going off Effexor 38.5mg XR to zero? Can it be compounded? . I’ve gotten down to 37.5 mg XR for last 2 weeks. Lots of withdrawal symptoms . Anxious about going down to zero. Any suggestions?
My pharmacist it depends on the individual and you should consult with your doctor.
I would suggest you look at other posts on this subject on this site, which are extensive. Sadly, not all doctors know how to assist their patients in tapering off a drug. I am fortunate to have found an independent compounding pharmacist who is willing to help me discontinue the drug according to The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines (Mark Horowitz and David Taylor, published this year).