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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 17 hours ago | Replies (6411)Comment receiving replies
This is actually for my 40 year old son. He has been on several medications for anxiety over many years. His new psychiatrist said it was time to stop the Effexor as after this time it wouldn't be doing much so he reduced dosage by half every 2 weeks. The last 37.5 mg has proven impossible to stop with severe side effects. Hence trying the compounding pharmacy. They are making some half strength but can make any strength in a slow release capsule. I think he will wait until he sees how he is with nothing. He has developed severe kidney stones since being on Effexor and I have read this can possibly be a symptom so at this point he just wants to be drug free and if necessary start with something without the side effects he has been having.
Replies to "This is actually for my 40 year old son. He has been on several medications for..."
Thanks Jim, that would probably be a good idea but he's been on different meds for so long he wants to try without and see where he's at.
@wendyw - I'm kind of at the same place. I'm going to talk to the neurologist on Tuesday about tapering off morphine and revisiting some of the neuropathy meds I've tried in the past, and see if any of them would help with the pain. The spinal cord stimulator has helped a lot, but it doesn't do the whole job, especially if I'm on my feet for very long. Someone said that they had such a hard time getting off Effexor that they tapered on to another med temporarily while going off Effexor. Then they tapered off the other med, which didn't have such severe withdrawal. I thought that sounded like a good solution.
Jim
Best wishes Jim. ATM my son is in the frame that he just wants to stop everything in case it's causing his side effects
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@wendyw - Has your son discussed overlapping the stopping of Effexor and starting the new antidepressant? For many people, this greatly reduces the withdrawal symptoms. My doctor had me taper off Effexor at the same time as beginning Wellbutrin, and I don't remember having any problems. Obviously, this varies greatly from one person to another.
Jim