Anyone tapered off Effexor and used Prozac, cymbalta, gaba as bridge?

Found this on ZocDoc:
"Tapering is something of a hot topic among psychiatrists, and prevailing opinion in the field is changing. For years, it’s been standard for doctors to recommend 2-4 week tapering regimens. But two psychiatric researchers recently published a paper recommending an “extended tapering regimen, reducing [a patient’s] dosage by smaller and smaller increments, down to one-fortieth of the original amount.” This method takes months or even years, but researchers say it accounts for how antidepressants change brain chemistry, while the old way does not."

I also saw reference to the fact that it can be harder to go from 2mg to 1mg than from 20mg to 10mg. In other words the end of the taper needs to go even more slowly and use a liquid.

One article mentioned that Prozac's half life is 2-4 days. Effexor is 5-10 hours. According t that article the shorter the half life, the longer the taper needs to be. One person mentioned being put on Prozac at the end of a taper of Zoloft but it wasn't clear what the timing of that was.

I am so glad to see so much more info on withdrawal online. When my family member was coming off, there wasn't much at all!

@julishka crossposted! Thanks for the info on how the bridge med intersects with the one you are tapering.

I know this is old, but so many people have said they were going to try a Prozac bridge, but don't reply with how it went. I would really appreciate hearing how it went for people, as I'm trying to decide if I should do it. Thanks.

What do you recommend for someone who must taper rather quickly, due to the liver damage effexor is causing? Withdrawal symptoms are terrible currently.

With all sincerity and respect, I strongly feel that your question is best addressed by a trusted doctor who is respected by peers for his/her knowledge and effectiveness with patients. Your question will probably receive answers on thes site, and if so, please consider examine all you can about the drug/dose and possible contraindications with whatever else you take.

I am truly sorry that the Effexor has caused you liver damage. This is the first that I've heard of that awful drug creating that situation. What does the doctor who prescribed the Effexor have to say about the urgency to taper with immediacy?

You've been added to my prayers, and hope you recover from your serious ordeal. I was on Effexor XR for about 15 years, and while I went through hell with it --- literally and figuratively--- thank God that liver damage did not occur. I sought the help of a trusted neurologist for tapering and ceasing this devil drug because I had little trust in the doctor who has prescribed it.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.
There is a 1% chance that effexor can cause liver damage. It generally happens when the dose is raised too high, too fast, which is exactly what my GP did, and I listened to him. Then, when he realized what was going on with my liver, he had me reduce the effexor dosage by 75mg a week, and I ended up in the ER, literally thinking i was dying. He told me he didn't know what to do to help me.
That was seven weeks ago. Since then, I have been working with a Nurse Practitioner, who is trying to help me take care of my brain and my liver. I am down to 55 mg (weighing the beads), and am still experiencing awful withdrawals. My anxiety has skyrocketed, and the burning and nausea are a constant struggle. I don't know how I'm ever going to get off this drug. I really miss my life. My NP is considering adding Prozac. Maybe it will help the anxiety AND withdrawal?

I’ve never heard of Effexor causing liver damage. However, I desperately want to stop taking it. Looking for success stories and suggestions. My doc told me to try 5htp (over the counter) to help taper off.

Your story gives me hope. I, also, have no trust or respect for the doc who prescribed this awful drug. He never told me anything about how difficult it would be to stop taking it. I hadn’t thought of consulting a neurologist. My current doc suggested weaning off by taking 5 htp intermittently. I haven’t yet tried that. Missing a dose is so miserable, I wanted to check with others. It’s so hard to find a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about getting off this nightmare drug. I’m glad you’re doing well.

Smart advice. I am trying to get off Zoloft the 2nd time around! Horrible experience starting in the morning. First time it worked great. Down to 50 mg. Switching to Prozac

Good luck! I hope it goes smoothly.