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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (6363)Comment receiving replies
After reading through some of these posts, I am extremely nervous about trying to go off my venlafaxine. I want off and very discouraged about the withdrawal concerns. I tried to taper off slowly a couple of years ago and felt totally crazy and out of control!! It is sad to want to stay on a drug just so I don't have to deal with the withdrawal. I take a 75MG capsule, where do I start?
Replies to "After reading through some of these posts, I am extremely nervous about trying to go off..."
Try to taper down slowly ( very) .. have your MD write an Rx for the 37.5mg caps first
(1 month supply)
Also, get a Rx for the tablets which is available in 37.5mg dosage form
U can cut the tablets in half ... then quarters..
make a tapering schedule on your calendar.. make sure each reduction last several weeks.
When u are down to 1/4 tablet daily ..your final taper should be 1/4 tab every other day for several weeks.. take it slow
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@rschroeder The best advice on here is to slowly taper off the drug. It is easier to reduce your dose if you change over to the tablet form (which can be cut), or use a compounding pharmacy to make reduced dosages (costs some and may not be available in your area). Click on my name to read my posts for another way to reduce your dose by dissolving in juice. If a reduction brings on distressing withdrawal symptoms, go back to the previous dose where you didn't have symptoms and stay there awhile before attempting reduction again to not quite so big a drop. Hope this helps!