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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (6458)Comment receiving replies
I began taking venlafaxine 10 years ago for health anxiety. Twice, I tried tapering off before I knew anything about ADS (anti-depressant discontinuance syndrome.) Neither did either doc who guided my taper-way too quickly. I gave up and continued the med. I’m starting to taper off again from 75 mg, taken at dinner time. I’ve reduced my dose from 75 mg. to 62.5 mg. taking a 37.5 mg capsule (extended release) and a 25 mg tablet (immediate release) together at dinner. Because of the shorter-half life, I’m wondering if it would be better taking the tablet at bedtime or the following morning to reduce the withdrawal effects I’ve begun having. Also, my taper plan is to go from 62.5 to 50 (25 mg twice a day) to 37.5 capsule onecd a day to 25 mg tablet once a day to 12.5 mg (half a 25 mg tab) once a day to zero. Thought about the 62.5 mg timing or the taper schedule.
Replies to "I began taking venlafaxine 10 years ago for health anxiety. Twice, I tried tapering off before..."
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There is a LOT of information on this site if you can find the time to read it. I did the same as you--tapered twice too quickly. I'm on my third try. This one will succeed because I'm following the recommendation set forth in The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines--basically, no more than 10% reduction at a time, reducing by ten percent of remaining dose (i.e., a decreasing amount) only when feeling stable at the reduced dose. Make sense? If not, please say so. One can do it by counting capsule contents or shaving tablets, but my independent pharmacist created a liquid solution, making the taper quite simple. Good luck to you.