1. < Depression & Anxiety

What to bridge when tapering off effexor

Posted by julishka @julishka, Nov 25, 2024

Hi, My doctor and I have come up with a plan to taper off 75mg Effexor which I have been on for 15 years. She gave me the choice to bridge during the last dose change with either gabapentin, cymbalta or prozac. I have researched all and am leaning toward prozac. I do have chronic pain as well so wondering if either of the others may be more helpful.

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mmsm | @mmsm | 6 days ago
In reply to @delia74 "With all sincerity and respect, I strongly feel that your question is best addressed by a..." + (show)
@delia74

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.

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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?

REPLY
magskay | @magskay | 6 hours ago
In reply to @mmsm "What do you recommend for someone who must taper rather quickly, due to the liver damage..." + (show)
@mmsm

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

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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.

REPLY
magskay | @magskay | 6 hours ago
In reply to @delia74 "With all sincerity and respect, I strongly feel that your question is best addressed by a..." + (show)
@delia74

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.

Jump to this post

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.

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