HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Effexor Be Stopped Cold Turkey?

default
Posted on Mon, 25 Jan 2016
Question: I recently (3-4) days ago, went cold turkey off Effexor XL 300 mg as I couldn't stop sweating. Now I've never been so sick: still sweating, diarrhea, nausea, dizzy, extreme fatigue, nightmares, etc. I think I've been taking it for 10 years..but I'm on vacation and out of touch with my doctor. What should I do? Could this kill me?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The symptoms will reduce in some days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Effexor is a SNRI drug and it is not advisable to stop it cold turkey after regular intake. You stopped the drug 3-4 days back and have withdrawal symptoms. The acute phase has passed and this will not kill you. Try to remain relaxed. The withdrawal symptoms will reduce in next 2-3 days and will become tolerable. If you have no access to doctor then for nausea you can take antiemetic pills. Take plenty of fluids and remain in calm, cool and dark room. If you have any drugs like Clonazepam or Lorazepam then low doses of either of these drugs will ease the anxiety and should help you.

Thanks, Hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Internal Medicine Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Can Effexor Be Stopped Cold Turkey?

Brief Answer: The symptoms will reduce in some days. Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Effexor is a SNRI drug and it is not advisable to stop it cold turkey after regular intake. You stopped the drug 3-4 days back and have withdrawal symptoms. The acute phase has passed and this will not kill you. Try to remain relaxed. The withdrawal symptoms will reduce in next 2-3 days and will become tolerable. If you have no access to doctor then for nausea you can take antiemetic pills. Take plenty of fluids and remain in calm, cool and dark room. If you have any drugs like Clonazepam or Lorazepam then low doses of either of these drugs will ease the anxiety and should help you. Thanks, Hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.