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Can Venlafaxine Be Cross-tapered Without A Consultation?
Question: I have been prescribed an SNRI Venlafaxine from previously using an SSRI Fluvoxamine for 6 months for steadily worsening gastritis symptoms.
I had my last Fluvoxamine 30 hours ago. Is it safe for me to cross-taper onto a low dose of venlafaxine today? I am concerned about possible toxicity issues but also on the other hand withdrawal side effects for staying off the drugs for too long. Can you advise?
I had my last Fluvoxamine 30 hours ago. Is it safe for me to cross-taper onto a low dose of venlafaxine today? I am concerned about possible toxicity issues but also on the other hand withdrawal side effects for staying off the drugs for too long. Can you advise?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I would not make any changes without talking with your prescribing doctor. Making changes without the prescriber knowing could result in dangerous results such as serotonin syndrome. Now that you are off fluvoxamine, it would probably be safe to start a very low dose of venlafaxine, 37.5mg. If you tapered off fluvoxamine slowly, you should not experience withdrawal in any event. Again, do not do this without the instruction and oversight of your prescribing doctor.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I would not make any changes without talking with your prescribing doctor. Making changes without the prescriber knowing could result in dangerous results such as serotonin syndrome. Now that you are off fluvoxamine, it would probably be safe to start a very low dose of venlafaxine, 37.5mg. If you tapered off fluvoxamine slowly, you should not experience withdrawal in any event. Again, do not do this without the instruction and oversight of your prescribing doctor.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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