
Hi, Have A Quick Question. A Few Months Ago I

Question: Hi, have a quick question. A few months ago I talked to my dr about getting off my medicine for anxiety. It is 37.5 extended release venlaphaxine. Once a day. Took me until recently to get brave enough to actually try getting off it. Anyways I remember she said to start with every other day and then i dont remember where to go from there. Is it every 2 days for a few weeks and every 3 then stop? What is protocol for getting off this particular medication.
I have been doing every other day for 2 weeks and havent had to much in terms of withdrawal symptoms. I am fearful though that every 2 days may give me some? I dont know. Advice?
I have been doing every other day for 2 weeks and havent had to much in terms of withdrawal symptoms. I am fearful though that every 2 days may give me some? I dont know. Advice?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
The normal protocol is to reduce 20 to 25 % of medication every two weeks to know whether you still need the medication and to counter withdrwal effects. Although this protocol is rarely followed as it becomes very difficult to cut the medicine properly.
On successful completion of once every other day there is need to use the medicine for once every third day for two weeks followed by once in four days and stop altogether.
I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
The normal protocol is to reduce 20 to 25 % of medication every two weeks to know whether you still need the medication and to counter withdrwal effects. Although this protocol is rarely followed as it becomes very difficult to cut the medicine properly.
On successful completion of once every other day there is need to use the medicine for once every third day for two weeks followed by once in four days and stop altogether.
I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


Thank you for the response. So since it is an extended release I am not able to cut the pill at all. So I do every other day for 2 weeks then every second day for 2 weeks then every 3rd day for 2 weeks and then every 4th for 2 weeks then stop? Is that correct
Brief Answer:
Yes this will be perfect solution to wean off the withdrawal effects
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
I am glad to share that you have understood it in perfect shape and hopefully this will take care of withdrawal symptoms of Effexor.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks and regards.
Yes this will be perfect solution to wean off the withdrawal effects
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
I am glad to share that you have understood it in perfect shape and hopefully this will take care of withdrawal symptoms of Effexor.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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