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How To Wean Of Effexor?
Question: Hi wanting to know the best and safest way to wean of effexor 225mg after six weeks. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Best done under medical supervision
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Effexor is an antidepressant and if discontinued suddenly may result in rebound depression. Secondly I am not sure about your reason to discontinue effexor. It is possible that you are feeling better after taking effexor and want to withdraw. In such a case withdrawing may be unsafe and you may get the same symptoms again after discontinuing. Thirdly while withdrawing you may get flu-like symptoms and other symptoms as well. Thus it is better to visit your treating doctor and consult him about discontinuing effexor.
That said, antidepressants are better withdrawn slowly over a period of weeks. Lowering the dose by 75 mg every week is a better option. If you get any symptoms of depression or agitation while withdrawing, then resume the dose. For other withdrawal symptoms you may need symptomatic treatment. For example for headache you may need ibuprofen.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Best done under medical supervision
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Effexor is an antidepressant and if discontinued suddenly may result in rebound depression. Secondly I am not sure about your reason to discontinue effexor. It is possible that you are feeling better after taking effexor and want to withdraw. In such a case withdrawing may be unsafe and you may get the same symptoms again after discontinuing. Thirdly while withdrawing you may get flu-like symptoms and other symptoms as well. Thus it is better to visit your treating doctor and consult him about discontinuing effexor.
That said, antidepressants are better withdrawn slowly over a period of weeks. Lowering the dose by 75 mg every week is a better option. If you get any symptoms of depression or agitation while withdrawing, then resume the dose. For other withdrawal symptoms you may need symptomatic treatment. For example for headache you may need ibuprofen.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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