How To Wean Off Celexa After Discontinuing Serzone For Fear Of Renal Damage?
Cross tapering is best option in present situation
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from Healthcaremagic.com
I can understand your concern. Serzone is Nefazodone and was found to be strongly associated with risk of liver damage. The drug has strong actions on serotonergic and adrenergic receptors and also on dopaminergic receptors.
You are on Celexa 60 mg (took it for 3 weeks then dose increased to 90 for one week) for about 4 weeks. Reducing the dose from 60 to 30 should not be abrupt. In my opinion remain on 60 mg for about one week and then you can think of reducing the dose to 30 mg.
Taking Celexa with Effexor is not a good idea in my opinion. This might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Effexor or Venlafaxine is a strong drug and approved for moderate to severe depression. The drug has good serotonergic and adrenergic actions. You can reduce the doses of Celexa and can start Velafaxine. Cross tapering is best option in present situation. Reduce the Celexa to 30 after one week and start Effexor 37.5 at the same time, stop the Celexa after one more week and increase the dose of Effexor to 75 and then more if needed. You can discuss with your doctor for this and take proper prescription.
Bupropion or Wellbutrin can be added as augmentation agent along with Venlafaxine.
Thanks. Take care