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I Have Been On Effexor XR 75 Mg Daily For
Question: I have been on Effexor XR 75 mg daily for about 9 months. My new doctor feels I would benefit more from Prozac for several reasons. She has told me to take the Effexor XR every other day for 5 days, then start Prozac 10 mg. I’m on the 4th day of the Effexor wean and my irritability is ramping up which increases my anxiety because I am scared of awful withdrawal which I have been through before. Is this the best process for this? Should I stick to the plan or since I haven’t had Effexor since yesterday, can I just start Prozac tomorrow? Any other options for less withdrawals? Thanks for advice.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns about withdrawal side effects of Effexor.
First of all I like to inform you that withdrawal effects are cross sensitive to some extent. It means that withdrawal side effects of one antidepressant can be helped with use of another antidepressant.In your case it can be stated that withdrawal effects of effexor will be helped with use of Prozac and this means that with start of Prozac there will be decreased withdrawal side effects.
Secondly please get assured that withdrawal side effects are often time limited. In regard to effexor the withdrawal side effects generally last for one to two weeks. |So there is good possibility that over the next couple of days there will be decreased withdrawal side effects.
In regard to another way or with decreased withdrawal side effects staraegy following can be used.
First week
Effexor same dose plus Prozac 10 mg
Second week
Effexor half dose plus prozac 10 mg
Third week
Prozac 10 mg continue
I hope this helps 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 about withdrawal side effects of Effexor.
First of all I like to inform you that withdrawal effects are cross sensitive to some extent. It means that withdrawal side effects of one antidepressant can be helped with use of another antidepressant.In your case it can be stated that withdrawal effects of effexor will be helped with use of Prozac and this means that with start of Prozac there will be decreased withdrawal side effects.
Secondly please get assured that withdrawal side effects are often time limited. In regard to effexor the withdrawal side effects generally last for one to two weeks. |So there is good possibility that over the next couple of days there will be decreased withdrawal side effects.
In regard to another way or with decreased withdrawal side effects staraegy following can be used.
First week
Effexor same dose plus Prozac 10 mg
Second week
Effexor half dose plus prozac 10 mg
Third week
Prozac 10 mg continue
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok thank you. One last question. How do I do half a dose of Effexor capsules safely? Or can you prescribe 37.5 mg for me? Thank you.
Oh also my doctor already prescribed 20 mg prozac. Still ok to use during withdrawal?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
We do not have any technique to make half of 75 mg effexor capsule and only option is to use 37.5 mg instead of 75 mg.
In regard to prescription for 37.5 mg I am afraid to state that I do not have prescription rights for individuals from USA.
The same issue is applicable in regard to Prozac as there is need for 10 mg capsule.
I hope this helps you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
We do not have any technique to make half of 75 mg effexor capsule and only option is to use 37.5 mg instead of 75 mg.
In regard to prescription for 37.5 mg I am afraid to state that I do not have prescription rights for individuals from USA.
The same issue is applicable in regard to Prozac as there is need for 10 mg capsule.
I hope this helps you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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