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What Causes Nightmares While Getting Off Of Venlafaxine?
Question: My wife age 78 has been on venlafaxine 37.5mg XR qhs for years. When she tries to get off of it she has terrible nightmares. It was not prescribed for depression but for refractory back pain (has not been on any analgesics except for Aleve for a long time--like years and back situation under control with chiropractor and PT). Since starting she has zero libido and misses it, as do I. I am a retired OB/Gyn and she wants me to try withdrawing it slowly (we've tried before with our GP and didn't work out--had to go back on the XR). Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Slow withdrawal can be attempted.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your wife's symptoms and can understand your discomfort as a couple.
The choice of venlafaxine for back pain is unusual, as the preferred medications for treating back pain include pregabalin, gabapentin and duloxetine.
In any case, she is well now. The best option here is to withdraw the drug slowly. The dose of venlafaxine may be reduced by 25-30% every 2-3 weeks and complete discontinuation can be achieved in 2-3 months.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Slow withdrawal can be attempted.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your wife's symptoms and can understand your discomfort as a couple.
The choice of venlafaxine for back pain is unusual, as the preferred medications for treating back pain include pregabalin, gabapentin and duloxetine.
In any case, she is well now. The best option here is to withdraw the drug slowly. The dose of venlafaxine may be reduced by 25-30% every 2-3 weeks and complete discontinuation can be achieved in 2-3 months.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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