How difficult is it to stop using Effexor XR?
Question:
Answers:
A little harder than other antidepressants, because there is more of a withdrawal syndrome if you stop suddenly. But it shouldn't be a problem if you taper it gradually. I've had patients stop in less than a week, but some people take several weeks, or even longer. In part it depends on how high a dose you're on -- higher doses take longer to taper and stop.
Other Answers:
Must be done gradually!
http://www.effexorxr.com/faqs.asp#10
All of that class of drug is difficult to stop cold turkey. You have to taper off over 4-6 weeks so you don't get withdrawls.
If you are on a high dose it's very difficult to come off of if it isnt done right. Your doctor should tell you the appropriate dosage reductions. DO NOT go off it cold turkey, the withdrawls are terrible. Even when you do it right you may have some withdrawl symptoms, but if you're coming off of it because its being replaced by another antidepressant, there is a good chance that the new med will keep those to a minimum.
Best of luck to you
Easy as 1 2 3.........
1. Tell your doctor you have had it and take lower doses as the/she tells you.
2. Get off and unless you are sure DO NOT GET INTO IT again!
3. cheer you did it!
YES YES YES...
Awful medication!! The withdrawal is awful - I experienced depression, self-harm ideation, and depersonalisation - I felt worse than I had ever felt before...
NEVER STOP COLD TURKEY...always decrease the dose gradually under the supervision of an experience doctor (as with any psych medication).
And if you can avoid ever starting on this med to begin with and stick to the more reliable and less invasive SSRIs like Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro (however even on these meds make sure you do not skip doses or stop cold turkey).
I stopped without consulting my doctor - bad idea! Do it under your doctor's supervision.
One suggestion: I found that St. John's Wort worked for me. It's a gentle herbal mood stabilizer and every pharmacy stocks it. It does take several weeks to kick in, but it might be a better option for you than SSRIs. There are no side effects.
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