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Can Effexor Be Stopped Cold Turkey?

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Posted on Mon, 25 Jan 2016
Question: I recently (3-4) days ago, went cold turkey off Effexor XL 300 mg as I couldn't stop sweating. Now I've never been so sick: still sweating, diarrhea, nausea, dizzy, extreme fatigue, nightmares, etc. I think I've been taking it for 10 years..but I'm on vacation and out of touch with my doctor. What should I do? Could this kill me?
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The symptoms will reduce in some days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Effexor is a SNRI drug and it is not advisable to stop it cold turkey after regular intake. You stopped the drug 3-4 days back and have withdrawal symptoms. The acute phase has passed and this will not kill you. Try to remain relaxed. The withdrawal symptoms will reduce in next 2-3 days and will become tolerable. If you have no access to doctor then for nausea you can take antiemetic pills. Take plenty of fluids and remain in calm, cool and dark room. If you have any drugs like Clonazepam or Lorazepam then low doses of either of these drugs will ease the anxiety and should help you.

Thanks, Hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Can Effexor Be Stopped Cold Turkey?

Brief Answer: The symptoms will reduce in some days. Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Effexor is a SNRI drug and it is not advisable to stop it cold turkey after regular intake. You stopped the drug 3-4 days back and have withdrawal symptoms. The acute phase has passed and this will not kill you. Try to remain relaxed. The withdrawal symptoms will reduce in next 2-3 days and will become tolerable. If you have no access to doctor then for nausea you can take antiemetic pills. Take plenty of fluids and remain in calm, cool and dark room. If you have any drugs like Clonazepam or Lorazepam then low doses of either of these drugs will ease the anxiety and should help you. Thanks, Hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.