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Can Venlafaxine Be Abruptly Discontinued?
Question: I have been taking venlafaxine for 8 years for hot flashes. i'm leaving town for 10 days and my PA has moved back to Minnesota. They can't get me in to see a new doctor before I leave for the beach on Sat. What will happen if I stop taking my venlafaxine? I only have enough to last me thru Saturday. My son has some Wellbutrin XL that he stopped taking here. Can I switch to that until I can get back home and see a new doctor?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
You have not listed the dose of venlafaxine you are taking, but generally speaking, you may have some withdrawal symptoms if you stop it suddenly, including flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal upset. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable but it is not dangerous. Do NOT take Wellbutrin instead -- this has an entirely different type of medication compared to venlafaxine and will not help at all -- in fact, it is likely to make things worse. You will need to make an appointment with a doctor to prescribe venlafaxine, as this is the only way to avoid withdrawal, or you will simply need to tolerate it.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
You have not listed the dose of venlafaxine you are taking, but generally speaking, you may have some withdrawal symptoms if you stop it suddenly, including flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal upset. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable but it is not dangerous. Do NOT take Wellbutrin instead -- this has an entirely different type of medication compared to venlafaxine and will not help at all -- in fact, it is likely to make things worse. You will need to make an appointment with a doctor to prescribe venlafaxine, as this is the only way to avoid withdrawal, or you will simply need to tolerate it.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
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