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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Anxiety And Panic Attacks After Stopping Effexor?

hi, i am 55 yrs old, single mom and was taking effexor 75 mg. for 15 years. I stopped it 3 months ago and had bad withdrawals. Now I am having anxiety, panic attacks and overwhelming fear..My doctor prescribed me buspirone 15 mg. I cut it in 1/2 today and just took it. I do not want to be a robot. Will this make me feel like one, and how long will it take to have full effect ...its says 1 to 2 weeks online..I also got prescribed xanax .25 mg. but am afraid to take it because i do not want to be addicted...
Tue, 6 Jun 2017
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As you have mentioned in your query that you were taking Effexor since last 15 years. You have not mentioned why it was stopped and what was the reason for starting Buspirone. If you are suffering from anxiety disorder, then Effexor will help. I strongly suggest you should continue taking Effexor and stop Buspirone. And Xanax 0.25 mg, you can take only during panic attacks however, Clonazepam 0.25 mg is preferred over Xanax during panic attacks. If you don’t use it daily, you won’t get addicted.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Prashant Gohil
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What Causes Severe Anxiety And Panic Attacks After Stopping Effexor?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. As you have mentioned in your query that you were taking Effexor since last 15 years. You have not mentioned why it was stopped and what was the reason for starting Buspirone. If you are suffering from anxiety disorder, then Effexor will help. I strongly suggest you should continue taking Effexor and stop Buspirone. And Xanax 0.25 mg, you can take only during panic attacks however, Clonazepam 0.25 mg is preferred over Xanax during panic attacks. If you don’t use it daily, you won’t get addicted. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Prashant Gohil