HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Ways To Wean Off Venlafaxine

default
Posted on Tue, 21 Jun 2016
Question: I just discovered I have been taking 300 mg of Effexor by mistake for about 3 weeks. My PA raised my single dose to 150 mg and I was taking 2 75mg once a day. Did not see change on prescription bottle . Kept taking 2 daily.
I have been sweating , increased irritability , fatigue in afternoon, and just slept 14 hours. My red wine in the evening has accelerated the effects of alcohol . I have no medication left and do not know how to get back to my original dosage as my PA in out of town. My prescription will be refilled on May 20th. Can I go that long and then revert to 150 mg per day.

XXXXXXX XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can reduce by 75 mg today and than 75 mg after one week

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Venlafaxine if stopped abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms so it is better to go slow. Expert recommend 20-25 % reduction per week so you can reduce by 75 mg to 225 mg per day from today itself and than another 75 mg to 150 mg after one week.

There is no point in continuing high dose.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Suggest Ways To Wean Off Venlafaxine

Brief Answer: You can reduce by 75 mg today and than 75 mg after one week Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. Venlafaxine if stopped abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms so it is better to go slow. Expert recommend 20-25 % reduction per week so you can reduce by 75 mg to 225 mg per day from today itself and than another 75 mg to 150 mg after one week. There is no point in continuing high dose. I hope this helps you. Thanks and regards.