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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Effects Of Stopping Effexor XR Cold Turkey?

I started taking Effexor XR 37.5 up to 225 mg 18 years ago. March 1, 2015, I stopped cold turkey and now I am back on it. I m 70 years of age and am worried. The doctor has started me at 75mg and will progress to 225mg. Is this a good thing for me to start again at my age?
Wed, 8 Apr 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Discontinuation syndrome can occur. Effexor-XR is a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Cold turkey can cause discontinuation syndrome characterized by anxiety, irritability, headache, vertigo, dystonia, tremors, flu like state, and fatigue.

Yes, it is a good thing to start with initial low dose. Depending upon the condition it is usually started with 75 mg per day. If there is no response your doctor will gradually increase the dose up to a maximum of 225 mg per day.

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

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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What Are The Effects Of Stopping Effexor XR Cold Turkey?

Hi, Discontinuation syndrome can occur. Effexor-XR is a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Cold turkey can cause discontinuation syndrome characterized by anxiety, irritability, headache, vertigo, dystonia, tremors, flu like state, and fatigue. Yes, it is a good thing to start with initial low dose. Depending upon the condition it is usually started with 75 mg per day. If there is no response your doctor will gradually increase the dose up to a maximum of 225 mg per day. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician