Stopping low-dose Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Anonymous

Stopping low-dose Effexor (Venlafaxine)

LaughingGull

It has been one and a half years after my cancer diagnosis. My oncologist prescribed an antidepressant shortly after diagnosis, Effexor, 37.5 mg, extended release, when I was in total shock.

After going through chemo and surgery, I consulted with an oncology psychiatrist. This psychiatrist told me that I seemed to be doing well, and that since I was on a low dosage, I could quit on my own (he recommended to reduce the dosage bit by bit); this doctor also suggested that I waited till the end of active cancer treatment (when my care would get transferred from your MO to my PCP), because that would be a fraught time. I am almost there, and I will soon start seeing the MO only every three months, and then every six months, and my PCP is handling most of my health issues now. I am doing well, and I also have ahead of me a couple of months with low levels of personal stress. So I decided it is time to stop.

A week ago I started taking the Effexor every other day. I am feeling just fine. No difference in amount of severity of hot flashes. I will continue taking it every other day for an additional week and then I will start taking once every couple of days, then stop.

Does somebody else who has gone through this process have any advice for me? Anything I should be considering?

Thanks in advance,

LaughingGull

lyzzysmom

Effexor can give side effects when withdrawing. In particular "head zaps" like a sudden funny feeling of a current or buzzing in your head that can last for a while after you stop taking it (I had them). If you do you may want to discuss with your doctor and wean yourself off them more slowly. I have tried a few different anti depressants and if I remember correctly effexor has capsules with "beads" inside that you can remove gradually. It never agreed with me from the get go so I stopped taking it fairly quickly but many people do well on it and I think slowly weaning off it is usually recommended. Just my thoughts. I have no medical knowledge.

I'm glad to hear that you are doing well!!

LaughingGull

thanks lizzysmom