Re: Coming off Effexor
Originally Posted by
lebonvin
I want to stop completely, not because I want to but coz I got no money.
There are assistance programs which make meds available at reduced, or no cost. NeedyMeds is a good starting point and Pfizer also have their RxPathways program to help folk remain on their meds.
I come down from 187.5 to just 75 and stable on it. What I wanna ask is
- is it ok to go down to 37.5
You really need to discuss this with a doctor as venlafaxine can be the hardest AD to quit and you probably won't be able to do it on your own. But, yes, you could drop down to 37.5mg, but there will be a reaction and it will likely come quickly. Do you have immediate, or slow-release pills?
or is this the right time to switch to another AD? I know fluoxetine is the usual gig but I got a shitload of cymbalta left over from 18 months ago.
You could try cross-tapering to Cymbalta (duloxetine), but it is a true SNRI so you'll likely be hit with some initial side-effects and some find it a difficult drug at the beginning. The other issue is will you be able to afford to stay on it? If not, you could suffer during the transition and again once your supply dwindles.
Switching to fluoxetine and then weaning off it may be the kinder option, though there remains the question of how you will deal with a return of the disorders you're taking the meds for. Getting venlafaxine through one of the assistance programs looks like the best of the available options Charlie.
PS: I have a full day of driving tomorrow, over 500 miles plus a range of appointments, so will be awol until Friday AU time.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.