Varies: The severity of withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (venlafaxine) varies greatly. I had one patient who stopped 300 mg with no taper and had no symptoms. Others have to taper very slowly. The very slowest taper I have used involves reducing by the smallest dose possible (37.5 mg) every two weeks. And then, optionally, switching to low dose Prozac to go down from 37.5 mg to zero.
Answered 5/7/2016
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Taper gradually: As dr. Forster suggests, you can decrease to 37.5 mg of Effexor (venlafaxine) daily. But since you're prone to withdrawal symptoms, the rest of your taper may require using a compounding pharmacy to prepare incremental dosings. You may want no more than 10-20% decrease every couple of weeks. The math is a little tricky but you & your doctor can work together on this to accomplish your goal. Good luck.
Answered 6/25/2014
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