Coming off 150mg of venlafaxine - what is the best method - then on to cipralex (escitalopram) 5mg - any comments!

Taper off.: Venlafaxine can cause withdrawl symptoms if stopped abruptly. It is recommended to wean slowly and may lower dosage every 2-3 weeks till on the lowest dosage possible which can be around 37.5 mg and then it can be stopped. Go slow.

Thanks for asking!: If your psychiatrist has determined to taper off venlafaxine, consider decreasing by 50mg every 3-4 days.

Very, very slowly: When Effexor xr (venlafaxine) is stopped, it has been my experience that it is very important to taper it very, very slowly. I recommend decreasing daily dose by 37.5 mg weekly until down to 37.5 mg daily for a week, then 37.5 mg every other day for a week, then every third day for a week, then discontinue. If still withdrawal symptoms after that taper, then extend every third day longer.