I have been taking effexor 37.5 (venlafaxine ) for about 3 months. I have developed such pain in my arms, legs, and hips that I can no longer do normal things like I could. I want to start going off of it. How do I do that?
Loading...
Hi, guest.
When discontinuing Effexor, it's generally recommended to gradually taper off the medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Suddenly stopping Effexor can lead to withdrawal effects, including flu-like symptoms, dizziness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Here are some general steps that are often followed when tapering off Effexor:
-
Consult your doctor: Before making any changes to your medication, speak with your prescribing doctor. They will guide you through the process and monitor your progress.
-
Develop a tapering plan: Your doctor will help you create a tapering schedule based on your current dosage and individual needs. The plan typically involves reducing the dosage gradually over a period of weeks or months.
-
Follow the tapering schedule: Stick to the schedule provided by your doctor. It usually involves reducing the dosage by small increments at regular intervals. This slow tapering allows your body to adjust to the lower levels of the medication.
-
Monitor for withdrawal symptoms: Pay attention to any withdrawal symptoms or changes in your mood or physical well-being during the tapering process. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, contact your doctor for further guidance.
-
Seek support: It can be helpful to have a support system in place during this transition. Consider reaching out to friends, family, or a therapist who can provide emotional support throughout the process.
Remember that everyone's experience with tapering off medication can be different, so it's important to work closely with your doctor to tailor the process to your specific needs.
Can you tell us what your current dosage is?
Good luck!
Loading...