Coming off a SNRI

[EmilyApril]

I have severe depression for years but I was told I will have to get off my effexor er to have a bariactic surgery that will save my life,If I don't have the surgery I will die in 6 months. What is the best way to come off a snri ?

[Hidden]

You need to talk to your doctor. Curious though, why would they want you off the anti depressant?

[EmilyApril in reply to Hidden]

I have to get off Effexor ER because after bariactic surgery the medicine can't be absorbed . It will pass through my systom to fast.

[Hidden in reply to EmilyApril]

That’s interesting.....sounds like you need to discuss it with the physician who prescribed it. Good luck to you with everything.

[scientician]

A doctor helped me to taper off. I dropped dosage by half about every 2 weeks. Eventually, at the lower dosages, you won’t get ER formulations anymore, so you’ll have to be careful about taking it in time (at first). Then I spaced out my doses, and I was able to stop without any withdrawals. Good luck!

[mldupont]

Typically it's recommended to slowly taper off over a month at least to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms--brain zaps, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, etc. Sometimes supplementing with another similar medication like Buspar is advised as it helps lessen the withdrawal symptoms and then can be discontinued immediately after finishing Effexor.

I was on 225mg and was told by my doctor and pharmacist to do a week of 150, a week of 75, then the 75 every other day for a week or two.

I personally just took my last dose of Effexor two days ago and havent had too many issues. Symptoms at times but taking the Buspar regulary (AM and PM and PRN when I was having withdrawal symptoms really helped. Would also encourage you to stay well hydrated and eat regularly. And if I choose, I can continue Buspar.

And for some history, I took Effexor for about 6 months and was on Celexa and Wellbutrin prior.

Might be worth mentioning they have pharmacogenetic testing (DNA testing with a mouth swab) at some clinics to see how your body metabolizes medications for your doctor can use to fit you with the right medication and dosages based on your DNA. Insurance typically doesn't cover it and it runs $100-300 but your DNA will never change and some clinics offer patient assistance programs to cover a portion of the cost based on income.

Coming from a mental health professional that himself struggles with depression, I hope this helps in some way.

[EmilyApril in reply to mldupont]

Thank you . this does help me a lot