Coming off venafaxin after five years

[Penguins-1]

Five years ago I suffered an episode of severe psychotic depression. Under the guidance of my psychiatrist, I managed to get off the anti psychotic (rispiridone) about 18 months ago and now it’s time to come of the venafaxin I’ve been on since the episode. The doc is saying half dose for three months then off completely after that. I’m on 75mg at the moment. Anyone got any experience of what I can expect as side effects?

Thanks

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Penguins-1,

Welcome to our supportive community. You may find the following information helpful, pay attention to the sections I've noted about administration, withdrawing from Venlafaxine and commons side effects and withdrawal effects. The key is to withdraw slowly, gradually reducing the dose after being on it for so long. Have a chat with your local pharmacist who can help and advise both you and your GP regarding weaning off safely. A drug has what's called a 'half-life' which means the amount of time for it to be reduced in your body's plasma concentration by half, and for Venlafaxine it is 4-7 hours. Check out the links I have given you for more information from Mind UK.

Medicines UK - Pharmaceutical info (NB sections 4.2, 4.4, 4.8): medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

Medicines UK - Patient information leaflet (PIL) NB. Section 3:

medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

Mind UK - Explaining a drug's half-life: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Mind UK - Venlafaxine: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Hopefully, this information above will help you to be more informed and able to have a good chat with your GP/psychiatrist and pharmacist.

Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Ok, folks do pop by and welcome this new member on board.

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[_Alex_]

No personal experience, but it's well known that venlafaxine can be difficult for some people to come off.

You may be ok. If not, have a back up plan and be willing to cut up pills to come off very gradually.