How to wean off Prestiq 50mg QD to minimize withdraw symptoms?

6 Sep 2010

Pristiq tablets are extended release so yes you are right they shouldn't be halved. I'm not certain about what they do when weaning you down ... discuss with your doctor again. I know for some other medicines they dose every alternate day ... so that may be an option.

7 Sep 2010

ommm... I'd get a different doctor. Pristiq as it says on the medication information sheet, not to crush, chip, or half the medication as it would release too much too quickly. Your doctor should know this. You're best bet is to switch to a different SNRI, and taper off of that. Which med, I don't know as I'm not a doctor, but telling you to half it tells me that the doctor doesn't know what they're talking about... I don't mean to sound harsh, but in situations like this, it's important to have an experienced professional handling this sort of thing. Good luck, and I hope that all goes well!
Jeff K

15 Mar 2011

I don't think it's appropriate to cut the pills. I was on prestiq for about 9 months. With my doctor's agreement, I decided it wasn't helping me and to taper off slowly.

I tapered off for appromiatemly six weeks. During the first two weeks I skipped one day. The second two weeks I skipped two days. The third and final two weeks I skipped three days. Last week was my final week. Five days have passed since my last pill.

I've never gone this long without taking Prestiq. The side effects are managable. I feel a little dizzy, foggy and some virtigo. But it's not as bad as I expected it to be. I'm expecting the side effects from stopping the drug to go away soon.