I'm currently taking 300mg of Effexor XR. He wants me to go on Cymbalta 30mg × 10 days then increase to the 60mg.
My question is how do you wean off the Effexor when it's a capsule.
How to wean off Effexor XR ?
Question posted by Cfaz_74 on 17 April 2016
Last updated on 29 June 2016
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5 Answers
chuck1957
16 May 2016
Cfaz-74; Chuck again You have a lot of good answers here. I am sorry but I can't remember the guys name that posted about like I said don't break the Effexor XR You have to be tapered down slowly and everyone is different on how they react to these medications some can switch from one drug in the same class and be able to put up with some minor side effects, Myself I can't IT effects me even when I take it late. You have to ask yourself some serious questions like if this doctor is not going to work with you, Maybe you need to find another doctor. I am just worried about many of us don't notice how well our medication is really helping us and change to something else then notice things were not so bad on the Effexor And it really was helping you more than you thought so you get the doctor to switch you back and it never seems to work the same as it did before you changed it.
This is just pointing out different problems with changing medications and this happens all the time with people. So think hard before you change and talk about this with the doctor. Like one thing very Important with these medication are that you take the Timed release very close to the same time each day no skipping doses or if you forget take it as soon as possible. This all affects your blood level and how well it works for you but only you can answer these questions. Is it worth the chance. Best wishes I know it's hard I am just lucky I have taken the Effexor for years and it has not let me down.
howielinux
21 April 2016
Your Dr should of taken care of this problem. Effexor is a tricky one but at least your switching to another SNRI. If your Dr will Rx you the instant release they make 100, 75, 50, 37.5, and 25mg tabs that can be split safely and ideally I would go 250x5, 200x5, 150x5, then 75x5 but add the 30 of Cymbalta then after 5 days I would go to the 60mg dose. Both of the others that answered are smarter than me but I think if you only have the XR you can open it and split it as I dont see how you could possibly take too much when what you're starting with is what you're already on and people take out beads and give them in pudding or yogurt all the time but don't chew them or crush them. I don't see any other way if your Dr wont write you a tapering regimen that you can do it. Please take the advice from your Dr 1st but you did come for an answer so I gave mine. Best wishes and good luck.
Stephaniekelly
29 June 2016
PLEASE READ!!! I was dreading getting off Effexor with all the HORRIBLE side effects... scared me to death. My basic issue was feeling nauseous when I tried cutting dosage... so I decided to take meclaxine which is prescribed for vertigo and dizziness. It was the answe to EVERYTHING!!! I old take the meclaxine every other day for ONLY ONE WEEK!!! The following week I just took the meclaxine and no efflexor. I am Effexor free!!! it has been 2 weeks and I am feeling great! I am exercising and staying active!!! I am not saying this will wrk for everyone... but it worked for me. I layed in bed crying for a whole weekend reading reviews and people with horrific stories. Never thought I would be able to get off the stuff. But I am proof it worked!!!
chuck1957
18 April 2016
Cfaz; Also no matter what you hear or even if the doctor says something like this you never ever open these capsules and take small amounts out this is a special timed release capsule and each color of bead dissolves at a different time you can't do this you could end up taking way to much etc. So as said earlier you must use the different strengths that are made by the company chuck1957
chuck1957
18 April 2016
Cfaz; Yes please follow WildcatVet post It is very important you just can't switch from one to the other without going down some on the Effexor as said and when it gets to the lower amount the doctor may have you start the Cymbalta. Do not let your doctor tell you that it is okay just to switch many doctors still don't believe how hard it is to come off Effexor XR and everyone is different on how fast they can do it.Give your doctor a call and get a tapering dose of the Effexor prior to switching to the Cymbalta. Good luck and hope you have better luck with the Cymbalta.
Neededsomthing
16 May 2016
Chucks is right even skipping a dose can make me sick , I take 3 150 mg pre dsy and by hour 16 I am a really ill.
If negotiating with your doctor is hard for you talk to your pharmacist,the pharmacy may call your doctor and ask for a change for you.
WildcatVet
17 April 2016
Hi Cfaz! The capsules are available in 37.5, 75, and 150mg strengths. Your doctor could script a handful in each strength that you take as you taper down. Otherwise s/he may have you go once a day x3, every other day x3 until you're down to none at all.
Cfaz_74
17 April 2016
Thanks ... but he did not give me the rx for the doses...
WildcatVet
18 April 2016
Phone up his office and get specific instructions.
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cymbalta, effexor, effexor xr, capsule
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