How Do You Taper Off Effexor?
Effexor is a difficult drug to taper off of, so it must be done with caution and physician supervision. It must also be done slowly, since tapering can cause side effects such as dizziness and stomach upset. It is helpful to use a “bridging” drug–another anti-depressant–to help your brain adjust to the decreasing Effexor dose. If the side effects are too severe during the tapering, consult with your physician. Weeks 1 and 2: Take regular dose of Effexor at the regular time and add a low dose of the bridging drug. Weeks 3 and 4: Take regular Effexor dose and increase the dose of their bridging drug to the next dose level. Weeks 5 and 6: Decrease Effexor dose by 37.5 milligrams every day and continue at the same dose of the bridging drug as in weeks three and four. Weeks 7 and 8: Decrease dose of Effexor by another 37.5 mg and keep the dose of the bridging drug at the same level. Weeks 9 and 10: Effexor dose should either be decreased by another 37.5 mg or, if the lowest possible Effex
