Effexor withdrawal and Prozac??? - Depression Message Board

trout125 · 07-04-2003, 07:40 AM

I've been tapering off Effexor for several weeks and I'm down to about 29mg. I just saw a new psych. who's a bit more knowledgeable about Effexor withdrawal. He has suggested that to get off the Effexor completely and not have serious side effects, I should take 20 mg of Prozac daily for 2 -3 weeks. The longer half-life of Prozac apparently makes it much easier to discontinue without the side effects of immeadiate seritonin complications, as one gets with Effexor. He also suggested that I could switch to Prozac right now and just stop taking the Effexor at 29mg.
My questions for the board are - Has anyone used Prozac to get off Effexor? Were they taken simultaneously? Has anyone had subsequent trouble getting off Prozac?

mdavison · 08-26-2003, 07:08 PM

I have only been on Effexor for 8 weeks and decided to go back to Prozac. I am currently starting my 75 mg of Effexor for 7 days and then 37.5 mg for 7 days at which time, on the 8th day my physician has advised to start the 20 mg of prozac and I should feel fine. I was not told to wean off the Effexor and take the Prozac at the same time - is that what you are doing?

Leanek · 08-31-2003, 11:45 AM

YES!
I struggled horribly, both while on 225 mg Effexor, and during withdrawals. I began 10 mg Prozac when I had tapered to 37.5 mg of Effexor. I have been off Effexor for about 2 months now, and can unequivocally state that, if not for the Prozac, my withdrawal from Effexor would have continued to be Hell!

The Prozac eliminated the worst of the withdrawal FX, and I'm now also off the Prozac. I have also lost 10 of the 20 pounds I had gained, and am feeling "awake" again. The only problem I'm really having is increased anxiety, which has always been a problem for me anyway. Best of luck to you!
Leane