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hannahspannah Switch from Venlafaxine X-R (Effexor) to 'normal' Venlafaxine


hannahspannah

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Mine is a very complicated long story which I don't have time now to go into detail about but I had decided to hold and stabilise for a while after a horrible experience with Seroxat last summer - small reduction, massive crash. I'm currently on 12mg. I'm also on Venlafaxine (another long story, how I ended up on 2) and recently (against my better judgement) was persuaded by my psych to try a drop of 37.5mg from 112.5mg as the Venlafaxine XR doses don't come in anything smaller. I ended up v low, not sleeping, anxiety etc - all the usuals, so went back up 8 weeks ago. I stabilised fairly quickly, within 2 weeks the anxiety was better and I'd say within 5 I felt better. However, the dose is too high for me, so I can't just stay there and stabilise for a while as I can't sleep, have constantly whirring thoughts in my mind, can't concentrate, am very restless etc, which is why I dropped it in the first place :(. I've just read here that the XR version isn't suitable for splitting/ crushing, (which is my psychs suggestions - she said she's checked with the pharmacist in the mental health service who says it is suitable though??) So, I'm wondering if the next best thing to do is switch to the ' normal' version as this is available in liquid form in the uk apparently. Are there any major issues in switching from one to the other? Has anyone had any experience with this? I'd be grateful to hear thanks

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  • Administrator

Welcome, hannahspannah.

 

I've moved your topic to the Introductions forum to serve as your Introductions topic. There is no quick answer to your question.

 

You are currently taking 12mg Seroxat and 112.5mg venlafaxine XR, correct?

 

This is important: Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
and copy and paste the results in this topic.

 

Regarding venlafaxine XR, are you taking one 37.5mg capsule and one 75mg capsule per day? Do your venlafaxine XR capsules contain tiny beads or small tablets?

 

If the first, you can open the capsule and count out the beads to very gradually reduce dosage (preferred). If the latter, depending on how many tablets there are inside, you can reduce dosage with a little juggling.

 

See Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, hannahspannah.

 

Welcome to the forum from me, too. 

 

I can relate to not being able to sleep. That is very common around here. I'm going to link some non-drug coping skills that may help not only with insomnia, but also with the anxious thoughts. 

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Sleep problems - that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

These threads go into detail about what to expect during withdrawal and recovery:

 

What is withdrawal syndrome? 

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Alto already linked the thread about coming off Venlafaxine. In addition to reading that, please take a look at this thread which explains the reasoning behind the 10% (or less) recommended taper rate: 

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

While some people become very sensitive to supplements, many people find fish oil and magnesium to be helpful. Please research all supplements carefully and only add one in at a time and at a very low dose. These links will give you more information:

 

King of Supplements: Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

 

Magnesium, Nature's Calcium Channel Blocker

 

Please be so kind as to add a signature. Here's how:

 

Please put your withdrawal history in signature

 

This thread is where you can post updates, record symptoms, and ask plenty of questions. I'm glad you're here for information and support. 

 

 

 

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Hi I am in exactly the same situation as yourself with dropping the venlafaxine XR ( 150mg ) . I tried the 37.5 which was to much

and had all the same symptoms as yourself. I then went back to my usual dose which stabilized me pretty quick.

 

I am a bit cautious about moving over to immediate release venlafaxine from the XR version due to side effects but I guess

the only way to know if you can switch is to try it. If it dosent suit you then move back to the XR version and try getting 

the capsules and emptying small amounts out. 

 

I have got some micro scales from Amazon which I would use to weigh out the contents of the capsule.

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