Q: How do you switch from effexor to pristiq? I tried going straight from 150 effexor to 50 pristiq. Should I taper effexor while starting Pristiq? Will pristiq also handle my anxiety?
Hi -
As Judy says, we're not medical professionals, but there's pretty good information online about both drugs. Stopping a powerful drug like effexor should always be done with a gradual tapering off in dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Those symptoms are more likely to happen when stopping effexor because it leaves the system very quickly. Missing even a single dose can cause problems. Dropping it overnight could cause you a lot of issues, such as dizziness, a sensation of electric shocks in your head, headaches etc - the specifics vary from one person to another.
You may not have felt much of this because pristiq is the active chemical that effexor turns into when it's in your blood stream. Nevertheless, this switch is a drastic reduction all at once in your system.
You really need to work with your doctor on this. I'm not sure why you would be switched from effexor to pristiq since they are so similar unless there are special problems you've having that the change might help. Anyway, I have no way of knowing and no ability to offer medical advice. So please consult with your doctor or psychiatrist right away.
John
Hi, there. We're not medical professionals on this site so can't really answer your question. I'm wondering why your doctor didn't give you instructions on how to change over to the Pristiq. You need to talk with him/her to be sure you're doing it in a way that won't cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Thanks for writing here and good luck with the new meds.
From what my doctor said, you must wean off of Effexor. If not, you will have a crash. Even if you are taking something new, you must slowly come down from Effexor. I cannot believe he didn't tell you that, should be seeing you weekly to get an idea of how you are doing. Please call him back and get him on board, as you never know how a crash might affect you. Good Luck with this.
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Hello. I switched to Pristiq from 150 mg Effexor XR -bad idea. I wanted to get "off anti-depresants due to the fact I am retired and my stress during my RN years was gone. So Pristiq was given to me by my Dr. (the new push drug via pharm reps). I was told Pritiq is a relative of Effexor, so just start the Pritiq with-out tappering the Effexor. For 2 weeks I was so sick-electc shocks in my brain, dizziness and what ever other horrible reactions of withdrawl there is! Back to Effexor ER and NOW I went to get my RX filled and was given bright orange generic Effexor XR. Suffered with dizziness 3-4 hours before my next dose was do. Not the drug for me. I am back on the EFFEXOE ER-but because the is a generic my co-pay for a 90 day supply is 135.00! Oh well, better than being a crying, dizzy, brain snapping maniac!
Good Luck with your med changes. Peace and Health in the New Year!