For the last several months my doctor has me on 75 mg of EFFEXOR with 150 mg of Welbutrin. Previously I was taking only effexor, but I still had lots of depression symptoms, including crying jags, irratibility, slowness, to name a few. I had been on up to 300 mg of EFFEXOR, but I had shortness of breath, heart palpitations and higher blood pressure. So, my question is, can I just stop the EFFEXOR on my own and only take the Welbutrin?
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone.Try it today!
Q: Okay to stop EFFEXOR and only take Wellbutrin.?
Answers (4)
8/ 3/09 11:15pm
Hi there
I just want to add to what Judy says here to say...DON'T GO COLD TURKEY! Sorry to be so strong about this but please don't stop the effexor cold turkey and on your own. You will definitely need a doctor to help you taper off this drug. The withdrawal symptoms can be considerable.
We have a whole page dedicated to giving you information about tapering off of Effexor and withdrawal symptoms. You may find that page here.
Please do consult with your doctor as to how to best stop taking Effexor. Let us know if you have any other questions.
8/ 3/09 11:16am
What are the withdrawal symptons of the 75mg of effoxor and 75mg of wellbutrin and taking 150mg of trazone at night?
8/ 3/09 12:25pm
I don't think it's ever a good idea to stop taking a medication without your doctor's okay. Withdrawal from Effexor can have a lot of side effects, too. Usually, you need to gradually withdraw from most of these drugs. I would suggest you talk to your doctor right away about why you want to stop taking it and get some guidance as to how to taper yourself off of it, if that's what you should do. When we start messing around with medications on our own, things can happen and we end up not knowing what is causing what effect. Hope you will call your doctor soon!
8/30/09 4:08am
I was taking the same prescriptions as you but wanted to get off Effexor because of the sexual side effects. I gradually reduced the Effexor and than added abilify instead. It was uncomfortable getting off of the Effexor but so far so good on the wellbutrin/abilify combo.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By Dpressed— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 08/02/09
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I have been off the effexor xr for 5-days tapering off over a period of time by my Drs.
I have been going down in does for 2-months, then they took me off. I was on it for 8-years @225 mg per day.
The withdrawls are a bit better but now, but a long ways from being gone.
The nightmares and the panic attacks are bad. I feel like I have a tightness in my chest and than can't slow my breathing down. My husband called the ambulance last night for the worst panic attack I have had yet, of not being able to control my breathing.
nausea is still servere , loss of attipite, and very bad pounding headaches will not stop.
Will it ever end , how much longer will the withdraw go on ?
Need Help in Canada