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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
medication
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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medication
by lyza, Dec 04, 2002 12:00AM
I want to discontinue the medication I am currently taking. I need to know how to stop. I take 40mg of Prozac( 2- 20mg each)and 1(150mg)of Effexor each day. I've been taking the Effexor for 3 years, I have been taking the prozac for about 2 months. Can someone please advise?
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Dec 05, 2002 12:00AM
, Dec 05, 2002 12:00AM
The general rule is to taper both of these medications off over a two week period by gradually reducing the dose. In the last week you should both reduce the dose and the frequency so you are taking the medication every other day. You can extend this into the third week by taking the smallest possible dose every third day and then stopping.
IN any case, you should be doing this under the supervision of your doctor.
IN any case, you should be doing this under the supervision of your doctor.
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I hope the doctor can give u good advice.
The idea is to go off these drugs as SLOWLY as u can. Maybe your could cut down each med by 5 miligrams, or as small amount as you are able to... over a period of a few months.
When i have come off my meds, i have usually cut the pills in halfs or quarters... etc... over long periods, ie months. I hear this is the only successful and safe way to come off.
Take it slowly, and don't rush. Just reduce your dosage as slowly as possible.
Good luck,