withdrawal from effexor xr

I have been taking effexor xr for a month and I am having lots of hedaches and migraines. I want to stop taking them but am not sure how to withdraw. I did not take my pill today. Any suggestions...

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You should consult your doctor, and definetly not stop abruptly.  I usually recommend three weeks...lowest dose for one week; same dose every other day for second week,; and then every third day for last week to ten days, then stop.

[Paxiled]

Don't stop cold turkey.  I'm sure Dr. Gould will agree.  You should taper as slowly as you need, under the supervision of your psychiatrist.  Since you've only been on it a month, it shouldn't be too difficult, but it's better to err on the caution side of things.  I would recommend at least a six week taper, but Dr. Gould usually advises three weeks.  I'm more cautious, having gone through this.  Good luck to you.