1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Fluoxetine

Bridging from venlafaxine

Posted , 3 users are following.

This discussion has been locked due to a period of inactivity. Start a new discussion
carl67287
carl67287

Has anyone done a bridging change from venlafaxine to fluoxetine? 

Curious as I’ve been advised that it might help with the way I’m feeling.

Anxious depressed no motivation no appetite completely wrecked.

I used to be on 20mg fluoxetine 

Been on venlafaxine 75mg for 4 weeks 

0 likes, 15 replies

Report
New discussion

15 Replies

  • UKSteve
    UKSteve carl67287

    Posted

    Yes and with 100% success.

    It picks up the slack from the Venlafaxine and then tapers you down slowly and gently in its own without you having to do anything.

    Report
    • UKSteve
      UKSteve carl67287

      Posted

      Venlafaxine I was up to 150mg/day

      reduced to 75mg over 2 weeks

      at 75mg for at least 1 week then you can do the bridge.

      Stopped Ven and started Fluox at 10mg (1/2 capsule in fruit juice but you could start at full 20mg cap. )the next day (24 hrs after last Ven dose )

      then the next day 20mg Fluoxetine

      (Had about 2 days of mild brain zaps, nothing too bad)

      then stayed on fluox for 2 weeks at 20mg/day

      Then reduced, every other day..1 week

      Every 3 days..1 week

      then 1 cap a week for

      Then stopped.

      No withdrawals

      Report
  • Stacey29819
    Stacey29819 carl67287

    Posted

    I was on venlafaxine for over 20 years.  I stopped it in July because depression was worse, and am now in week 8 of Prozac.  The anxiety side effect has been really bad for me.  Those sound like normal side effects.  It takes so long to work.
    Report
    • carl67287
      carl67287 Stacey29819

      Posted

      How many mg were you on and Yeah feel so bad ... like it’s not even helping I know it’s only week 4 but I just want it to get better 
      Report
    • Stacey29819
      Stacey29819 carl67287

      Posted

      On Venlafaxine I took 75 up to 600 at one point, then stabilized at 150 for many years.  On Prozac, I’m on 40mg.

      I would give it a good 12 weeks, not sure on dosage you are at.

      Report
    • Stacey29819
      Stacey29819 carl67287

      Posted

      I think I slowly went down and stayed at 150 for a very long time.  75 is on the low side, I needed more.  
      Report
    • carl67287
      carl67287 Stacey29819

      Posted

      Was yours depression or anxiety? When I was on fluoxetine I was on 20mg but probably should have been more 
      Report
    • Stacey29819
      Stacey29819 carl67287

      Posted

      The Effexor (Venlafaxine) was for anxiety, I was diagnosed with panic disorder.  This time the Prozac (Fluoxetine) is for depression.  I wasn’t having bad anxiety this time until I started back on antidepressants.  Now I have bad anxiety also, so I know for sure it is a side effect.  It’s unfortunate it has to cause such bad side effects before starting to work.
      Report
    • Stacey29819
      Stacey29819 carl67287

      Posted

      I did really well on it for probably about 15 years.  I did have some anxiety, but it was more manageable.  The last few years, I’ve been having depression rather than anxiety.
      Report

Join this discussion or start a new one?

New discussion
Back to top

Report as inappropriate

Thanks for your help!

We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.

newnav-down newnav-up