Discontinuing Effexor (Venlafaxine) 37.5 mg After 5 Days
After only 5 days of venlafaxine 37.5 mg, you can safely stop the medication abruptly without tapering, as this brief exposure carries minimal risk of discontinuation syndrome. 1
Rationale for Abrupt Discontinuation
The FDA labeling for venlafaxine recommends gradual dose reduction rather than abrupt cessation "whenever possible" to minimize discontinuation symptoms, but this guidance primarily applies to patients on longer-term treatment. 1
After only 5 days of exposure at the lowest therapeutic dose (37.5 mg), your body has had minimal time to adapt to the medication, making discontinuation syndrome highly unlikely. 1
If you experience any mild symptoms after stopping (such as dizziness, headache, or irritability), they should be transient and resolve within 24-48 hours without intervention. 1
Addressing Your Weight Gain Concern
The 8-pound weight gain you experienced in 5 days is almost certainly NOT from venlafaxine itself, as antidepressant-related weight gain typically occurs gradually over weeks to months of treatment. 2, 3, 4
This rapid weight change is more likely due to fluid retention, dietary changes, or natural weight fluctuation rather than a direct medication effect. 5
Venlafaxine is generally considered weight-neutral in the short term, with weight gain (when it occurs) typically manifesting during chronic treatment over months. 2, 5
Practical Steps
Simply stop taking the medication—no taper is necessary after 5 days. 1
Monitor for any mild discontinuation symptoms over the next 2-3 days, though they are unlikely at this short duration of use. 1
If you develop intolerable symptoms after stopping (which would be unusual), you can resume the 37.5 mg dose and then taper more gradually by taking it every other day for 4-6 days before stopping completely. 1
Important Caveats
Do not restart venlafaxine or start any other antidepressant within 7 days if you need to begin an MAOI medication. 1
Contact your prescribing physician to discuss alternative antidepressant options if you still need treatment for depression, as abruptly stopping without a treatment plan may worsen your underlying condition. 1
If you were prescribed venlafaxine for depression with weight loss as a symptom, stopping the medication may prevent restoration of healthy appetite and weight. 3, 6