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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mary Dem on April 6, 2001, at 11:58:55
I am terribly drowsy on 75MG of Effexor XR after seven weeks.I do take it at night. My doctor says I can take a 75MG tablet and a 37.5MG tablet and go up or I can take a 37.5mg tabelt and come down. He won't know which is best until I try it. Any suggestions? I am desperate because I cannot work because of the drowsiness.
Mary
Posted by SalArmy4me on April 6, 2001, at 14:58:42
In reply to sleepiness with EfexxorXR, posted by Mary Dem on April 6, 2001, at 11:58:55
If you're that drowsy on only 75 mg, I would suggest that you switch to something else. At 75 mg, I don't know if you are able to generate enough serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine to combat depression.
{Useless background: I was able to take doses of Effexor XR that would kill an elephant (600 mg) and had no side-effects other than the sexual stuff}.
> I am terribly drowsy on 75MG of Effexor XR after seven weeks.I do take it at night. My doctor says I can take a 75MG tablet and a 37.5MG tablet and go up or I can take a 37.5mg tabelt and come down. He won't know which is best until I try it. Any suggestions? I am desperate because I cannot work because of the drowsiness.
>
> Mary
Posted by Jennifer1 on April 6, 2001, at 17:15:38
In reply to Re: sleepiness with EfexxorXR, posted by SalArmy4me on April 6, 2001, at 14:58:42
Mary -
I was taking 37.5 mg in the morning around 10:00 and wasn't feeling drowsy at all but was having problems sleeping at night. I switched to taking it at night around 8:00 and take a sleeping pill around 10:00. I sleep through the night now but I start getting really drowsy around 5:00 the next day. I was thinking about switching back to taking it in the morning again and see what happens. I'll let you know how that works.
Jennifer
Posted by willow on April 6, 2001, at 20:27:01
In reply to Re: sleepiness with EfexxorXR, posted by Jennifer1 on April 6, 2001, at 17:15:38
When I was at 75 to 112mg I was sleeping alot. With me it is hard to say if it was the medication because this is a regular symptom for me, though at 150mg I have more energy. If your doctor isn't sure perhaps you could ask for a referral to another doctor who is more familar with this group of medications? Or maybe your pharmascist may be able to help?
Willow
Posted by Cindylou on April 7, 2001, at 20:01:26
In reply to sleepiness with EfexxorXR, posted by Mary Dem on April 6, 2001, at 11:58:55
Hi Mary,
I have to agree with Sal that it would be best to try another antidepressant -- I have been on Effexor for 8 monhts, at all different dosages (37.5, then 75, then 150, then 112.5, etc.) I felt very exhuasted on all of them.
I ended up on 112.5 for most of the time. My doctor added Wellbutrin to help with the fatigue -- it helped a little, but not enough for me -- I am now tapering off the Effexor (down to 25 mg.)
Maybe the Wellbutrin + Effexor combo would be worth a try for you, before going off the Effexor. BUT ...
I hate to bring this up, but for me, going off Effexor has been very difficult (withdrawal symptoms). Have you tried other SSRIs? Because it might be best to get off the Effexor now, before more of it builds up in your system. Then you can try Zoloft or Prozac -- I have been on both in the past, and had NO trouble coming off of those.
Best of luck you!
Cindy> I am terribly drowsy on 75MG of Effexor XR after seven weeks.I do take it at night. My doctor says I can take a 75MG tablet and a 37.5MG tablet and go up or I can take a 37.5mg tabelt and come down. He won't know which is best until I try it. Any suggestions? I am desperate because I cannot work because of the drowsiness.
>
> Mary
This is the end of the thread.
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