Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 64531

Shown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

long term efexxor use

Posted by roland on May 28, 2001, at 18:03:23

What is the longest any one has used efexxor? It seems after two years that the 75mg have stopped working for me. I have tried to get off of antidepressants(effexor) I have had lots of side effects getting off. I'm still not completely off of the drug. Comments and suggestion are greatly appreciated. I'm not sure, with all the side effects that I want to continue such a strong medication. What is the possible long term effect on brain physiology and chemistry

Roland

 

Re: long term efexxor use

Posted by SLS on May 28, 2001, at 18:24:58

In reply to long term efexxor use, posted by roland on May 28, 2001, at 18:03:23

> What is the longest any one has used efexxor? It seems after two years that the 75mg have stopped working for me. I have tried to get off of antidepressants(effexor) I have had lots of side effects getting off. I'm still not completely off of the drug. Comments and suggestion are greatly appreciated. I'm not sure, with all the side effects that I want to continue such a strong medication. What is the possible long term effect on brain physiology and chemistry
>
> Roland


Hi Roland.

As I mentioned in the above post, it is becoming apparent that some people are being under-dosed with Effexor. 75mg is a very small dosage. The first thing that is suggested by most doctors for someone in your situation is to try raising the dosage. It is not uncommon for someone to need a dosage adjustment of any drug from time to time, even after having been stabilized at one dosage for years. The body changes. You may experience some side effects upon each dosage increase, but they usually abate in a week or two.

I am surprised that your doctor elected to allow you to discontinue Effexor at such a low dosage. What were his or her reasons?

Good luck.


- Scott

 

Re: long term efexxor use » roland

Posted by paulk on May 29, 2001, at 14:06:49

In reply to long term efexxor use, posted by roland on May 28, 2001, at 18:03:23

I was on it since it came out and just stopped last week. 75mg is a “normal” dosage – the norepinephrine effect doesn’t seem to kick in until 150mg, but I got good AD effect at 37.5mg. Our neuro-chemistry is probably more varied than the shape of our faces so the drugs interact quite differently with different people.

To stop Effexor you should half the dose every week until you are taking 9mg of Effexor XR – this requires opening the capsules and counting the little pellets. You may still have some withdrawal symptoms 4-6 weeks after you stop (I did).

I could not tolerate (or make a living anyway) more than 75mg. Others have taken 300mg. Have you had your TSH tested? (See some of my other posts)

Don’t let this board scare you – when everything is going good folks don’t post here – you are only seeing part of the picture.

 

Re: long term efexxor use

Posted by Noa on May 29, 2001, at 17:55:34

In reply to Re: long term efexxor use » roland , posted by paulk on May 29, 2001, at 14:06:49

I have been on Effexor for over 5 years. Highest dose was 375, currently on 262.5, which is sufficient (in combo with serzone) but low enough to limit the side effects. I have no plans to lower it or discontinue it any time soon. It works for me.


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