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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by puffer on February 11, 2002, at 22:15:26
my pdoc had me on effexor xr 225mg/day and i wasn't feeling to well so he lowered my dose to 150 mg/day and added 10mg/day of celexa. i'd appreciate any comments on this combination
Posted by TSA West on February 12, 2002, at 0:52:31
In reply to anyone have success with effexor xr and celexa mix, posted by puffer on February 11, 2002, at 22:15:26
Dear sir,
Its kind of a shame that you didn't do well at the higher dose of Effexor, since the medication has a clear dose-response relationship. Higher doses may mean better response to it, because the medicine affects norepinephrine and even dopamine at 300-375 mg. Was it that you felt more drowsy on the higher dose? Or did you feel somehow more depressed at the higher dose?....
Celexa is a novel addition to your Effexor, because serotonin is boosted twice, and norepinephrine is boosted once--maximizing your chances at relief from emotional illnesses.
Also, according to Dr. Preskorn (www.preskorn.com) of UCSD Celexa is usually effective for the most number of people at 40 mg.
The best of health to you and your family and thanks for posting,
TSA West-------------------------- 1865-2002
Posted by petters on February 12, 2002, at 1:36:07
In reply to anyone have success with effexor xr and celexa mix, posted by puffer on February 11, 2002, at 22:15:26
> my pdoc had me on effexor xr 225mg/day and i wasn't feeling to well so he lowered my dose to 150 mg/day and added 10mg/day of celexa. i'd appreciate any comments on this combination
Hi...
The combo, Effexor + Celexa is a good choise to try. It´s often a very tolerable mix. I have seen several refractary cases that respond very well on the combo.
Best Wishes...//Petters
Posted by lam on January 15, 2003, at 16:31:54
In reply to Re: anyone have success with effexor xr and celexa mix, posted by petters on February 12, 2002, at 1:36:07
Has anyone done well on effexor xr and celexa mix? If so what levels or dosage? And how long before you had relief? I am currently on 225 effexor xr which is not working for me. I don't have many other choices as wellbutrin, prozac and several others are not possibilites.
Any info is appreciated.
Posted by lostsailor on January 17, 2003, at 9:55:31
In reply to Re: anyone have success with effexor xr and celexa mix, posted by lam on January 15, 2003, at 16:31:54
peter,
I think you are threading on thin ice. That is a fairly high dose of effexor, but I think it can be pushed up to 300 mgs. I think. adding another ssri could lead to what's called seritonin syndrom, which is not good. Have you ever tried augmentitng w/ lithium to better your responce.
~Tony
Posted by lam on January 17, 2003, at 13:33:02
In reply to Re: anyone have success with effexor xr and celexa mix, posted by lostsailor on January 17, 2003, at 9:55:31
> peter,
>
> I think you are threading on thin ice. That is a fairly high dose of effexor, but I think it can be pushed up to 300 mgs. I think. adding another ssri could lead to what's called seritonin syndrom, which is not good. Have you ever tried augmentitng w/ lithium to better your responce.
>
I hate to sound stupid but what exactly is seritonin syndrom? I did look it up, but still did not really get it.
I went to my PD yesterday and she wants me to add 10 mg of Lexapro at night to my 225 of effexor, which I take in the morning. I asked about just increasing the effexor but was told that she would have to refer me to another doctor.
Lam
Posted by lostsailor on January 18, 2003, at 9:05:00
In reply to Re: anyone have success with effexor xr and celexa mix » lostsailor, posted by lam on January 17, 2003, at 13:33:02
As best I can...
Effexor has a quality starting usually at the 150-225 dose of working not only as a serotoin reuptake inhibitor but also works on dopamine and norepinrpherin (like the tricyclics) This is what givea Effexor the edge over the other ssris while avoiding the unpleasant side effect of the tricyclics) Also, of note, I hope your doc has told you to keep an eye on your blood pressure or takes it when you see her. If not, I'd ask. I have slightly elevated BP, not from Effexor and it's controlled with an anti-hypertensive med so my shrinky dinky says it ok to use but still has me check it weekly and he does at the start and end of each visit.
Serotonin syndrome is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition caused by excessive stimulation of the serotoninergic system. This may lead to muscle "jerking"' confusion, agitation, profuse sweating, lethargy. Eventually the kidneys could be damaged and blood cell counts thrown way off. Remember, though, I am not a doctor so the advice has been learned thru school, readings and chats with doc. I would just bring it up and see the response of your doc or even call your pharmacy, perhaps. I do know, though, that the syndrom is something my doc dreads.
I hope I was a bit of help.
~Tony
This is the end of the thread.
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