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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sammybabe on October 11, 2004, at 10:22:48
I've been on Effexor for over 10 years and my Dr. and I are debating whether it still works. Does anyone know if the efficacy wears off after a decade? I'm currently on Wellbutrin and Geodon and we've had major trouble getting me OFF of Effexor, so I've stayed on a very low dose to avoid withdrawal, but doubt if it still works after this many years. Thoughts?
Posted by linkadge on October 11, 2004, at 10:31:28
In reply to Long-term efficacy - effexor?, posted by Sammybabe on October 11, 2004, at 10:22:48
What is your *low* dose ??
Linkadge
Posted by Sammybabe on October 11, 2004, at 15:25:34
In reply to Re: Long-term efficacy - effexor?, posted by linkadge on October 11, 2004, at 10:31:28
dose is just 37.5.
Posted by linkadge on October 11, 2004, at 17:38:26
In reply to Re: Long-term efficacy - effexor?, posted by Sammybabe on October 11, 2004, at 15:25:34
Yeah that is low. It is more common to see people on 375mg than 37.5 !!! I would increase it to see if that helps.
You could also add some fish oil, folic acid, and or b12, to boost the responce.
Linkadge
Posted by utopizen on October 11, 2004, at 19:48:42
In reply to Re: Long-term efficacy - effexor?, posted by linkadge on October 11, 2004, at 17:38:26
> Yeah that is low. It is more common to see people on 375mg than 37.5 !!! I would increase it to see if that helps.
>Link is right. I was on 375 I think. Not uncommon for some to try 450mg. IMHO, depression is a serious mental illness- get ready for some serious side effects, clench the bullet, and hope it just works.
There is ABSOLUTELY NO evidence supporting the notion that low dose Effexor lessens withdrawl. Regardless, why would you want to withdraw if it works? If I found an AD that worked, I'd never even dare think of going off it. This stuff doesn't heal your brain or anything! And there are no cures. And this remission junk companies are spouting is a marketing angle. Don't let them have you suffer over it.
I was on 375mg for 6 months. I felt a little "warm" or something for 3 days, not sure how to describe it. It was kinda cool, actually. It was winter, like 20 degrees out, and I felt quite comfortable.
If you're sacrificing relief over your depression on account of withdrawl fears, you need to confront this issue. It's not helping you. It's hurting you. Don't let your fear of what might happen keep you living in fear of what is already happening. You deserve relief, and you can't expect that at 37.5mg. I was on that for 2 days to escalate the dose. By the second week, I was on 375.
Really, lately this board has people worrying about things that they're not even experiencing yet, but assume they will get. This concerns me. In psychotherapy, this is called "catastrophizing," or worst-case scenario planning.
If you plan for the worst-case scenario, guess what will happen? You will create the worst-case scenario, and suffer within it. IT'S NOT WORTH IT.
Posted by ants on October 13, 2004, at 10:35:15
In reply to Long-term efficacy - effexor?, posted by Sammybabe on October 11, 2004, at 10:22:48
I was on 37.5mg for 2 weeks. I was hesitant to increase because I was already feeling better, but my doctor convinced me to try 75mg. I have been on that now for 2 weeks and I feel a little better than before, but i don't plan to increase anymore. I didn't have any negative side effects with the increase. I would try upping your dose at least to 75mg. Some people do take up too around 400 or so, but i think a low dose can be effective. it all depends on your condition and how your body handles the meds. Guve it a try before you switch. It'll be better than withdrawal!
This is the end of the thread.
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