Posted by Canadian Michele on February 9, 2000, at 11:27:42
I posted in late December regarding Gender Biased Drug trials and the resultant 'standardized' dosing that can be inappropriate for many people particularily females. Drug trials are done on a young, all MALE caucasian group.
Now 37.5mg of Effexor is considered a low dose - for whom? and by whom? well for a healthy, sturdy young man by a drug company that wants to sell product of course.I see a very progressive Psychiatrist who supports a different, some may think radical approach. AD's are started in homeopathic amounts ie., I began with 1/16th of 37.5 and progressed to my present dosage of less than 1/2 a 37.5 tablet over 30 days. I have had very marked side effects when I tried to increase the dosage before the 7 day plateau was completed. Even at this "low" dose I am not happy with the extra sleeping and flat mood.
I cannot imagine taking the massive quantities some of you site as your dosages without major problems. We must be given the option of starting these meds in a very moderate and judicious fashion especially women and drug sensitive males. I must say that I also experienced after 5 days on my 'teenie tiny' dose, a marked relief from my very deep depression. Moving to 1/2 of the 37.5 tab has only resulted in major drowsiness and emotional detachment.I recommend some rethinking on this standardized dosing. My psydoc said she has patients on different AD having very good response on minute doses over a period too long to be placebo.
This method seems to me to be the safest way to go when the side effects are so damn debilitating and dangerous.
Love, Michele
poster:Canadian Michele
thread:20912
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/20912.html