Posted by Cam W. on August 10, 2000, at 1:26:15
In reply to Effexor dose--lowering it? Cam-anyone?, posted by shar on August 9, 2000, at 13:13:52
Shar - Lowering the dose does help in a few cases. This is usually most effective when side effect are a problem (eg lethary, a blah feeling - any side effects that mimic the depressive symptoms). I have seen lowering the dose help in certain instances involving SSRIs, TCAs and MAOIs. I haven't seen it with Effexor, but it does make sense from a pharmacological point of view.
Don't give up too soon on the dose that you are currently taking. Up days (weeks) and down days (weeks) are normal while taking antidepressants. You may have to feel crappy for a week or two before rendering a verdict of poop-out.
If poop-out is happening, I would probably blame the Effexor. But remember, as you lower the Effexor dose below 225mg you may be changing the Effexor from a dual action antidepressant (serotonin- and norepinephrine-reuptake blocker) to a single action antidepressant (an serotonin-reuptake blocker like the SSRIs). If indeed these are the mechanisms of action of antidepressants (sometimes I wonder). Lowering the dose could help or maybe it won't.
This is a complicated decision really, because of all the variables involved. Talk it over with you doctor and close friends and family, so they can watch for signs of relapse, if you do decide to lower the dose.
Sorry for the wishy-washy answer, but I hope you can muddle through it with those involved in your life. "Don't try this at home (on your own)" if possible. It is always better if someone else knows you are changing doses so that changes in mood can be quickly assessed.
Hope this does help some - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/42480.html