Posted by DebbieLynn on September 2, 2001, at 9:13:27
In reply to Re: Question about Effexor(decreasing dose) » DebbieLynn, posted by Janelle on September 1, 2001, at 23:50:58
> I can't answer your question about the time frame for reducing Effexor; in fact, I had no idea until I read your thread here that Effexor takes only 4 days to reach peak levels! Wow!
>
> Well, I'm in the process (the SLOW process) of tapering OFF Effexor - the maximum dose I could tolerate was "only" 75 mg/day (when I went higher it made me too agitated and edgy).
>
> I was on 75 mg for about a month I'd say, then reduced to 37.5 mg/day with no problem. I'm holding on that awhile (I'm kinda scared to stop the stuff, although that is my and my pdoc's ultimate goal).
>
> I'm also on Lamictal as a mood stabilizer; my pdoc is trying to see if that will be all I need, meaning I don't also need an a-d.
>
> I have heard from many sources that it is crucial to taper off Effexor SLOWLY, and since you've been at a high dose (although I don't know how long you've been on it), I would suggest that you drop down reeeeeal slow; ask your pdoc for a reduction schedule (how many weeks at each reduced dose till you hit 37.5)
>
> Glad to hear you've had such great success with the Wellbutrin for sexual side effects!
Janelle,
I am going to call my pdoc on Tuesday to find out how long I should wait to reduce doses. I think I might be brave and try to reduce another 37.5mg. I wish it had a longer half life (like Prozac!) I am sure I am not the only one!!! This stuff is potent, if I had known that BEFORE I started taking it, I probably would have tried something else. Effexor has worked great for me...and my pdoc said I probably will not go completely off of it, but I REALLY want to reduce the dose as much as possible. I really like the AD effect the Wellbutrin gives also.By the way, I read from another thread that Effexor takes only 4 days to reach the peak levels. I know that my pdoc said I could raise my dose (when I started FXR) every 4-5 days. So it must be true. I do trust my doctor, (after I got a second opinion just to make sure...that is just me, I have to be sure) I want to know all about the meds I put in my system, and I wanted to make sure of his diagnosis.
Thank you for replying...
Debbie
poster:DebbieLynn
thread:77363
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010902/msgs/77400.html