Posted by SLS on March 28, 2005, at 9:41:26
In reply to Effexor XL, how long is a fair trial?, posted by The_Resistance on March 28, 2005, at 5:20:31
> High everyone
>
> I recently increased my dose of Effexor XL to 225mgs.
> This intially gave me improved energy and mood, unfortunatly this effect has now faded.
>
> I've increased my dose to to 300mgs, but I just feel tired
>
> I'm so frustrated I'm tempted to just start weaning myself off strait away
>
> How long is a fair trial for high dose Effexor?
> Should I stay on 225-300mg for three weeks or four?
> Should I just stop?You've already invested so much time with this drug, I would be inclined to fully explore its potential to help you. Hopefully, the sedation at 300mg will pass. 4 weeks seems reasonable to identify whether or not there is a trend towards improvement.
If you decide to discontinue Effexor, do not do so abruptly ("cold-turkey"). The withdrawal syndrome can be very intense if you stop the drug all at once. You are much better off tapering the drug slowly and perhaps begin an SSRI as you are discontinuing the Effexor. If you want to discontinue Effexor without replacing it with an SSRI, take a look at the Psycho-Babble Withdrawal board to find suggestions for how to go through the discontinuation process with minimal withdrawal effects.
Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:476628
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050326/msgs/476686.html