Posted by jms600 on February 3, 2009, at 15:45:06
In reply to Re: High dosages of Efexor for anxiety?? » jms600, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on February 2, 2009, at 22:31:01
> > > Are dosages of Efexor above 150mg suitable for the treatment of anxiety disorders? Or, at such doses (and above), is it likely to exacerbate anxiety?
> > >
> > > At higher doses Efexor blocks the re-uptake of dopamine - is this something to avoid when anxiety problems are an issue??
> >
> >
> > Good questions. I have no definitive answers. For me, reaching dosages of 300mg and higher did not precipitate anxiety. Anxiety - especially social anxiety - is a component of my illness. I would not stop at 150mg if I were you. So far, I have not encountered a recommendation of dosing differently for depression and anxiety disorders. Perhaps someone else has.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> Yes, I agree with Scott. Especially if you are taking generic Efexor XR, and especially during tough times, a good high dose can help. The mechanism in which dopamine is affected is largely unknown, and for me, helped with anxiety, but only in combination with benzo's. ****But*****..let me add a few things as a footnote here. First, if you are having any 'bad' feelings, even VERY 'mild', either suicidal or just feeling really strung out, I might suggest taking high dose meds..especially an antidepressant..*in a hospital setting*. Better, would be if you have good access to a good benzodiazepine. These are critical for anxiety. Thirdly, and you should be cautious and reserved with this option, is asking your doc if you can add a small dose of an antipsychotic.(I know..people here that word and go..WAAIITT!) This is the option that brought me from 'cycling' through to better, calmer days and nights.(even after going through most 'mood stabilizing' meds.)
>
> I hope our info helps a bit, and maybe you can get some info elsewhere too. Just be careful, because like my suggestions, it's all IMHO, FWIW, YMMV, etc. Hang on...hang on really tight....
> Best,
> Jay
>
>Hi Jay, thanks for the info.
As mentioned to SLS, I'm tapering amitriptyline and starting 75mg generic venlafaxine XR next week. I'm also taking 40mg buspirone and 600mg lithium, whether that will help I really don't know. Guess I will have to keep the Valium near me.
Just out of interest which antipsychotic do you take? I've tried a few but they were generally ineffective (apart from high doses of Zyprexa).
poster:jms600
thread:877681
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090203/msgs/877825.html