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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by THE_CROW on November 14, 2001, at 12:49:42
I read earlier one person said he was on 600mg of Effexor XR?
When I read that I thought of the PDR's recomendations of the highest being 375mg, but I was wondering if there are special circumstances where a patient IS prescribed a higher dosage?
If so, could you comment? Your dosage amount and how it made a difference or was there any change at all with the higher dose?
appreciate it-- THE CROW
Posted by sjb on November 14, 2001, at 13:54:01
In reply to What is the highest dose taken of effexor 375mg., posted by THE_CROW on November 14, 2001, at 12:49:42
I was up to 450mg per day. It didn't seem to help much - the best time I had was in the very beginning at 75mg per day w/tomopax. Unfortunately, it wore off and that's why we continued to try and chase by upping the dose. Finally, came off, but the withdraw was awful. Like a big vice grip on my head and the feeling the floor was 10 feet away.
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 14, 2001, at 14:35:43
In reply to What is the highest dose taken of effexor 375mg., posted by THE_CROW on November 14, 2001, at 12:49:58
I was bumped up from 150mg of Effexor (not XR) to 3 capsules a day which now brings it up to 225mg daily. My Psychiatrist tells me that she has never and would never put anyone on Effexor above 300mg.
Don't know if this helps..but this is what my shrink had to say.
P.L.
> I read earlier one person said he was on 600mg of Effexor XR?
>
> When I read that I thought of the PDR's recomendations of the highest being 375mg, but I was wondering if there are special circumstances where a patient IS prescribed a higher dosage?
>
> If so, could you comment? Your dosage amount and how it made a difference or was there any change at all with the higher dose?
>
> appreciate it-- THE CROW
Posted by Mark H. on November 15, 2001, at 21:14:55
In reply to Re: What is the highest dose taken of effexor 375mg. » THE_CROW, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 14, 2001, at 14:35:43
I too was up to 450 a day at the end of the first year I took Effexor, at which time I was having withdrawal symptoms within 4-6 HOURS after my last dose (ringing in my ears, head swimming, perceptual disturbances). Increasing my dosage simply didn't work. It took weeks for me to get off of it, and after quitting completely, I had flu symptoms for another 6 weeks. My experience, unfortunately, is apparently not that uncommon.
What finally worked sometime later was a combination of medications that potentiate the Effexor I take, making its effect in my body stronger with fewer of the unpleasant side effects and no need for an ever-increasing dosage. I have been on regular (not XR) Effexor, 150mg once a day (after breakfast) for over 3 years, and it is still highly effective.
However, each person's body is a little different; it's important to work with your doctor to find out what is right for you.
The other meds I take are Cytomel, Pindolol and either methylphenidate or (for the past 3 months) ProVigil.
The last time I looked, the manufacturer's highest recommended in-patient dosage for Effexor was still 375mg a day. However, this does not mean that it is inappropriate for an out-patient to go higher under medical supervision; it simply means that the manufacturer has not done controlled tests on subjects above 375mg a day.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by Neal on November 17, 2001, at 15:05:56
In reply to Re: What is the highest dose taken of effexor 375mg., posted by Mark H. on November 15, 2001, at 21:14:55
Mark,
Why do you take regular Effexor rather than the XR?Thanks
Neal
Posted by Mark H. on November 21, 2001, at 19:44:53
In reply to Re: What is the highest dose taken of effexor 375mg., posted by Mark H. on November 15, 2001, at 21:14:55
Hi Neal,
I take regular Effexor once a day, because I need it to wear off some in order to sleep comfortably at night. If I forget to take my dose in the morning (for instance, if I don't have time to get breakfast), and don't take it until 3 or 4 in the afternoon, I not only have difficulty getting to sleep from having a busy mind half the night, but my legs, arms and hands ache and feel like they need to be flexed, stretched and exercised.
By taking the Effexor once a day, after breakfast, I sleep comfortably and well and yet maintain sufficient blood levels (with the potentiating meds I take) to have a very good anti-depressant effect.
Thank you for asking.
Mark H.
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 22, 2001, at 18:23:45
In reply to Re: What is the highest dose taken of effexor 375mg., posted by Mark H. on November 21, 2001, at 19:44:53
Mark,
I have to say that I know EXACTLY what you mean about the 'mind racing' at night if you miss your dose and have to take it later in the day, I also seem to clench my jaws alot these days.
I just had my Effexor dosage upped-and these are the side effects of it being raised! I take two capsules before bed, and I have to take some Xanax to calm me...but I don't stay asleep! I know this is a side effect of the higher dosage, and that hopefully it will pass...Because I have had the BEST results on the Effexor then anyother med. i've ever been on.
It's good to see I am not alone in the 'side effects' part of this med.! LOL
Take care.
P.L.
> Hi Neal,
>
> I take regular Effexor once a day, because I need it to wear off some in order to sleep comfortably at night. If I forget to take my dose in the morning (for instance, if I don't have time to get breakfast), and don't take it until 3 or 4 in the afternoon, I not only have difficulty getting to sleep from having a busy mind half the night, but my legs, arms and hands ache and feel like they need to be flexed, stretched and exercised.
>
> By taking the Effexor once a day, after breakfast, I sleep comfortably and well and yet maintain sufficient blood levels (with the potentiating meds I take) to have a very good anti-depressant effect.
>
> Thank you for asking.
>
> Mark H.
This is the end of the thread.
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