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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kreedi on February 24, 2004, at 3:00:39
I've been on Effexor XR 112.5 for over a year now; it's worked very well for me. The only annoying side effect is a significant delay in achieving orgasm, but hey, you can't have everything. My psychiatrist wants me to come down to 75, by alternating 112.5 mmg/day with 75 mg/day. This alternation for two weeks, and then, if that goes OK, down to 75 a day.
Does this sound sensible? My concern is that since Effexor has such a short half-life, the daily swing between 112.5 and 75 is going to create some problems (sexual, digestive). Also, I'm in the middle of writing a book, with a tight deadline to meet; therefore, mildly concerned about the reported aphasic symptoms during withdrawal. I've also initiated a successful 5-day-a-week gym routine (very satisfying but also very demanding), so I don't want that messed-up.
Should I, then, taper down to 75 mg a day (I have no intention of going lower than that for at least another six months)? Or wait until the book is over (July) and my exercise routine more fixed? Am I being over-cautious or persnickety? :)
Jay, aka Kreedi
Posted by Bill LL on February 24, 2004, at 8:08:25
In reply to cutting down dose of effexor, posted by kreedi on February 24, 2004, at 3:00:39
I think that the gradual reduction the doc suggests seems reasonable. People report that if they take Prozac while weaning off of Effexor, it helps a lot. So thats another option to discuss with your doc if you have trouble while decreasing the dose.
If I were you, I would probably delay the Effexor reduction until after the book is done.
If your anxiety and/or depression returns after you get off of Effexor, you should consider getting back on it since it has worked well for you.
Posted by Myrtle on February 24, 2004, at 10:39:15
In reply to Re: cutting down dose of effexor, posted by Bill LL on February 24, 2004, at 8:08:25
I've been gradually weaning myself off trileptal and effexor XR, over 6 weeks. I know the Effexor is toxic for me, and I'm now down to 37.5 mg. in the a.m. with 150mg of trileptal in the a.m.
Nevertheless, after the 6 weeks, my ears are still ringing and I'm having little electrical surges in my head.
Any hints as to whether it is the Effexor or Trileptal?
Posted by noa on February 24, 2004, at 19:10:51
In reply to trileptal and effexor XR, posted by Myrtle on February 24, 2004, at 10:39:15
The alternating thing surprises me, too, because I know from missing doses that the effect is short acting.
This is the end of the thread.
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