Omega763 Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 About 7 months ago I increased my dose from 75 to 150 mg of Effexor. I never really noticed a difference for relief of anxiety and depression. About 3 weeks ago I increased my dose to 225mg. I'm now almost 3 full weeks into the new dosage and see no difference with it. Should I give the new dosage increase some more time to kick in or am i just wasting time. 75mg seemed to work best for me for about the first year of being on it. Effexor has totally taken away my panic attacks and my worst of depression but has not done well at alleviating my anxiety, except for the first year of being on it. I havent felt that feeling since then and are hoping for that feeling again on 225mg. Im so sick and tired of this unrelenting anxiety. I just want to enjoy myself and life without worring about everything. . I workout 5 days a week, 2 hours at a time and eat a healthy, balanced diet for the most part. I quit smoking 6 months ago and cut down on caffiene. I dont know what else to do. My last resort has been meds to relieve my anxiety and depression and im hoping for advice from someone on what to do. Does anyone think I should try diff meds or should I stick with 225mg longer before I give up on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewielew3 Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 About 7 months ago I increased my dose from 75 to 150 mg of Effexor. I never really noticed a difference for relief of anxiety and depression. About 3 weeks ago I increased my dose to 225mg. I'm now almost 3 full weeks into the new dosage and see no difference with it. Should I give the new dosage increase some more time to kick in or am i just wasting time. 75mg seemed to work best for me for about the first year of being on it. Effexor has totally taken away my panic attacks and my worst of depression but has not done well at alleviating my anxiety, except for the first year of being on it. I havent felt that feeling since then and are hoping for that feeling again on 225mg. Im so sick and tired of this unrelenting anxiety. I just want to enjoy myself and life without worring about everything. . I workout 5 days a week, 2 hours at a time and eat a healthy, balanced diet for the most part. I quit smoking 6 months ago and cut down on caffiene. I dont know what else to do. My last resort has been meds to relieve my anxiety and depression and im hoping for advice from someone on what to do. Does anyone think I should try diff meds or should I stick with 225mg longer before I give up on it. the theraputic level of effexor xr starts at 225...anything below that isnt working--having said that--please contact your dr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUEzie Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 No comment on the efficacy of Effexor - I've never taken it. But here's my "two cents": IMO, three years is a long time. If it was me, I'd definitely discuss a possibly new med with my P-doc. I've been on just about every AD known to man (except Cymbalta and Effexor) and it took me a long time to find one that worked (Serzone), and then that one worked. It did work well for me, for several years, and it eventually pooped out on me, so that can happen, too. If you do switch meds, maybe the next one will be great for you. In your situation, sounds to me like you have nothing to lose by trying a new one, if this one's not working. Everyone's body is different, but I have no doubt you can find a med that really works well for you. I've read that coming off Effexor can be a bit of a challenge, but you can ask your P-doc's advice, and I'd not let that stop me from finding a med that works, if you decide this one isn't doing its job. If you decide that Effexor definitely is not for you, don't let any scare about coming off it, stop you from trying for a new, more effective med. Plenty of people have dealt with this successfully. Then again, **maybe you just need to add on a benzo (anti-anxiety drug)to your current AD, Effexor. If it's mostly anxiety that is the problem, maybe that would work for you. *Ask your P-doc. Lexa-Pro (the AD I currently take) helped a bit w/my anxiety - Lexa-Pro was invented to work well for people who also have anxiety. I also have severe OCD (an anxiety disorder), but my P-doc may put me on a benzo (Buspar) as well. We'll see how that works out - time will tell. Good luck. Hang in there, I wish you well, - Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega763 Posted September 5, 2008 Author Share Posted September 5, 2008 About 7 months ago I increased my dose from 75 to 150 mg of Effexor. I never really noticed a difference for relief of anxiety and depression. About 3 weeks ago I increased my dose to 225mg. I'm now almost 3 full weeks into the new dosage and see no difference with it. Should I give the new dosage increase some more time to kick in or am i just wasting time. 75mg seemed to work best for me for about the first year of being on it. Effexor has totally taken away my panic attacks and my worst of depression but has not done well at alleviating my anxiety, except for the first year of being on it. I havent felt that feeling since then and are hoping for that feeling again on 225mg. Im so sick and tired of this unrelenting anxiety. I just want to enjoy myself and life without worring about everything. . I workout 5 days a week, 2 hours at a time and eat a healthy, balanced diet for the most part. I quit smoking 6 months ago and cut down on caffiene. I dont know what else to do. My last resort has been meds to relieve my anxiety and depression and im hoping for advice from someone on what to do. Does anyone think I should try diff meds or should I stick with 225mg longer before I give up on it. the theraputic level of effexor xr starts at 225...anything below that isnt working--having said that--please contact your dr. So what are u saying, stick with 225mg and its should kick in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUEzie Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 IMO, you should ask your P-doc. AD meds don't work the same for everybody, and if it's not really working, there are other meds out there you can try, too. Maybe it's "pooped out" on you. Or heck, I dunno - maybe an increase is what you need. But it's not really relieving your anxiety. In any case - I'd call your P-doc, and inquire about all the things you said in your post. Tell them how your meds make you feel. You have plenty of options, here. Hang in there, - Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewielew3 Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 IMO, you should ask your P-doc. Meds work differently on different people, and your doctor most likely had a good reason fr prescribing the level he/she did for you, at the time. I'd call your P-doc, and inquire. - Susani agree with susan-call the dr. and ask if you can try this but have the knowledge about it helping at higher doses--there is info about effexor xr not working until a certain dosage google it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega763 Posted September 5, 2008 Author Share Posted September 5, 2008 IMO, you should ask your P-doc. Meds work differently on different people, and your doctor most likely had a good reason fr prescribing the level he/she did for you, at the time. I'd call your P-doc, and inquire. - Susani agree with susan-call the dr. and ask if you can try this but have the knowledge about it helping at higher doses--there is info about effexor xr not working until a certain dosage google it The reason my P-doc put me on a higher dose was b/c of my complaint due to my re-occurence of worsening anxiety. I would like to continue with Effexor b/c it has worked so great for me in the past. Should i give the 225 more time to kick it or should it have already. I mean I know everyone is different so its hard to say. It just a pain in the ass Thanx alot everyone for your input!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUEzie Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 IMO, you are in "the borderline area" (3 weeks) as far as finding out if it will work for you, or not. I've read (and it's proven true for me) that most people need to give an AD at least 3 weeks to "kick in" - regardless of whether it's a new AD, or a dosage increase of a current AD. So, it's good you've been patient. And congrats on taking such good care of your body, in other ways (exercise, etc.) If you like Effexor, ask your P-doc how much longer you should try it, before deciding it's ineffective for you. Maybe your doc can increase the dose, as part of this experiment. If it's not doing anything for your anxiety, I'd also maybe inquire about adding a benzo: Like Xanax, or Buspar, etc. You can also maybe add a benzo with any new AD you'd try, although that's up to your P-doc, of course. Lexa-Pro is (supposedly) the AD that is the most sedating (calming), but again, ADs work differently for different people. But Lexa-Pro did relieve my anxiety, to a degree. But, I am not a P-doc, so you should definitely inquire with your doctor. Good luck, I wish you well, P.S. I amended my previous post, because I thought it was redundant, and too long. But, meds DO work differently for different people. - Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celestia Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 The reason my P-doc put me on a higher dose was b/c of my complaint due to my re-occurence of worsening anxiety. I would like to continue with Effexor b/c it has worked so great for me in the past. Should i give the 225 more time to kick it or should it have already. When I was on Effexor, I noticed the best result when I was on 225. I could be wrong, but I don't think docs go much higher than that with Effexor. I did notice a big change from 150 to 225, and it did take about a month or more, but it mostly relieved my crushing depression. I did eventually have to take a benzo for the anxiety. I had big shit going on in my life at the time, my hubby had cancer, so it was very stressful. I take Lexapro now and it works well on both depression and anxiety. I'm still anxiety-prone, but the debilitating anxiety is gone. I agree, of course, talk to your doctor. If you stop Effexor, taper slowly. Withdrawal is wicked, and none of my docs ever warned me about it. Good luck, S9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirMarshall Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 The fact that Effexor helped previously is a good sign, one that I would think encouraging to not give up. Three weeks is probably too early to give up on a med change. two or possibly even three months is more realistic. The maximum recommended dosage is 375mg divided into 3 doses for severely depressed patients. So you still have quite a ways to go. I would hope that after a month you would be getting some glimmer of improvement. It may be time to talk with your pdoc again. a.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega763 Posted September 5, 2008 Author Share Posted September 5, 2008 The fact that Effexor helped previously is a good sign, one that I would think encouraging to not give up. Three weeks is probably too early to give up on a med change. two or possibly even three months is more realistic. The maximum recommended dosage is 375mg divided into 3 doses for severely depressed patients. So you still have quite a ways to go. I would hope that after a month you would be getting some glimmer of improvement. It may be time to talk with your pdoc again. a.m. You im going to give it some more time. It has worked b4 so it should work at this dosage. I'll be seeing the P-doc again in 2 weeks or so i'll see what he has to if i dont see an improvement by then. I've gotten off of Effexor once and it absoulutely sucked!!!! So i'll give it time to kick in. Thanx all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUEzie Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 You're welcome, and good luck! - Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velvet Elvis Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 About 7 months ago I increased my dose from 75 to 150 mg of Effexor. I never really noticed a difference for relief of anxiety and depression. About 3 weeks ago I increased my dose to 225mg. I'm now almost 3 full weeks into the new dosage and see no difference with it. Should I give the new dosage increase some more time to kick in or am i just wasting time. 75mg seemed to work best for me for about the first year of being on it. Effexor has totally taken away my panic attacks and my worst of depression but has not done well at alleviating my anxiety, except for the first year of being on it. I havent felt that feeling since then and are hoping for that feeling again on 225mg. Im so sick and tired of this unrelenting anxiety. I just want to enjoy myself and life without worring about everything. . I workout 5 days a week, 2 hours at a time and eat a healthy, balanced diet for the most part. I quit smoking 6 months ago and cut down on caffiene. I dont know what else to do. My last resort has been meds to relieve my anxiety and depression and im hoping for advice from someone on what to do. Does anyone think I should try diff meds or should I stick with 225mg longer before I give up on it. However long it took for the first dose to come to full effect is about how long it will take the change to take effect. Three weeks is barely enough time. I'd give it six. Since Effexor has worked so well for your depression and panic, you probobly want to consider adding another medication, likely a benzo or AP, to the effexor so you don't risk losing the benefits you've gotten from it. Also, it's not a fun med to come off of. Avoiding the discontinuation effects alone is another reason to want to stay on it and add something else. the theraputic level of effexor xr starts at 225...anything below that isnt working--having said that--please contact your dr. This is just wrong. That might have been the case for you, lou, but it's not true of all or even most people. According to rxlist. For most patients, the recommended starting dose for Effexor XR is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose. In the clinical trials establishing the efficacy of Effexor XR in moderately depressed outpatients, the initial dose of venlafaxine was 75 mg/day. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg/day for 4 to 7 days, to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg/day . While the relationship between dose and antidepressant response for Effexor XR has not been adequately explored, patients not responding to the initial 75mg/day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of approximately 225 mg/day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg/day , as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days, since steady state plasma levels of venlafaxine and its major metabolites are achieved in most patients by day 4. In the clinical trials establishing efficacy, upward titration was permitted at intervals of 2 weeks or more; the average doses were about 140 to 180 mg/day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega763 Posted September 5, 2008 Author Share Posted September 5, 2008 About 7 months ago I increased my dose from 75 to 150 mg of Effexor. I never really noticed a difference for relief of anxiety and depression. About 3 weeks ago I increased my dose to 225mg. I'm now almost 3 full weeks into the new dosage and see no difference with it. Should I give the new dosage increase some more time to kick in or am i just wasting time. 75mg seemed to work best for me for about the first year of being on it. Effexor has totally taken away my panic attacks and my worst of depression but has not done well at alleviating my anxiety, except for the first year of being on it. I havent felt that feeling since then and are hoping for that feeling again on 225mg. Im so sick and tired of this unrelenting anxiety. I just want to enjoy myself and life without worring about everything. . I workout 5 days a week, 2 hours at a time and eat a healthy, balanced diet for the most part. I quit smoking 6 months ago and cut down on caffiene. I dont know what else to do. My last resort has been meds to relieve my anxiety and depression and im hoping for advice from someone on what to do. Does anyone think I should try diff meds or should I stick with 225mg longer before I give up on it. However long it took for the first dose to come to full effect is about how long it will take the change to take effect. Three weeks is barely enough time. I'd give it six. Since Effexor has worked so well for your depression and panic, you probobly want to consider adding another medication, likely a benzo or AP, to the effexor so you don't risk losing the benefits you've gotten from it. Also, it's not a fun med to come off of. Avoiding the discontinuation effects alone is another reason to want to stay on it and add something else. the theraputic level of effexor xr starts at 225...anything below that isnt working--having said that--please contact your dr. This is just wrong. That might have been the case for you, lou, but it's not true of all or even most people. According to [link=http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm" target="_blank]rxlist[/link]. For most patients, the recommended starting dose for Effexor XR is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose. In the clinical trials establishing the efficacy of Effexor XR in moderately depressed outpatients, the initial dose of venlafaxine was 75 mg/day. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg/day for 4 to 7 days, to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg/day . While the relationship between dose and antidepressant response for Effexor XR has not been adequately explored, patients not responding to the initial 75mg/day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of approximately 225 mg/day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg/day , as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days, since steady state plasma levels of venlafaxine and its major metabolites are achieved in most patients by day 4. In the clinical trials establishing efficacy, upward titration was permitted at intervals of 2 weeks or more; the average doses were about 140 to 180 mg/day I think it took around 6 weeks for Effexor to kick in the first time I started taking it. It hasnt ven been a full 3 weeks, so if its true what u said, i have some time more for it to kick in. I take Zantax once in a while which does help alot, but it knocks me out so i just take it at night. I really dont like taking Benzos b/c of getting easily dependent to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewielew3 Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 About 7 months ago I increased my dose from 75 to 150 mg of Effexor. I never really noticed a difference for relief of anxiety and depression. About 3 weeks ago I increased my dose to 225mg. I'm now almost 3 full weeks into the new dosage and see no difference with it. Should I give the new dosage increase some more time to kick in or am i just wasting time. 75mg seemed to work best for me for about the first year of being on it. Effexor has totally taken away my panic attacks and my worst of depression but has not done well at alleviating my anxiety, except for the first year of being on it. I havent felt that feeling since then and are hoping for that feeling again on 225mg. Im so sick and tired of this unrelenting anxiety. I just want to enjoy myself and life without worring about everything. . I workout 5 days a week, 2 hours at a time and eat a healthy, balanced diet for the most part. I quit smoking 6 months ago and cut down on caffiene. I dont know what else to do. My last resort has been meds to relieve my anxiety and depression and im hoping for advice from someone on what to do. Does anyone think I should try diff meds or should I stick with 225mg longer before I give up on it. However long it took for the first dose to come to full effect is about how long it will take the change to take effect. Three weeks is barely enough time. I'd give it six. Since Effexor has worked so well for your depression and panic, you probobly want to consider adding another medication, likely a benzo or AP, to the effexor so you don't risk losing the benefits you've gotten from it. Also, it's not a fun med to come off of. Avoiding the discontinuation effects alone is another reason to want to stay on it and add something else. the theraputic level of effexor xr starts at 225...anything below that isnt working--having said that--please contact your dr. This is just wrong. That might have been the case for you, lou, but it's not true of all or even most people. According to [link=http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm" target="_blank]rxlist[/link]. For most patients, the recommended starting dose for Effexor XR is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose. In the clinical trials establishing the efficacy of Effexor XR in moderately depressed outpatients, the initial dose of venlafaxine was 75 mg/day. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg/day for 4 to 7 days, to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg/day . While the relationship between dose and antidepressant response for Effexor XR has not been adequately explored, patients not responding to the initial 75mg/day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of approximately 225 mg/day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg/day , as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days, since steady state plasma levels of venlafaxine and its major metabolites are achieved in most patients by day 4. In the clinical trials establishing efficacy, upward titration was permitted at intervals of 2 weeks or more; the average doses were about 140 to 180 mg/day its not actually wrong--my PDOC told me as well as the pharmicist-- i would stick with it if it has worked before--it was the only one for me but in caused my blood pressure to take off good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUEzie Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 For what it's worth: Buspar is supposedly a non-addictive benzo. I've had substance abuse problems in my distant past, so it's the only benzo my P-doc would ever prescribe for me. He's already told me this. My current P-doc was outraged, that a past P-doc had given me Klonipin, even though I didn't take it long enough to become addicted. So if I need a benzo, I am hoping Buspar works. Anyway - Good luck, - Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewielew3 Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 For what it's worth: Buspar is supposedly a non-addictive benzo. I've had substance abuse problems in my distant past, so it's the only benzo my P-doc would ever prescribe for me. He's already told me this. My current P-doc was outraged, that a past P-doc had given me Klonipin, even though I didn't take it long enough to become addicted. So if I need a benzo, I am hoping Buspar works. Anyway - Good luck, - Susan agree on buspar? took it ten yrs ago-did nothing for my anxiety Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velvet Elvis Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 For what it's worth: Buspar is supposedly a non-addictive benzo. I've had substance abuse problems in my distant past, so it's the only benzo my P-doc would ever prescribe for me. FWIW, it's not a benzodiazapine. It's in its own class, I forget exactly how it's supposed to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUEzie Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 I have no idea how well it works. My P-doc is just about ready to put me on it to calm my anxiety from my OCD. It's my only option apparently, so I am hoping if we do it, I get a little relief. - Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null0trooper Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 For what it's worth: Buspar is supposedly a non-addictive benzo. It's not a benzodiazepine, not even similar in structure to one. According to the write-up on Wikipedia, it is a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors - it fools brains receptors into thinking the serotonin fairy has arrived with bundles of anxiolytic well-being. The dopamine effects might help you feel a little better too. The downside is that since it isn't a benzo you can't reasonably expect it to take effect as soon as a benzo would: possibly 1 - 3 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUEzie Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 Thanks very much for the information, Null0trooper. I appreciate it. - Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null0trooper Posted September 7, 2008 Share Posted September 7, 2008 Thanks very much for the information, Null0trooper. I appreciate it. Yeah, Buspar seems to be really weird stuff (The structure is a bit wierd for a psychochemical too). But if it ends up working for you, who cares? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weeping_willow Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Hang in there!!! According to the research lately, Effexor is an antidepressant that works on serotonin at lower dosages, serotonin and norepinephrine at about 150-225, and then actually works on serotonin, norepinephrine, AND dopamine at doses above 300mg. Everybody is different when it comes to their reaction to AD's. Most docs say to wait 4-6 weeks to see results. Brain chemicals are funny things -- some people need the higher dose to kick in the dopamine reuptake inhibitors -- but I am not a p-doc. And I would strongly encourage you to tell your doc exactly what's going on with the Effexor. Be encouraged -- I took Effexor 375mg for years and it worked great. Am now on Pristiq 100 mg, and waiting to see the results. Best of luck to you -- --willow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega763 Posted September 10, 2008 Author Share Posted September 10, 2008 Hang in there!!! According to the research lately, Effexor is an antidepressant that works on serotonin at lower dosages, serotonin and norepinephrine at about 150-225, and then actually works on serotonin, norepinephrine, AND dopamine at doses above 300mg. Everybody is different when it comes to their reaction to AD's. Most docs say to wait 4-6 weeks to see results. Brain chemicals are funny things -- some people need the higher dose to kick in the dopamine reuptake inhibitors -- but I am not a p-doc. And I would strongly encourage you to tell your doc exactly what's going on with the Effexor. Be encouraged -- I took Effexor 375mg for years and it worked great. Am now on Pristiq 100 mg, and waiting to see the results. Best of luck to you -- --willow Thank you for the info. Its been a full 3 weeks for me now. I've done alot of research on Effoxr XR and have read muylltiple times about how serotonin and norepinephrine works around 150-225 mg. Have heard about the other stuff kicking in at around 300mg but very interesting. I think im starting to see it kick in alil bit but im not too sure. I'm gunna give it some more time and see what happens. Thanx again- -Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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