Saying Hi...Effexor XR?

I started reading the forums and decided to sign up, I've felt that I needed to talk to some people going through the same things that I have. Perhaps if I can help other people it may help myself as well.

I was diagnosed with depression five years ago, and it has not really let up, only gotten worse or better at times. I worked a very stressful job for a couple years until I couldn't take it anymore and have been off work for a year and a half. I tried Celexa when I was first diagnosed, and didn't find that it helped much. I've been on Effexor for the past year, and it has worked better, but I still don't feel very well. I feel as if I always have been this way, and I can't remember a time where I have felt well. I want to be well, but then I get a string of bad days and have to start all over again. Just hoping that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I had a couple questions, is there anyone who has taken high dosages of Effexor XR? I ramped up to 150mg/day and it didn't feel adequate, so I saw a psychiatrist and brought it up to 225mg/day, but then felt worse. Then I brought it back down to 150mg/day, and it seems better. Does anyone have similar experiences?

Also, I was wondering why people put their diagnoses and medications in their signature? It kind of strikes me as a bit odd, almost like Munchausen's syndrome.



I changed your thread topic,so that members who have taken the med will reply.

Shy

Post Edited By Moderator (ShynSassy) : 9/18/2007 5:42:43 AM (GMT-6)

Erasmus42

Welcome to the forum.

The reason we put the info in the sigs is to let people know that we can relate to what they are talking about. And to let them know what has helped and what hasn't for us.

Shy

Ive taken Effexor for the last 3 years at 300mg and had no problem, but I do have a fear of the withdrawal symptoms that are frequently discussed. Best wishes Mitzi

Hi Erasmus,

Welcome to the forum, its great that you have found some people to talk to that can support you. I was on 150mg of Effexor XR for nearly 10 years; I started off on 75mg a day and then increased to 150mg a day a short time after that. I found that 150 was good for me; I did feel additional side effects after the increase, but once I got past that, I felt ok. Can I ask how long you were on 225 for until you went back down to 150? Do you mean that you felt physically or mentally worse after the increase?

Mitzi, my withdrawal from Effexor was not a nice experience at all, but I did it the worst way possible. I didnt consult a doctor and just stopped taking it, which obviously in retrospect was a stupid move but it was the only way I knew how to do it. In the end I sort of 'yo-yo'ed for two years before I was finally off it for good. Of course if and when you are ready to come off it you will be apprehensive at how you are going to feel, but there are ways to do it which makes it easier. I know its easier said than done, but please dont feel scared; there are lots of people here that can support you and give you advice which you can use in conjunction with your doctors instructions.

Best wishes to you both.
Kate

Hi, at one time I was taking 300 mg of effexor xr.  At times on such a high dosage I was just a shell.  Could not feel, was just a robot.  I really didn't like the way I was feeling so I reduced the dosage to 225mg. (and told my dr.) Presently, I take 2 75 mgs. (150 mg. a day) and I take them both in the a.m. before or after breakfast.  It doesn't seem to do anything to my stomach if I take them without eating.  I am also on neurontin for nerve pain.