Posted by Cam W. on December 9, 2001, at 22:14:57
In reply to high-dose Effexor - anyone?, posted by Elizabeth on December 8, 2001, at 10:53:42
Elizabeth - I went up to 450mg of Effexor XR, taken all in the morning. I found that, at this dose, I had major lethargy and some cognition problems (simple word and name finding were occasional, but very frustrating). I also found that I was very emotional labile and "Willy" never wanted to play.
At 375mg and 300mg daily (each for a week), I had tolerated these dose when titrating up, but titrating down (for 2 weeks each), I found that the side effects mentioned above were lessenedd, but still noticeable (especially the emotional lability), and, for me, unacceptable.
I have stabilized at 225mg for the past couple of months or so, and have found that this is the dose that works for me. I have few side effects (some morning lethargy; ie. dragging my butt at work), but I have found that 10mg of Dexedrine Spansules, first thing in the morning, solves this problem. Some days I take a second spansule around noon, but this hasn't been necessary very often for the past couple of weeks (and never necessary for my days off).
I am euthymic, and am happier than I have been in years at 225mg a day. "Willy" is active, as is my libido at this dose, as well. My journal reading, and comprehension and retension of same, has returned.
As for worrying about withdrawl symptoms, I'm not. My doc says that we will cross that bridge if we ever come to it. Besides, I am fairly confident that I can treat any withdrawl problems that could possibly arise. I've done it for others, so I am sure that I can do it for me.
I hope that this is what you were looking for, Liz. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:86308
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011202/msgs/86416.html