Posted by Brio D Chimp on May 12, 2004, at 14:23:43
In reply to Re: Effexor 37.5Mg, posted by Buckeye Fan on May 12, 2004, at 7:19:56
>
> As I stated on another thread...the thereputic
> effects of EFFEXOR do not really begin until 150mgThis is a mistake. It is based on an average. Some people(5 to 10 percent of the white population and perhaps more of the non-white population)are poor hepatic metabolizers. These people will react to a low dose of medication in the same way others react to a higher dose. This a genetic variation. Dosing should not be based strictly on the average person because people are not average! Most of the clinical trials are based on white males and this data should not be taken as "gospel" for a varied population. People that experience a greater than average number of side effects at low doses are frequently low metabolizers.
There is an equal percentage of people at the other end of the spectrum that are high metabolizers who will require greater doses to get the same effect.
>
> For those experiencing benefits at lower doses
> God bless you.
>
> It has already been stated on this Board that the Placebo effect of Meds are very real.I hope you are not suggesting that people who require lower doses are more likely to be experiencing placebo effect! In fact side effects are often the precursor to a good placebo response. Placebos are often made up to produce some side effects for that very reason. It stands to reason that the higher the dose the more the side effects and perhaps more placebo effect? There is also always the danger of increasing the dosage past any reasonable hope of efficacy in response to patients who achieve placebo response due to the percieved effect of higher doses. A little like the patient who demands an antibiotic for a virus may feel better because he has been validated by more heroic measures.
>
> I would encourge all who hacve found their "niche" dose, below 150mg...stay there as long as you can and enjoy!
I agree that it is always best to use the right dose whether it is greater or lesser than the "average".
>
poster:Brio D Chimp
thread:345763
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040510/msgs/346200.html