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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Kelty on March 20, 2002, at 22:13:10
I am planning to move off nortrityline and give effexor a try sometime in the next couple of weeks. This is being supervised by my GP because of a long wait to get into a new pdoc after the old one retired. The only difficulty is that the GP is unsure of the best way to stop nortrip (I have been on it for 5 years) and start effexor. Has anyone had experience doing something similar? Any input is welcome.
Thanks, Kelty
Posted by Janelle on March 21, 2002, at 0:38:23
In reply to Moving from nortriptyline to effexor, posted by Kelty on March 20, 2002, at 22:13:10
Unfortunately I can't tell you how to wean off nortrip (although I was on amitrip for awhile but forget how I got off it), but I CAN tell you how to tirate up on Effexor.
I don't know what the lowest dose pill available is for a prescription because my pdoc started me with sample packs ... anyway, start with 37.5 mg/day (that's the lowest dose in the starter sample pack) and take this dose for a week, then go up to 75mg/day for a week. At this point, some pdocs will have you remain at 75mg for awhile to see if that dose kicks in and helps you, while other pdocs may have you increase by another 37.5 weekly, followed by another 37.5 weekly until you're at 150mg/day. At this dose, you should start to feel something. If not, the pdoc can have you go even higher.
The trick is to ride out any side effects as you titrate up because they may go away and then the med will kick in. However, if troublesome side effects do not go away, consult your pdoc.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
-Janelle
Posted by Cmatt on March 21, 2002, at 4:27:44
In reply to Moving from nortriptyline to effexor, posted by Kelty on March 20, 2002, at 22:13:10
You should taper down the dosage. If 10 to 20 mg. dosage reduction per week is ok with your G.P., then that would be reasonable.
If your total dosage is say 50mg. per day, your body may be more sensitive to medication, and may require a dose reduction every two weeks instead of every week. One might need to stay at 10mg. for a few weeks, then go to every other day for a week or two before stopping all together.
If you go too quick, uncomfortable symptoms may appear, so you, your body, and the doctor will be the best indicators to judge your tapering rate.
Cmatt
This is the end of the thread.
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