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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by DebbieLynn on September 1, 2001, at 22:21:09
Since Effexor takes only 4 days to reach peak levels, is that the same for reducing dose? I reduced from 300mg to 225mg about 5 days ago. I want to decrease 37.5mg, and so on. Is it okay to do so or should I wait? My pdoc said to taper VERY SLOWLY. I am also taking Wellbutrin SR 100mg 2x a day, which I plan to stay on, increasing to 300mg a day. I will probably stay on Effexor too, but I want to get to the lowest dose possible that is right for me. I was initially put on Wellbutrin for sexual side effects, which by the way works WONDERFULLY! Thats why I want to continue with it. It has improved my libido and ability to reach orgasm. It is great since I went months feeling "numb" and no libido on just Effexor.
Sorry..I got carried away...didn't mean to get off topic! Any opinions or info??
Debbie---
Posted by Janelle on September 1, 2001, at 23:50:58
In reply to Question about Effexor(decreasing dose), posted by DebbieLynn on September 1, 2001, at 22:21:09
I can't answer your question about the time frame for reducing Effexor; in fact, I had no idea until I read your thread here that Effexor takes only 4 days to reach peak levels! Wow!
Well, I'm in the process (the SLOW process) of tapering OFF Effexor - the maximum dose I could tolerate was "only" 75 mg/day (when I went higher it made me too agitated and edgy).
I was on 75 mg for about a month I'd say, then reduced to 37.5 mg/day with no problem. I'm holding on that awhile (I'm kinda scared to stop the stuff, although that is my and my pdoc's ultimate goal).
I'm also on Lamictal as a mood stabilizer; my pdoc is trying to see if that will be all I need, meaning I don't also need an a-d.
I have heard from many sources that it is crucial to taper off Effexor SLOWLY, and since you've been at a high dose (although I don't know how long you've been on it), I would suggest that you drop down reeeeeal slow; ask your pdoc for a reduction schedule (how many weeks at each reduced dose till you hit 37.5)
Glad to hear you've had such great success with the Wellbutrin for sexual side effects!
Posted by DebbieLynn on September 2, 2001, at 9:13:27
In reply to Re: Question about Effexor(decreasing dose) » DebbieLynn, posted by Janelle on September 1, 2001, at 23:50:58
> I can't answer your question about the time frame for reducing Effexor; in fact, I had no idea until I read your thread here that Effexor takes only 4 days to reach peak levels! Wow!
>
> Well, I'm in the process (the SLOW process) of tapering OFF Effexor - the maximum dose I could tolerate was "only" 75 mg/day (when I went higher it made me too agitated and edgy).
>
> I was on 75 mg for about a month I'd say, then reduced to 37.5 mg/day with no problem. I'm holding on that awhile (I'm kinda scared to stop the stuff, although that is my and my pdoc's ultimate goal).
>
> I'm also on Lamictal as a mood stabilizer; my pdoc is trying to see if that will be all I need, meaning I don't also need an a-d.
>
> I have heard from many sources that it is crucial to taper off Effexor SLOWLY, and since you've been at a high dose (although I don't know how long you've been on it), I would suggest that you drop down reeeeeal slow; ask your pdoc for a reduction schedule (how many weeks at each reduced dose till you hit 37.5)
>
> Glad to hear you've had such great success with the Wellbutrin for sexual side effects!
Janelle,
I am going to call my pdoc on Tuesday to find out how long I should wait to reduce doses. I think I might be brave and try to reduce another 37.5mg. I wish it had a longer half life (like Prozac!) I am sure I am not the only one!!! This stuff is potent, if I had known that BEFORE I started taking it, I probably would have tried something else. Effexor has worked great for me...and my pdoc said I probably will not go completely off of it, but I REALLY want to reduce the dose as much as possible. I really like the AD effect the Wellbutrin gives also.By the way, I read from another thread that Effexor takes only 4 days to reach the peak levels. I know that my pdoc said I could raise my dose (when I started FXR) every 4-5 days. So it must be true. I do trust my doctor, (after I got a second opinion just to make sure...that is just me, I have to be sure) I want to know all about the meds I put in my system, and I wanted to make sure of his diagnosis.
Thank you for replying...
Debbie
This is the end of the thread.
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