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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Pat on March 20, 2000, at 12:40:25
I am currently on 150 mg of Effexor after trying Paxil and Serzone. I have the least offensive side effects on Effexor compared to the others. Since increasing to 150 mg I have experienced weight gain. I am exercising and eating well and still the weight doesn't want to come off. I am also noticing that I am having some depression symptoms trying to break through. I have been on this dose for about a year. Is it normal to have to increase the dosage to continue to see results? Some seem to say that at 225 mg there may be weight loss. Is this expected? Is it possible to go higher on the dosage when having tough times and then lower it? I have depression and panic attacks. The panic has been under control for several years now. What other drugs may be helpful?
Posted by Cam W. on March 20, 2000, at 19:09:21
In reply to Effexor XR dosage question..., posted by Pat on March 20, 2000, at 12:40:25
Pat - My experience has been that increasing the dose of Effexor does not result in a switch from weight gain to weight loss (of course I could be wrong, I've just never seen it). It is easier to keep the weight off than it is to lose it. At about 225mg, Effexor changes from an SRI-like antidepressant (eg Paxil) to an SRI + NRI-like antidepressant (eg Desipramine - kinda). As you increase the dose of Effexor, you do also (usually) increase efficacy, unlike the SSRIs (in which efficacy with increasing dose plateaus at after a certain dose). Increasing the dose during rough times really does not work as it takes a couple of weeks to re-adjust your body's receptors after a dosage increase. Panic disorder is thought to be a result of serotonin dysregulation, so the SSRIs (eg Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft and Celexa) or Anafranil (clomipramine, an SRI-TCA) are commonly used. They also work for depression. Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Renee N on March 20, 2000, at 22:46:58
In reply to Effexor XR dosage question..., posted by Pat on March 20, 2000, at 12:40:25
> I am currently on 150 mg of Effexor after trying Paxil and Serzone. I have the least offensive side effects on Effexor compared to the others. Since increasing to 150 mg I have experienced weight gain. I am exercising and eating well and still the weight doesn't want to come off. I am also noticing that I am having some depression symptoms trying to break through. I have been on this dose for about a year. Is it normal to have to increase the dosage to continue to see results? Some seem to say that at 225 mg there may be weight loss. Is this expected? Is it possible to go higher on the dosage when having tough times and then lower it? I have depression and panic attacks. The panic has been under control for several years now. What other drugs may be helpful?
I may go from effexor to Paxil. Did it cause weight gain for you? What side effects did you have with Paxil? I take 225 Effexor XR and 30 ADDerall. I have gained a few pounds due to more slipping off the low-fat wagon I've been on for 2 years. I lost 40 pounds, but recently gained back around 7. My ADHD symptoms are worse than my anxiety or mild depression.
Posted by Pat on March 24, 2000, at 8:44:50
In reply to Effexor to Paxil, posted by Renee N on March 20, 2000, at 22:46:58
The Paxil didn't seem to cause weight gain. I liked Paxil except for the limiting of sexual function. That was why I got off it. When I first got on Paxil I had a hard time sleeping and when I did sleep I had very vivid dreams. That passed after two weeks. Good Luck!!!!
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