Has anyone taken Effexor XR at a lower dosage than 75 mg. for depression?

Question

Has anyone with depression taken Effexor XR at a lower dose than 75 mg. (which is technically the minimum to treat depression) for an extended period of time? If so, I was wondering what the effects were, both good and bad, and if it alleviated any symptoms of your depression.

Answer 1

I personally had a terrible time with Effexor, but it was serotonin shock--very unusual. My friend who lives in Europe (different standards for mental health care) did 37.5 for a month, then moved up to 75 for his final dosage. He's been at that 6 months and is doing great. His only long term side effect was a little weight loss, and he seems like a different person. I would say if a lower dose helps, then great, keep it there!

Good luck.

Answer 2

it made me even more suicidal than i already was. see if it works and then see if it is the right one for you

Answer 3

Yes I was on that for a while but I have been increased to 150mg.

It did not help me that's not to say it won't help you.

Side effects include.

Sustained Hypertension, Elevated Cholesterol,Tachycardia,Blurred Vision,Rash, Dizziness,Insomnia,Dry Mouth,GI Upset,Sexual Disturbance ,Anxiety,Sweating.

Also your doctor should check your blood pressure from time to time to make sure it does not go up or down to far. This is rare for this to happen though.

good luck.

Answer 4

My ex was prescribed Effexor for depression but it turned out he was bi-polar or had manic tendencies so it actually pushed him into really servere manic episodes. Make sure you don't have mania in your family.

Also, he had a lot of bad side effects, brain "shivers" he called them, blacked out once, sick to his stomach, sexual numbness (could get it "up" but not "off")... I think the side effects probably change from person to person but this one certainly wasn't a good match for him.

Answer 5

Yes.  I take effexor at 37.5mg a day.  At that dose I have very minimal side effects; some dehydration and feeling a little disorientated for about an hour after I take the tablet.  In another month my doctor intends to increase the dose to 75mg per day.

I find some benefit from this low dose.  I feel less anxious and more able to leave the house.

As with any medication, though, the effect differs from person to person.  If you feel it is not right for you then you should see your doctor.