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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Effexor SR 150 side effects?
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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Effexor SR 150 side effects?
by Mooney, Jan 21, 2002 12:00AM
I was first perscribed Effexor 75 in Aug. of 2001. I could honestly see no difference in the depression on this med. The doctor then suggested Paxil 20, eventually increased to 40 mg. Still lethargic and disinterested in life in general, I asked for something different and Zoloft 50 mg, twice a day was prescribed. I had an almost immediate reaction to this, a negative reaction, I became so dizzy I couldn't move my eyes from side to side (or in any direction) without horrible vertigo. So--I went back to Effexor SR, 150 mg. instead of 75, once a day. This seemed to do a wonderful job until recently. Again the dizziness is back, the moodiness, all the yucky stuff. I would like to discontinue this med. to cleanse my system--or should I continue to try different drugs? As I am a high school teacher, 50 years old, taking HRT for five years now, and expecting my first grandchild, I used to enjoy life so much. Now it is a chore to move about the room, read, think clearly, and speak intelligently. I'm asking for you suggestions as to what to do now, not a diagnosis. I have complete faith in my doctor, but would honestly like another opinion. Can you help me?
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Jan 21, 2002 12:00AM
, Jan 21, 2002 12:00AM
Cleansing your system is a good idea, but if the depression persists, you can start the effexor again or try a different type of antidepression drug, like wellbutrin. Its not uncommon for a medication like this to stop working, and then work again after a brief respite of several weeks to a month.
Effexor 75
Paxil 20-40
Zoloft 50
bam! problems
Effexor SR 150
I highly suspect the discontinuation of Paxil as the cause of your dizziness, etc. Paxil has a very short half-life, and will cause many adverse effects on withdrawal. In general, I would discourage its use when other SSRIs are available. The "best" solution to Paxil withdrawal is Prozac. Prozac has a very long half life, and should "take over" for Paxil, allowing you to stop the SSRIs (or just switch to Prozac).
Switching to Effexor should help the Paxil withdrawal, but 150 is a relatively low dosage. A family doctor may not be comfortable or willing to prescribe a higher dose of Effexor, but it can be used up to 450mg or more.
Note that Effexor will give you withdrawals, but not nearly as bad as Paxil.
If you decide to stop any antidepressant, I highly recommend SLOWLY tapering the dosage. If you're taking Effexor SR 150, for example, get a script for a smaller dosage capsule so you can taper more easily.
Best of luck, from one who has tried many.