Long term venlafaxine?

[loiloi]

Hi. I have taken Venlafaxine (Effexor) for the last year. I have reduced from 150mg to 75mg to my current dose of 37.5mg daily. My doctor wants to review my use of this medication. I am worried he is going to advise me to stop taking it. I am feeling much better but think it would be irresponsible to stop this medication. I never want to go back to feeling the anxiety and depression I felt before taking Venlafaxine.
Does anyone have any advice?
Eloise xXx

[therese83]

That is a very low dose and if you can maintain a good state at this dosage then that is very good and lucky you.
If it prevents relapse you know best and should stay on it.
It is a big fear isnt it, the fear of not having your medication, I hope that your doctor will agree with you on this one.  If not find another Psychiatrist.

[mat1956]

To start is your MD your PCP or is he a psychiatrist? I started Effexor 75mg in 99 after death of my son. My PCP prescribed it. In 12.06 the dose was increased to finannaly the dose I am at now (300mg daily ). I, myself have tried to decrease doseage but saw symptoms returrning. Prior to 12/06 I was without for almost a week and had forgotten I was not taking cause had ran out. I was crying at the drop of a hat. I'm not a MD but if my psych. ever tried to take off, I personally would get a 2nd opinion. Can't tell you what to do. The way my PCP and psych. described--I am without certain chemicals that made me feel the way I did. The med replaces the chemicals. I would 99% surely return to the state I was in before taking. My PCP has given samples of med similar to Effexor, Pristiq. Says it Effexor, but purified and doseage doesn't need to be adjusted back and forth. Does anyone have any experience, good or bad with Pristiq.  Back to your originalquestion--Trust your "guts" . If uncomfortable tell him if he doesn't agree, get another opinion if thats possible. Blessings. By all means keep talking. My MD told me if I even feel the least bit depressed, get up do something-talk to someone. Thanks for this site.

[loiloi]

He thinks that, because i feel better, i no longer need the medication. In contrast, I think I feel better because of the medication and that discontinuation would result in relapse.
Eloise xXx

[remar]

i would tell him that you do not want to stop taking it. if your feeling better then why would he want to take you off of it? take care. Remar