Viepax XR/Standard mix-up

[billywicked]

I'm on weird mix of viepax 262.5 for the last 2-3 years
which breaks down like this:
1 tablet - 75 XR
1 tablet - 150 XR
1 tablet - 37.5 venlafaxine hydrochloride (??)
The thing is that in the last months the pharmacy didn't get the 75 XR for some reason so I was given only the other two. Well, I haven't paid much attention to that and I just started cutting the pills "happily".
That is until today, at the pharmacy, when the pharmacist told me
I can't do it because it nullifies the extended release effect and pour it in my
bloodstream uncontrolled. So I asked her what can I do now? I still have to take 262.5 and I only have 150 and 37.5 which she explained aren't the same. She said the XR version is four times more potent than the "regular". Is this true? now I'm not sure what I'm suppose to take.
3 * 37.5 + 150?  8 * 37.5 because it "weaker"?
Now I have to wait until I get an appointment to my GP which can take well over a week, and getting the side effects kinda scares me. I had them before when I forgot to buy the viepax and it was devastating - couldn't concentrate, my thoughts were blurry, anxiety..
I guess I'm asking how should I handle this in the meantime? Anyone here has experience with
changing doses and mixing XR with standard?
Thanks.

[4Maddie44]

Let me know how you get on.  

[billywicked]

I have what they call a "medication-resistant" depression. Over the years I switched meds several times and nothing really worked. Well, not in any good sense (I did have some enjoyable manic state from one of them..) so that's why I'm on high doses. I think Borderline Personality is a harder nut to crack with drugs than "just" depression.

I'm not.. on good terms, so to speak, with my therapist, but I should really check this stupid viepax arrangement with her. Buying 3 different boxes of Viepax has become a nuisance to say the least.

anyway, hope I'll sort this one quickly
Thanks for replying :)

[4Maddie44]

Hi, Venlafaxine hydrochloride is Viepax.  Viepax is the generic form of Effexor.  I take 150mg Effexor at breakfast, and it releases during the day.

When I was given Viepax, I did not find it as effextive as Effexor, and asked to be put back on Effexor.  Feel much better now.

You are taking a lot of Venlafaxine over a day, unlike some, who take a daily dose.  Perhaps there was a reason for this in your case.  There are XP versions, and XL versions.  The difference is in the release time.  Have you looked this up on the internet?  2 tablets of 37.5 will do for the 75mg, until you see doctor.  You are on quite a large dosage, so I suppose not taking the 75mg gives you withdrawal symptoms.  I think someone else will have to explain if there is harm in taking XL and XP together.  I shouldn't have thought so in the short term.  Ask your doctor all these questions when you see them.Sounds very complicated.  Why did the doctor split your dosage like this, instead of a daily dose.  Is it because you are on such a high dosage?