I have question about Effexor XL
The literature states that Effexor XL is prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder,panic attacks, social phobia. Is the amount of Effexor XR prescribed different for all of these disorders?
Answer:it really depends on the person... most times, a lower dose should be adequate for treating anxiety issues such as GAD, panic disorder, and social phobia. slightly higher doses are typically needed for people who are more on the depressed side.
As a healthcare provider I can tell you that the dose is based on your symptoms. In other words...if you are taking it for anxiety we dose according to your anxiety level, and how much you need to take to relieve the problem. I usually dose at 75mg or 150mg. But I have patients who need to be on 225mg in order to have thier symptoms under control.
I think the prescribed level is more a result of the severity of the symptoms and not the symptom itself. I take it and it has really changed me for the better.
It depends on the person. I had all of the about and stayed on 150mg/day for a few years. Effexor XR comes in 37.5mg, 75mg and 150mg. To treat anxiety, panic attacks and social phobia, I think a patient usually takes 150mg or higher. 225mg made me lazy and want to sleep all day.
Be careful. Read about Effexor on the internet before you start taking it. The doctors are happy to prescribe it but they don't warn you about the major side effect of this drug. Withdrawl from Effexor is absolute HELL (even if you only forget to take it once).
I was told that I'd only be on Effexor XR for ONE year. I've been on it now for SEVEN years and can't stop taking it. I tried to quit myself but ended up in the hospital. The doctors give me excuses every time I ask to be taken off Effexor. You get brain zaps, uncontrolable anger, sadness, dizziness, severe mood swings, nausea, suicidal thoughts, etc, etc, etc if you try to quit cold turkey. It's close to impossible to just stop taking it.
Look up "Effexor withdral" on the net and read about all the lawsuits and peoples' experiences. It's definetly got its pros and cons.
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/mentalheal...