I recently went up in dose of Effexor XR from 112.5 to 150 a couple days ago. I've been on med for?

I hope so. Keep me posted.

Yes, this is all typical for an increase, 2-3 months is what I tell folks to give it before making any judgment calls. Thanks for the update, Best to you!

So I've now been in 150mg for a little over two weeks, and total taper upwards for 6 weeks. Depression is resolving, and anxiety a bit better. Pdoc says there is a "lag" time between increasing dose and anxiety getting resolved. Anyone else agree? Should I give the 150mg another week, or go up?

Give it another 2-3 weeks at least. Keep going up too often and you'll hit the ceiling for that drug and be stuck. It takes longer than you think so please be patient.

Okay. I've been on 150mg for 4 weeks now, total on Effexor, 8 weeks. I still have bad anxiety that puts me into depression and hopelessness. Going to pdoc today. She added Buspar last Friday,30mg to see if that can curb anxiety. I take .75 Klonopin at night. Pdoc keeps saying that I haven't been at 150 long enough. I'm starting to doubt her ALOT!! It seems to me 4 weeks at 150 and 8 weeks total on this med should be doing more than it is. I'll see what she says today, but anyone else take longer?? I am trying to keep busy, board games, church functions, house work... But I feel like crap most days... Well everyday. Advice??

I partially Agree with the Doc, as 4-6 weeks is a fair measure, so 2 more weeks is worth waiting before complicating things with anything else.

That's what doc wants me to do. Wait at least another week. I am not that Informed in how dose increases help and time frames for each dose. Seems like dose increases should add onto what you've already got in your system. So, if I'm clear, each increase needs 4-6 weeks to see what it is gonna do? At this rate I assume we can throw the 4/6 weeks after starting a med... Out the window?

Also, why do you only partially agree?

Because I share your doubts that she added something to this already unsettled period of time you're going through.

I think she's trying to get my daily anxiety under control while Effexor does what it's gonna do at 150. But I too wonder how she'll be able to tell what is doing what for or against me. Are you still on Effexor? How long did it take for your symptoms to resolve. I know we are all different just curious

Okay... I was incorrect. I am now just starting my 4th week at 150mg. So it makes sense to give this another week maybe two before increasing. And pdoc said to only take 25mg of buspar I I want. Today was a slightly better day. Ups and downs toward recovery. Ugh!!

Starting my 6th week at the 150mg of Effexor. Depression is better, but anxiety is still daily, which can make anyone dip down towards depression. I see pdoc next tues and I'm wondering if I need to wait another couple weeks at this dose or ask to increase? Pdoc always says it's up to me and how tolerable my symptoms are. Well, kinda a weird question because of course months if anxiety isn't tolerable. I kinda need to get insight as to how much longer 150 can benefit me?

Hey folks. Still struggling at the 150 dose. Today is the beginning of my 7th week at dose. I keep feeling ok, then dip into depression. Any suggestions?

I would really appreciate a response for anyone. I have finished 6 weeks of Effexor 150mg and lately I've dropped backwards. I'm REALLY starting to get mad and thinkin Effexor sucks. Good day then bad. Pdoc says to increase to 187.5 but if I'm on this roller coaster with depression and anxiety at 150, what is the point if raising it? I don't like that you have to keep raising this med with hopes that the good days will stick and get better. Can anyone suggest a better anti depressant? I don't like the inconsistency with Effexor. I am in a really bad place and would love to hear what someone thinks. I know we r all different, but I need to consistently function for my family and for my volunteer job. This inconsistency makes each day a question. I would expect a gradual improvement not a roller coaster

Sorry I've been ill. I would say you're correct, this one may not be fr you, if you do switch, you'll need to give it 4-5 weeks before starting something else. Get all the way off it first.

My doc called and said that she would recommend going up in doseage. She does not want me to stop it. She said I would get worse since I've shown some progress. She keeps saying it takes time to get to the correct dose for me. I'm frustrated

It's true, it does take time, and stopping may not be the thing to do if that's what she's saying. That said, going up again right now may stress you out more based on how you're feeling about things. Give it some time, you can increase any time, see if in this next 2-3 weeks you can develop other coping skills on this dose. Remember, with every dose change, up or down, there's another adjustment that lasts weeks.

Saw pdoc today. She wants me to stay on the 150 for at least one more week. She also took the buspar away( which I'm glad). I think the buspar actually was making my depression worse. So, wish me success. I'll more than likely being going up in dose next week. I just wish I could understand why anti depressant takes longer than 7 weeks to bring satisfactory relief.

All the more reason to give things 2-3 weeks more before making more changes of any kind, not one week.

Hi Everyone
I'm wanting to better understand dose increases with Effexor. I still have bad days with anxiety and bouts of depression. So FINALLY after finishing my 6th week at 150 pdoc said she really wants to increase my dose Monday to 187.5. I don't understand this process. Doc keeps saying I need more and since in not at maximum she'd like me to increase. Why does people need maximum doses on this drug to resolve depression and anxiety? My concerns are if I go up and then it does not work, I'll have a harder time getting off of it to try something else. I feel like I take 3 steps forward and 2 back. Anyone else experience this with this med?? Pdoc keeps sayin I'm gonna recover I just need a higher dose for longer. How long for God sakes?

First off: Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!
Ok. I wanted to update my situation. I'm now been on 150 for 8 weeks. I could NOT tolerate increasing the dose to 187.5. I has increased anxiety and spiraled into a depressive state. On 150 my depression is pretty controlled, but I still have daily anxiety. Sooo... Pdoc keeps saying anxiety can take a long time to resolve. Longer than depression. My question I anyone that is on Effexor and suffers with both anxiety AND depression is did you find this to be true? I kinda think Effexor is what I term, a "dirty anti-depressant". It never feels like it brings me totally up and out. So, again... Anyone find that their anxiety symptoms for better in his drug after 8 weeks without raising dosage? I can't raise it anymore yet is like to see he anxiety resolve more. Again, pdoc keeps saying... give it more time. Ugh. Any positive comments would be helpful.

Well, sorry to echo this, but giving it more time (based on all your information) is what should be done. 3-4 weeks.

So, 12 weeks for anxiety and residual depression to resolve at current dose? That seems an awful long time. I'm not in the deep dark hole anymore but I don't feel "well". So really?? 3 months??

It can be, yes. Such a wide variety of variables come into play with these meds, time, revisits / observation and adjustments can take place for months. It's case by case of course, however this sort of lead time is usually built in when these meds are first presented to the patient, there shouldn't be so much surprise as the information given ()or that should have been given) would explain.

I guess I'm surprised because of the roller coaster I go thru on his recovery. And when you look at most info., it says 6-8 weeks is the normal time for full therapeutic dose to show full benefit. So to be told it can take months at current dose makes me question that I'll get better after 8 weeks. I was thinking if asking doc to add lacrimal. I'm so sick of feeling not well.

The problem with information is it's source for one (misinformation being rampant), and its misinterpretation for two (because it can be so conflicting and confusing and thereby frustrating).

When it comes to meds like these (and meds in general), much of the information is directed at the masses and based on averages (or it's coming from who knows where).

Individuals are just that, individual, unique, thus making the variations from what reads as "the norm" seemingly endless.

Your disillusionment is valid, your patience is being tested and your well- being is the concern, and things can get complicated, but again, time will pass and taking the right steps you will indeed come through on the other side, having gained in wisdom and able to help others in a similar situation should you come across them.

..and I hear you loud and clear! Sick and tired of being tired of being sick.

Mmei,
I was on effexor 150 mg for four weeks and had the same problems you did . My Pdoc is lowering it to 112.5 tomorrow . Even though it takes at least 8 weeks, he says it should not be this difficult. I have been going through this for almost two years with little relief and this is my fifth med . Good luck to you and to all of us who suffer with anxiety and depression . It is beyond painful.

Did you notice each week getting better?

Thanks. Pdoc said that gad was the last to lift usually. Did u find that to be true? I'll hang in there. Really no other option. I know these meds take time. I hope I feel 90% better at the 6th week mark like you did! Happy for you. Depression and anxiety is the worst feelings in the world!

Hey sidrim: it sounds like Effexor was a good med for your GAD. Did you notice that diminishing same time as depression? Reason I'm asking is I wanted to know because as I've stated, my pdoc said anxiety can be the last to go over depression. Just curious if you found that to be true. ?? I don't want to "hope", I'd like to feel reassured. Thanks and I had a nice day at the beach but still not where I wanna be obviously.

So day 2 of week 5 and I do feel like I'm still improving. Doc said may go up to 187.5 next week if necessary. Mostly the anxiety is still lingering, but I do feel less depressed. I'd say I'm 40% better then when I started the Effexor Xr. So doc says I'm pretty much on average with most folks as far as recovery on Effexor from MDD and anxiety. Hope that I don't have to increase next week, but will if I gotta. I'm finally thinking there may be a light at the end of this tunnel. Doc expects complete remission since I don't have a history of long standing GAD or depression. Which I pray is accurate. Thank you for your support. It helps to hear others journey out of this dark place.

I am glad that things are working out for you!

I'll add you as a friend. We can talk via direct messages, as it appears that some of my answers don't got through.

How long did you stay on the 112.5 ?