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Suggest Dosage For Effexor XR And Valium

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Posted on Tue, 29 Dec 2015
Question: Hi, i have been on effexor xr 75/mg for anxiety/ depression for over 12yrs with no need for a dose increase until a week a go when my anxiety flared to the point of not eating, feeling anxious all the time ect due to months of stress. I'm now been on 150mg for 1 week and still feel awful. I thought as i had already taken this medication before that it might have started to work by now. How long will it take for me to feel better? also taking 5mg valium for the next month to help with the sypmtoms, then will be tapered off. All the years of taking 75mg i have always taking in the morning with water and no food, i now read on the label that i have to take with food. Does this mean that they haven't been working as well all these years due to not taking with food? Also how much food do i need to have? Is a small 1/4 of bread ok.? i usually have breakfast very late as i don't sleep well. Thank you
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Sometimes anxiety can spike for reasons we don't understand. Anxiety after all is a biological disease. It is good that you have been stable for many years on Effexor 75mg. This is a good indication a dose increase will help. It can take 6-8 weeks for a dose increase to have the desired effect. So, you will need to wait a little longer. The Valium should help in the meantime.

The food does not affect the efficacy of the drug. It is recommended you take it with food simply to avoid the side effect of nausea. So the drug has been working, and yes, that bread is enough!

In the future, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below, because we receive nearly double the payment from this website for direct questions. After asking a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Suggest Dosage For Effexor XR And Valium

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. Sometimes anxiety can spike for reasons we don't understand. Anxiety after all is a biological disease. It is good that you have been stable for many years on Effexor 75mg. This is a good indication a dose increase will help. It can take 6-8 weeks for a dose increase to have the desired effect. So, you will need to wait a little longer. The Valium should help in the meantime. The food does not affect the efficacy of the drug. It is recommended you take it with food simply to avoid the side effect of nausea. So the drug has been working, and yes, that bread is enough! In the future, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below, because we receive nearly double the payment from this website for direct questions. After asking a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers