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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can High Dose Of Effexor XR Treat Depression?

In the past I have taken Welbutrin, Abilify, and Lexapro. All of these medications had unbearable side effects and I had to stop taking them. Around 2 years ago I was started on 75mg/day of Effexor XR and until recently, it has worked great. However, for the past couple of weeks I have been feeling depressed again. I am very tired and unmotivated. I have an appointment with my family doctor next week, but in the mean-time I am concerned for my mental health. Would it be in my best interest to ask for a higher dosage or to ask for a different medication.
Wed, 18 Feb 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

You have been on Bupropion (wellbutrin), Abilify and Lexapro for depression and these medicines caused side effects so you stopped these medicines. Then Venlafaxine 75 mg was added to prescription and it worked great. The medicine is a SNRI drug and have good antidepressant effect. If now you have persisting symptoms of lack of motivation, tiredness then as per my opinion doses can be increased. Increase in dose will result in improvement in symptoms and there would be no serious side effects.

You can consult your psychiatrist for high dose of the drug.

Thank
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Psychiatrist Dr. Shubham Mehta's  Response
Hello
The maximum dose of effexor to treat depression is upto 225mg/day.
So it would the best choice to raise the dose of drug rather than changing the drug.
Do discuss about the discontinuation symptoms of effexor with your doctor.
Thanks.
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Can High Dose Of Effexor XR Treat Depression?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM You have been on Bupropion (wellbutrin), Abilify and Lexapro for depression and these medicines caused side effects so you stopped these medicines. Then Venlafaxine 75 mg was added to prescription and it worked great. The medicine is a SNRI drug and have good antidepressant effect. If now you have persisting symptoms of lack of motivation, tiredness then as per my opinion doses can be increased. Increase in dose will result in improvement in symptoms and there would be no serious side effects. You can consult your psychiatrist for high dose of the drug. Thank