Medication increases...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2006
Medication increases...
3
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 10:59am

I've been on the Effexor for about 3 weeks now. I'm on the lowest therapeutic dose (75mg) and when I saw the doc (GP, not a pdoc) on Tuesday he said he wanted to see me back in another 3 weeks to determine if I need to go on a higher dose, which apparently isn't uncommon.

Last week was a great week...I felt more relaxed than I have in months and work went well. I was virtually anxiety-free and really enjoying it. This week has been tougher with my husband back home again and a lot of crises at work. Work will only get worse in the next few weeks as a big project is completed. I've had two minor anxiety attacks this week that I was able to control via breathing, positive thinking, and distractions. Today I was fairly anxious all day but have calmed down now that I'm home.

So, my question is this - for those that have needed medication increases, how did you know that it was necessary? Did things get as bad as they were before you went on meds or was it just a moderate slide backwards?

It's been frustrating to experience the anxiety again when last week was so great. It just goes to show that I still have a long way to go, and that meds alone can't solve everything I guess.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 11:07am

You are right that meds can't solve anything.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 12:09pm
JMO, more than likely the dr. had a target dose for the effexor in mind. The increases are done slowly when beginning a med for the first time. That's the safest way. ITA with Sheri Ann that letting the dr. know about the added stress is a very good idea. He needs to know where you stand. When I was on effexor, I took 225mg. a day. You may never require that dose. Meds affect each of us differently. I would say that if week after week you have difficulty coping, then the dose isn't right. Usually the patient & dr. come to an agreement on what both expect the meds to do. Good luck, Meghan! You sound as if you're doing so well under the circumstances. (((hugs))) jan




 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2006
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 5:58pm

Hi

I knew I had to increase my lexapro from 5 to 10 after 4 weeks. I just started having my intrusive thoughts. They stuck around for about a week, and I just felt awful again, that was how I knew. I went to 10 and have been there for 6 weeks now, and doing really well.

Good Luck
HUGS,
Kathy