[JoeBob909]

Hi,

I've been taking EffexorXR since late 2001. I am now on 37.5mg once daily. The most I've ever been prescribed was 375mg daily. I was unaware of the maximum dosage until recently reading several reference sites for EffexorXR.

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EFFEXOR

The usual starting dose is 75 milligrams a day, divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses, and taken with food. If needed, your doctor may gradually increase your daily dose in steps of no more than 75 milligrams at a time up to a maximum of 375 milligrams per day.

If you have kidney or liver disease or are taking other medications, your doctor will adjust your dosage accordingly.

EFFEXOR XR

For both depression and anxiety the usual starting dose is 75 milligrams once daily, although some people begin with a dose of 37.5 milligrams for the first 4 to 7 days. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose, in steps of no more than 75 milligrams, up to a maximum of 225 milligrams daily. As with regular Effexor, the doctor will make adjustments in your dosage if you have kidney or liver disease.

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- My question is, since the maximum dose for EffexorXR is 225mg, and I was being prescribed 375mg, would that qualify as an Overdose?

- My symptoms at the time were identical to the sections describing overdoses.

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Overdosage
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An overdose of Effexor, combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Effexor overdose include:
Sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma

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[robo]

Have you seen the info on Effexor XR at Drugs.com?

http://www.drugs.com/pro/effexor-xr.html

See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

...It should be noted that, while the maximum recommended dose for moderately depressed outpatients is also 225 mg/day for Effexor (the immediate release form of venlafaxine), more severely depressed inpatients in one study of the development program for that product responded to a mean dose of 350 mg/day (range of 150 to 375 mg/day).

Whether or not higher doses of Effexor XR are needed for more severely depressed patients is unknown; however, the experience with Effexor XR doses higher than 225 mg/day is very limited.

Because individuals have different responses to different drugs, the dosage needed for an "overdose" is hard to define. If you were experiencing the symptoms as described below (sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma) then the dose of Effexor XR given to you was probably excessive.

[JoeBob909]

Hmm, that seems to clarify things a little. I was worried about possible permanent effects If I had be overdosed. Thanks for the reply =]