I have been on 600 mg. for the past 14 yrs... anyone on such a dose or possibly even higher?
Effexor XR - Anyone on 600 mg?
Question posted by Danialla on 24 Aug 2014
Last updated on 3 October 2018
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5 Answers
junebug102
3 Oct 2018
I just asked my doc to raise it, he was apprehensive, but he did the right thing, I was on 450 mgs , but now on 600 mgs and I feel much better.
WildcatVet
3 Oct 2018
I'm surprised a doctor would do that since there have been next to no studies regarding the long term effects of such a very high dose. The most severely depressed in-patients generally do not receive more than 375mg/day.
I'm glad it works for you.
junebug102
3 Oct 2018
My doc is the best, he knows how smart I am as far as meds go. I took up an interest in the meds I was on and all the docs I had over the years with a severe bipolar one disorder.
It took me years I'm talking 45 yrs to find the right doctor, well, I finally did, and I really, really trust him. Thank you for your comment, however.
WildcatVet
4 Oct 2018
Wonderful! The reason I'm shocked is that I'm a 3rd student of psychopharmocology and also Bipolar myself.
I'm off antidepressants because they can provoke manic/hypomanic episodes.
Curiousjo
13 Oct 2015
Yes... I have been on 600mg daily for approximately 12 years. I tried 2 others before Effexor and very quickly increased to 600mg. My current specialist wanted at least 6 months of stability before even considering a decrease. It took years but finally I have started decreasing and so far so good.
If you receive this and want more info etc just respond to this.
Danialla
13 Oct 2015
Thank you so much for your comment. Are you on any other meds? Effexor made a huge difference in my depression but slowly I needed more/different meds. I have always had a full-time job and so far so good, have been able to maintain it despite my major depression... I hate my depression it makes everything so hard.
Oh well, take care of yourself.
Lissa35
9 July 2015
I too have been on 600mg of Effexor. I haven't been on it for 14 years, but I have been on it for 5 years now. I was very ill and was in the Psych. Hospital and monitored by Psych. Clinic for 2 years but once my Psychiatrist slowly increased and increased my dosage I began to feel a lot better. Yes. I am on the highest dosage you can take, just like you. However I am functional and working again and can see things for what they are. My PTSD does pop up and I have lapsed twice in the 5 years I have been on the medication but overall I feel as normal as I possibly can with all the crap I have endured.
If your Psych. recommended the highest dose, it is for a reason. Also when I asked about long term I was advised that if it is working to keep taking it and only worry at the time if it stops working. It is only then that I will need to link back in with Psych. and have my medication re-assessed.
Good luck with everything!
Danialla
9 July 2015
Thanks Lisa for your input. I do have been hospitalized and was gradually raised to that dose. I take wellbutrin, abilify and seroquel and I also do ECT but am able to go to work after a treatment. So far so good. Major depression is the pits!
Take care
WildcatVet
26 Aug 2014
Hi, Dani, I've been on 300mg for years and my physisian won't take me any higher. I suppose if your doctor's aware of the dose you're on, it's working for you, and no lside effects, well and good. It's just like kaismama said, that's a whomping dose!
There isn't much evidence on the books for long-term harmful effects, but if you ever have to withdraw be sure to get a plan from your doctor ~ it could get nasty if you drop the dose too quickly.
Best wishes! WCV
kaismama
24 Aug 2014
That's An incredible dose. The max is 375 a day. If that doesn't work an other is added or the med is changed altogether.
Pansy404
24 Aug 2014
Hello, well that does sound like a large dose. I was only ever on 150mg daily. I presume your doctor thinks you need to be on that dosage. Hope you are doing OK.
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