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Is 450mg Of Effexor The Right Medication For Depression?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Question: I am prescribed 450 milagrams of Effexor. I think that's too much. Am I right
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Answered by Dr. Shama (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes maximum dose per day advised for Effexor is 375 mg in divided doses.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Health care Magic.

I am Dr. Shama and I will be answering your question.

Effexor is an antidepressant drug, it is prescribed primarily for treatment of depression. In our hospital we do use it for prophylaxis of migraine.

It is available in a strength of 75 mg tablets. We initially start with half tablet 2-3 times per day for 1 week followed by 75 mg 2-3 times per day and if required we increase this up to maximum of 300-375 mg per day in divided doses.
The drug does cause some dose dependent side effects like dizziness, lack of sleep, dry mouth.

Hence as rightly mentioned by you 450 mg is more.
Kindly consult your doctor before taking this and discuss with him.

Hope this is helpful to you.
Please do write back to me for further questions.

Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Follow up: Dr. Shama (12 minutes later)
How do I lower the dose
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Answered by Dr. Shama (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dosage alteration should always be done in consultation with your doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for the follow up question.

We usually prescribe in lower dose of 75 mg per day and gradually increase the number of tablets till the maximum dose of 300 mg is reached by making it four times per day.
If you are already taking higher dose the dose has to be tapered slowly by reducing one tablet per week.

You need to consult your doctor for this dose arrangement and do discuss with him regarding the need for high dosage. Since the dosage of the tablets should not be altered suddenly this dosage alteration should always be done in consultation with your doctor.

Hope this is helpful to you.
Please do write back to me for further questions.

Thank you

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Shama

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 472 Questions

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Is 450mg Of Effexor The Right Medication For Depression?

Brief Answer: Yes maximum dose per day advised for Effexor is 375 mg in divided doses. Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Health care Magic. I am Dr. Shama and I will be answering your question. Effexor is an antidepressant drug, it is prescribed primarily for treatment of depression. In our hospital we do use it for prophylaxis of migraine. It is available in a strength of 75 mg tablets. We initially start with half tablet 2-3 times per day for 1 week followed by 75 mg 2-3 times per day and if required we increase this up to maximum of 300-375 mg per day in divided doses. The drug does cause some dose dependent side effects like dizziness, lack of sleep, dry mouth. Hence as rightly mentioned by you 450 mg is more. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this and discuss with him. Hope this is helpful to you. Please do write back to me for further questions. Thank you