Question: My Effexor update

hi, all; thought I'd share what was going on with me, effexor-wise.

I saw my regular doctor last week, and he suggested going from my "1-tablet every 6 hours [total of 300mg]" schedule to "2 apsules every 12 hours [same total, 300mgs]", to make it easier for me. As soon as I started the switchover [Thursday evening], I started getting a headache [not debilitating, but definitely unpleasant]; I wound up taking 1/2 a tablet along with the 2 capsules, since I was sure it was 'effexor level in the blood-stream' related. That continued thru Monday AM, when I didn't need the extra 1/2 tablet [Monday PM, tho, the headache came back, so I added the 1/2 tablet]. The sweats have been back, too, but that's all.

hope to hear from you all
soon,

Rick

Answers:

A: Hi Rick! I just read your message. Did your doctor change you to the "XR" (might be "SR") which means it is a "slow release" form of Effexor? Usually, a "slow release" form is a capsule; it releases the drug more slowly but over a longer span of time so you
are dosed more regularly. Did you call your doctor when you developed the headaches? Experience has taught me that should be Step One in eliminating side effects. It gives your doctor a good idea how well you are tolerating the change; he is also more familiar with the side effects. Self-dosing is not a good idea because you change your blood level of the drug and as in this case, didn't work. I think you ought to call your doctor first and tell him/her what is going on. Hope this helps! PS - I'm not scolding you; I'm just drawing on personal experience. Have a nice afternoon!
inthezone00

A: HI, BACK! oops, not shouting capslock on.....

no, didn't call the doctor [don't read maps, either...] because I was so sure it was the change in the blood level. and, yes, it was a change from the immediate release tablets to the extended release/sustained release capsules. the tablets reach a max conc in the bloodstream in about 2 hours, the capsules in about 5 hours; also, the tablets reach a higher level than the capsules, for the same nominal dosage. actually, in this case, taking the additional 1/2 a tablet did help the headache, since it 'kicked up' the blood level of drug to about (I'm guessing) what it was on the tablets 4x a day. The literature says that a constant level is reached in about 3 days, which correlates with my experience.

you have a good day, too.

Rick