I was online and doing a bit of reading on Effexor. I was aware that this med works in stages but was curious if anyone has had experience with the higher doses mentioned in the article below. I am on 150 MG XR per day. Apparently, the norepinephrine doesn't really kick in until you hit the 200 mg mark and 300 mg for dopamine. So, am I to assume that at 150 mg per day, I am only getting partial benefits from this med? Any Effexor takers out there who experienced a marked improvement when your dosage was increased to 200-300+ mg?


"And the way Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) works on neurotransmitters is very complicated. Your doctor may or may not explain this to you. Here's how it works: First it starts to work on your serotonin. Then somewhere around 200 mg a day it starts to work on norepinephrine. Then around 300 mg a day it starts to work on your dopamine. Mileage will vary for each individual, and there's no guarantee on getting all that much dopamine action."

hi piano,

ever since i started on effexor xr. , i was slowly titrated upward until i reached the dose i'm on now-- 150 mg. twice a day. since i was going through a major depressive episode at that time, my psych. didn't play around and neither did i. i truly needed something strong to help me out of the dark tunnel. i don't know how i'd have felt on less. however, i do know that the two times i tried to lower the dosage, i slipped back pretty badly. i've been on this med. for about 7 years now.

if you're doing ok on your current dosage, i'd suggest for you to stay on it--at least until you start feeling really depressed again. i think you're fairly new to this medication, if i remember correctly?!!

take care!

Thank you for the reply, Dakota. Do you take Effexor XR???

With Effexor XR there is an added benefit, they have found it to greatly reduce the amount of migraines pt. suffer.I know I haven't had one in a very long time.I take 150 mg. XR 2 times a day and have excellent results. It is one of the best anti anxiety/anti depressant meds I have ever tried. Try not to worry so much at what level what happens and look for the benefits of the dose you are on:) . Good luck and God Bless

For me, the side effects at 300 mg were intolerable. I was taking 225 mg. That dose did well for me. However, the doc decreased my Effexor XR to 150 mg since he prescribed an additional medication. His concern was that both medications at a higher dose could give me a hypertensive crisis.