HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is De-personalization A Side Effect Of Effexor?

default
Posted on Wed, 7 Oct 2015
Question: Hi there
I have been on Effexor for over 12mths increasing to the largest dose of 450mg, for GAD and depression, the depersonalisation seems to have gotten worse with the increase, been on 450mg for 6 weeks. Might it be better to reduce the dosage?, Im having great/days then PMS with anxiety and depersonalisation after period also.my doc suggested increasing the dosage to deal with the PMS and some depersonalisation but at 6 weeks at this dosage Im still not getting consistency, Is depersonalisation a side effect possibly or is it my illness? thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alok Sinha (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
The dose of Effexor appears to be high causing de-personalization

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,

Thanks for asking your query here.

The dose of Effexor at 450 mg per day appears to be high. In clinical practice I never such a high dose as increased dose brings many side effects also. Effexor at this dose may cause accelerated hypertension and restlessness. Episodes of accelerated hypertension may cause extreme anxiety and episodes of de-personalization as well.

As such you have tried the highest possible dose of Effexor without complete resolution. So it will be a wise decision to augment your therapy with another drug like Buspirone or Mirtazapine. This augmentation will help you get stabililized with lesser doses of Effexor without much side effects.

You may discuss this issue with your psychiatrist.

I wish you a better health.
All the best.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alok Sinha

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 212 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is De-personalization A Side Effect Of Effexor?

Brief Answer: The dose of Effexor appears to be high causing de-personalization Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM, Thanks for asking your query here. The dose of Effexor at 450 mg per day appears to be high. In clinical practice I never such a high dose as increased dose brings many side effects also. Effexor at this dose may cause accelerated hypertension and restlessness. Episodes of accelerated hypertension may cause extreme anxiety and episodes of de-personalization as well. As such you have tried the highest possible dose of Effexor without complete resolution. So it will be a wise decision to augment your therapy with another drug like Buspirone or Mirtazapine. This augmentation will help you get stabililized with lesser doses of Effexor without much side effects. You may discuss this issue with your psychiatrist. I wish you a better health. All the best.