Posted by jvalori1 on March 16, 2001, at 22:22:19
In reply to Re: anyone been on effexor xr for more than 1 year, posted by crylt73 on March 10, 2001, at 12:51:59
Hi, just found this info and have been reading posts. I have been on 300 mg of effexor xr for two years. Prior to that I had been on the non-time release effexor between 17.5 mg and 150 mg for about 3 years. I've been with two different doctors, both warned me about withdrawal symptoms. My sister was on effexor too and couldn't take the withdrawal symptoms and got switched over to prozac. It has, in all honesty, been like a miracle for me for my last bout of depression was quite debilitating. I have very mixed feelings about having to take medication and the more depressed I am, the worse I feel about taking medication. The doctors tell me everyone has ups and downs and I'm actually glad to still feel things while on the medication. I'm in the midst of a small down-swing right now. My doctor has suggested wellbutrin in addition to the effexor if the down-swing gets too severe for me to handle, which is actually how I found this - searching for info on wellbutrin.
My sister swore effexor made her gain weight and made her hair curly. I have found that after two years, my hair is curly and I have steadily gained weight. My husband says pet adoption was a side effect of effexor and I have adopted 4 pets over the last 5 years. I also have a low tolerance to heat and high humidity. My blood pressure is a little higher than it used to be. I will start to get a headache if I am really late in taking my daily dosage. But I've always gotten headaches and overall I think I've had headache relief on effexor.
I tried to wean myself off once, when I got down to 17.5 mg and the withdrawal symptoms were minimal. But eventually the depression came back and I'm up to 300 mg daily now.
But basically I'm thankful there is a medication to take.
I'm glad to hear of others' experiences.
poster:jvalori1
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010310/msgs/56717.html