Posted by Irene on May 8, 2001, at 15:43:18
In reply to Re: Effexor: MY Conclusions » Irene, posted by kid47 on May 8, 2001, at 15:19:52
kid47,
I took Effexor for anxiety and clinical depression for 3 years (varying between 187.5 - 225 mg.), the last 9 months of which I finally had no depressive symtoms at all. Prior to that I had mild lows and fatigue here and there. But when I finally was truly well for 9 months straight, my doc and I decided to see if the depressive episode might be over, and began the tapering process 5 months ago.
Wow, your 7 weeks seems short to me! My doc wanted me to take a month with each step decrease to make sure I feel well for a while before doing another decrease.
What dosage were you at on Effexor, and Serzone? you mentioned you were being treated for anxiety and clinical depression. Was it that alone, or was there menopause, etc involved (sorry, I don't know your age).
Irene> Hi Irene.
>
> > How long after completely coming off Effexor did you feel well again?
>
> Actually after about 11 mos, on FXR I began to feel "normal." When I realized this was not a fluke (or hypomania) I decided to wean off FXR. I started slooowly tapering my dose over about 7wks. & have continued to feel pretty good. This is day 14 med free so keep your fingers crossed!!!
>
> >Is your depression really over? That's such good news.
>
> God I hope so!!!!! I also am aware it could return but trying to be optomistic.
>
>
> > I myself weaned off last week, but started Serzone two days ago because I was still moody and had anxiety. I still wonder if it's the underlying depression I'm feeling or if I gave myself enough time after coming off the Effexor.
> > Irene
>
> Good question. I'm curious....how long were you on FXR. What dose. Why did you stop taking it?
> As you probably know It could take at least 6 weeks before you notice any improvement from the Serezone. In my case Serezone helped my anxiety but did little for my depression. It did make me very sleepy. But as u know everyone is different in their response to meds. Because of FXR's short half life & the time it might take for the Serezone to work you might be suffering from both a recurrence of depression & some discontinuation fx from the FXR. Geez....it's never easy is it. At any rate if you still feel lousy after a bit be sure & ask your doc about it. Good luck!! Take care
poster:Irene
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/62172.html