Posted by dreamer on May 16, 2001, at 14:53:47
In reply to My nightmare experience with Effexor XR, posted by Ginger on May 15, 2001, at 17:54:18
Hi there, just thought I'd contribute on the effexor worries.
Taken 75mg for 3 years it is a very effective potent drug for *severe* depression and should only be prescribed when all other SSRI's fail.
Of course this is only my opinion and the list that follows applies only to my experience but it may help .1.nightmares-yes I had these whilst taking the dose on time and without missing a dose.They lasted about 6-8 months and actually helped,although not pleasant, to deal with suppressed experiences that were adding to my depression.Now dreams vivid but no nightmares.
2.Fatigue-intermittent,Reboxetine helps with the tiredness and motivation.Reducing dose for a couple of weeks also has helped.
3.Spaced-out-this is the anti-anxiety effect,some feel wired with effexor others like myself find it sedating like a mood stabilizer.
4. constipation-I changed my diet mainly due to the feeling of wanting to look after myself again but i did have constipation so I drink lots of sparkling mineral water and eat more fruit veg [easier said than done I know]
5.Anorgasma-dissapeared after 6-8 months. Does return briefly used small dose of buspar before the act.
6.Dizziness-still present but I can live with it
7.Tingling sensations-not as much as the first few months nobody knows what this is but it doesn't worry me infact call me weird but I find them quite pleasant also they are more evident if your'e a little late with the dose a kicking in feeling.
8.Muscle stiffness-I had xtreme back neck pain that dissapeared when the nightmares ceased.I put it down to my body tensing whilst dreaming and semi-awake.
9.Discontinue symptoms-be sensible.When halving the dose put the balls into a bit of marzipan or soft cheese.If you get the terrible symptoms chew one of the balls so it hits quickly[I know it's naughty but it does work just don't go overboard and eat the damn lot]
Also after several dose reductions that have been hell I am on one at the moment and I haven't had any of the withdrawal symptoms .Why? I've no idea.Feeling better the longer i'm on it I suppose some of us have bodies that take a long time to adjust.
The other SSRI's have had worse effects mainly mania with xtreme anger irritation or weight gain.One positive result~dreamer.
poster:dreamer
thread:63139
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63246.html