Posted by tobycat on September 3, 2001, at 14:58:24
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Jayce on September 3, 2001, at 10:02:23
I've had the same experience as Jayce - Effexor XR has effected me in a very positive way, helping me to feel and behave normally for the first time in years. Reading through the messages it seems as if there's lots of back and forth as to whether or not Effexor is a good drug or not. I actually think that's the wrong question to be asking.
A better question, perhaps, is: "is Effexor a good drug for *me*?". Individuals respond to the various psychiatric drugs with wide variation. Some have terrific responses, some have so-so responses, and some have truly awful responses. After reading through many many posts here, it seems that those with the most success are those who persevere in active partnership with a knowlegeable psychiatric doctor. Some have had terrific responses as well as managed to wean off of it successfully. Others have not had such good luck.
I am very grateful for the positive impact Effexor has had on the quality of my life. At the same time, I feel deep compassion for those who have suffered as a result of taking it. I believe that we need to hold our prescribing physicians accountable for fully discussing with us the risks and benefits of each drug they prescribe for us and for those having a tough time weaning, to pay extra attention to mitigating the impact of the side effects.
On the other hand, I encourage anyone just starting Effexor and reading these posts not to get scared away by what you read here. Yes, there are risks of negative withdrawal effects (and no, not everybody experiences them). To the beginner I would suggest talking frankly with your physician about your experience and concerns. If your doc doesn't take you seriously, then get a new doc!
When I first started Effexor I had some initial side effects that led me to this site. As I read the posts I got really scared. I talked to my doc and decided to stick it out. After four weeks the unwanted effects went away I was feeling great on a 150mg daily dose and it has been smooth sailing since. One thing I've kept in mind as I read the various message boards is that people who have a success are less likely to post their story (which is why I am doing this now). I'd also like to encourage others who have had a postiive experience to add their voices to the discussion so that the newcomers to the conversation can get a balanced perspective. I am also grateful to those who post their bad experiences because it is important to be up front about the risks of unwanted effects and possible withdrawal.
Bottom line is this: Effexor can work great for some people and badly for others. It's up to you how you want to balance the risks and benefits (not your doctor!). If it works well for you then congratulations! If it doesn't, then there's no reason to continue to suffer - it makes sense to slowly wean off with the help of your doctor and transition to a new treatment.
Thank you all for hearing me out. May you find peace and wellness.
> I am a normal person, because of Effexor XR!! (And I can speak for a few other people who would say the same thing.) I have been on several antidepressants since I began experiencing severe PMS symptoms, coupled with multiple losses that caused situational depression. Effexor XR is the best drug for me. The others, Paxil and Zoloft, made me sleepy and unmotivated, not to mention caused weight-gain. I think that most people who need help altering their brain chemistry should expect some minor side-effects. The question you need to ask yourself is, "Does this medicine make my life better, regardless of the side-effects?" All medicines have side-effects whether noticeable or not. Luckily, there are many good alternatives out there for depression and other problems that people, especially women, experience. Find a doctor who will work with you to find the medicine that is right for you. And educate yourself on the causes for your personal situation. If it's related to PMS, there are other things that you can do, in conjuction with taking an antidepressant, that can help ease your symptoms. Good Luck!
poster:tobycat
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010902/msgs/77564.html