Posted by Spencer on December 3, 2001, at 9:41:07
In reply to effexor scares me, posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
I agree with AnneL. Stick with Effexor and don't worry about the withdrawal symptoms in the future. There are lots of problem cases but it seems to me that most people can wean themselves off with little effect with proper supervision from their doctor.
I developed very severe depression during August/September this year. My GP tried me on Prozac (fluoxetine) but I was so bad he sent me to a psychiatrist who put me on 75mg Effexor XR for 5 days and I've been on 150mg once a day since. I went through hell but was warned that I would feel worse before I got better and it would take anything up to 6-8 weeks to take full effect. I had side effects for about a month..blurred vision, impotence, poor sleeping pattern and restricted urination. I was also anxious about what I read on this site about withdrawal symptoms.
Effexor has changed my life. After about 6 weeks the severe depression and intense anxiety went away. The side effects, including the impotence, have gone away, but sleep is still a problem. I take half a Stilnox every so often and get a good night's sleep to catch up. I am enjoying life and have been seeing a psychologist who has been extremely helpful in changing my way of thinking.
Stay with it and as AnneL says, discuss your difficulties with your doctor...don't suffer on your one when you can get help.
poster:Spencer
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011202/msgs/85861.html