Posted by sid on January 6, 2002, at 20:53:13
In reply to Re: Dysthymia, Effexor XR, sleep problem, alternatives, posted by MaKi on January 6, 2002, at 16:34:13
Thanks, yes I think too that it's time to increase my dosage. Don't know why my doc is keeping me at such a low dosage for so long. I'm seeing her in 2 weeks.
I had major insomnia for the first 2-3 weeks - I slept an average of 3 to 4 hours per night and not at all during the day. Then I had minor insomnis; i.e., as you describe: waking up several times per night, but then I could go back to sleep at least. The past week has been: sleep sleep sleep. I had given up caffeinated coffee but I bought some for tomorrow morning: back to work! Need to be very awake.
I am fairly patient in this process - it took me years to get out of major depression, so I know it takes time for it all to work. It's just that now I only have dysthymia (+ anxiety), and frankly, right now I almost prefer the disease to being sooo sleepy all the time. Anyway, I'll keep you posted and undoubtedly ask more questions!
> Sid,
>
> I've been taking Effexor XR, at 37.5mg daily for
> a full 4 weeks now. As far as being sleepy all
> the time, I can't say that I've been experiencing
> the same thing. The only problem I seem to have is
> waking up often during the night but other than that,
> I don't have any problems staying awake. You said
> you've been taking the medication now for 40 days and
> you're thinking of switching? In my opinion, I think
> you should probably tough it out a while longer, and
> once you increase your dosage, maybe things will change
> for the better. I think that most of us are very
> impatient and expect the drug to take effect as soon as
> administered but that's not really the case, it doesn't
> start working overnight. I tried Paxil and then Zoloft
> right before trying Effexor XR and let me tell you, I
> experienced such bad side effects, mostly during the
> night that I don't ever want to experience them again.
> I'm pretty happy with Effexor but I will eventually
> have to increase my dosage, and that's what I'm afraid of.
>
> I'm sure you will make the right decision, only you know
> your body and what you're comfortable with. If it means
> anything, good luck and keep me posted.
>
> MaKi
poster:sid
thread:88869
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020103/msgs/89112.html