Posted by Sean9 on April 4, 2003, at 4:47:13
In reply to Re: thanks » Paco (nm) » KRM123, posted by Dr. Bob on April 4, 2003, at 0:18:20
As for positive experiences with starting and staying on Effexor, I have heard and seen many people say it is the most effective med they've taken to help them deal with their depression. Many people have posted that it worked even when other popular meds didn't. Much of the research points to the fact that Effexor effects two to three chemicals in your body, which may be why it has the best track record of treating depression.
If you are just starting Effexor, just make sure you don't ever miss a dosage, take it at the same time each day, and see what works better for you (taking at night or in the morning, for us it was more tolerable at night). We saw results start in a couple of weeks, with probably a full effect after 6 weeks.
As I've said before, it is everyone's right to live a happy and meaningful life. And in the spirit of that, I won't add my positive message about Effexor without the bad. The withdrawal effects are horrible (second worst med to withdrawal next to Paxil as rated by some medical communities) and you will experience them the first day you forget your meds. Just be prepared and read everything (good, bad, otherwise) before you start your medication. Also, I'd recommend exploring any other meds that have less severe withdrawal effects and longer half-lifes (like Prozac or Welbutrin) with your doctor before you start something 'heavy' like Effexor.
Again, congrats on deciding to live a happy life and doing something to help get you there. And remember that we're all made up of chemical reactions anyway, you're just trying to find the right one's for you.
poster:Sean9
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030402/msgs/216108.html