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Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? » willie

Posted by mercedes on July 19, 2003, at 23:32:19

In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? , posted by willie on July 17, 2003, at 18:26:13

Hi Willie, I am the one that drove to see my grandbaby be born. I wanted to respond to you back when you wrote but got sidetracked. I know how you feel about writing. I only started about a month and half ago and took me sometime to get the courage also.

I wrote sometime ago that I was on 37.5 mgs of Effexor for about a year (I also take xanex for anxiety, just a note). Anyway, I didn't seem to be getting better anxiety wise or depression wise. It took me moving, to be forced to find another pdoc. This new pdoc. thought my 37.5 dose was too low and was surprized that my previous pdoc had left me at that dose for that long. My new pdoc gradually increased my dose, 37.5 to 75 to 112.5 to 150 to 225 and now I am on 300mgs. Although I have some SE's, for the most part my depression lifted somewhere around the 225 level and I finally felt like laughing, I found myself smiling more and felt like there IS life after PTSD, Anx., Dep, Agoraph.

I have burst of energy and get alot done but don't chastise myself if I don't. AND it finally let me drive long distance which I hadn't done in 7 years. Remember, I also take xanex so the combination may have something to do with it. I also lost my appetite, and have lost about 11 lbs. I need to lose alot more but I'm not trying. I prefer to eat a salad w/tuna or hard boiled egg in am, just cuz I have to eat, instead of a big fat burrito or something heavy. My taste buds are not craving the pizza, pasta, mex. food or fast foods (except chinese food, I luv it!). I used to eat ice cream everynight. Now, about 2 times a month. I chew on ice which makes my dry mouth (1-SE) feel good.

I still have some down days, but I think the plus's of effexor, outway the minus's.
Welcome! & keep writing.
Mercedes
****************************

> Well, I've been observing this website for quite some time now and finally got up the nerve to take part. I've been on Effexor for aprox. 8 months now. I started off at the 37.5 and my doctor has kept me at that dosage. I'm being treated for anxiety primarily although I do have a history of depression.
>
> Since I've been on this drug I've gained 12 pounds. This weight gain is actually what lead me to discover this site. Although not mentioned as one of the side effects of this drug I could not understand why I put this weight on so quickly and could not take it off. I had been to Weight Watchers 3 years ago and have successfully been able to remain at my target weight until I starting taking Effexor. I've also been getting bruises, some as large as a tennis ball which I can't explain. They look painful but aren't. Has anyone else experienced this??
>
> I have approached my doctor with these concerns but he atributes the weight gain to my "relaxed behaviour" from this drug. As for the bruises, he said he didn't feel there was any connection but if I develop any more that he'll run bloodwork.
>
> To be honest with you all, I'm terrified of the withdrawal symptoms people are having on this drug. Has anyone had serious withdrawal from the 37.5 dosage?
>
> I'm not even sure if I'll ever come off this drug to be honest. My life was a prison prior to Effexor. I was basically scared of everything and I believe I was on the path to becoming agoraphobic.
>
> I sympathize with the woman who drove to see her grandchild. Until recently I could only drive myself to and from work. Anywhere else would put me into an anxiety attack.
>
> Anyway, I just wanted to let you all that it was nice to discover people who are going through similar experiences and that there is information and support available.
>
> Willie


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