Posted by PoohBear on May 4, 2004, at 10:12:27
In reply to Re: 4 weeks since Effexor, posted by annesand on May 4, 2004, at 9:10:50
It's good to see some responsible posts to the "Oprah" rant and rave...
I have had an overall good experience with Effexor; not perfect, but good. Considering some of what has been written here:
1. Lack of emotion? I have ALL of my emotions with Effexor. I can laugh and I can fully empathize with others. What I DON'T have is the terrible LOWS I had with my depression, when nearly anything sad could bring me to the point of tears. I'm a guy and not afraid to cry, but really...
2. Sleep? Effexor DOES "effect" my sleep in a negative way, but my pDoc and I are still trying to come up with the right med that can help with that. It may end up being something as simple as melatonin or valerian...
3. Side effects? Most of the side effects I experienced have gone away completely or moderated with time. I still have shaking hands, but I've always had that... The sexual side effects have also gone away: no more anorgasmia. For some reason my glans (the head of the penis) is more sensitive now and my orgasms are much more intense. That's a good thing for a 47 year-old ;)
4. Withdrawal. What can I say? I haven't experienced this yet, but plan on continuing some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I worry about missing a dose of Effexor, but try to be aware and methodical about taking it: ie, develop the habit of taking it at the same time every day in the same routine.
I don't deny that SOME have had a bad experience with getting off this POWERFUL medication, AND I will NOT deny that many doctors give the stuff out because a pharmacutical rep told them it was the latest wonder drug and they haven't researched the side effects.
NEVERTHELESS...
This drug has saved many, many lives. Even though I don't believe I was personally in danger of suicide, I still had suicidal thoughts continually and Effexor has given me back my LIFE, and most importantly: control of my own mind.
I keep posting because there is a preponderance of negative input regarding Effexor on these boards and not enough positive. However, I participate on MANY bulletin boards and this one is no different: most of the time, it'll be the negative aspects of whatever that gets the most posts.
There.
Tony
poster:PoohBear
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040429/msgs/343184.html