Posted by Racer on July 13, 2004, at 1:27:40
In reply to Re: Should I stay on Effexor? » volkwag63, posted by partlycloudy on July 12, 2004, at 20:12:34
First thing, I'd say talk to your doctor about it. If Effexor was working, and you could tolerate it, talk to your doctor about why it might have stopped working and whether there's something he/she can do to help it become more effective again.
Then, based on nothing at all except my own experience on Effexor a few years ago, I'd also suggest that you ask your doctor about a glucose tolerance test, or about sending a glucometer home with you for a week to check whether the Effexor is playing with your glucose levels. Fatigue and lethargy can be symptoms of hyperglycemia. Again, this isn't a scientific suggestion, just one person's anecdotal experience. (My diabetic husband would test my blood sugar at times when he thought there might be something wrong with it. On Effexor, it varied pretty widely.)
And have you had your thyroid levels checked? Sometimes thyroid problems can manifest as depression.
Adding another drug is an option, too. Effexor on its own didn't work for me, but with the addition of a low dose of Prozac, it became effective in treating my depression -- although it pooped out for me, too.
Have you taken other anti-depressants in the past? Did any of them work well for you? If so, what drugs have you tried, successfully or not?
Hope there's something in there that helps you. Best luck.
poster:Racer
thread:365444
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040712/msgs/365542.html