Posted by jujube on October 1, 2004, at 13:57:02
In reply to side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by mrs1104 on October 1, 2004, at 13:29:27
I was on Effexor XR for 6 months (dose went up to 225 mg then reduced (at my request) to 150 mg). I have to say that the whole time I was on it I felt somewhat lethargic and apathetic (like nothing really mattered). I also continued to have underlying anxiety (I was mostly taking it for anxiety). I couldn't stand the unmotivated way I felt. But, everybody is different, and you are likely just experiencing start-up side effects. There are a lot of people who have had extremely positive experiences on Effexor.
Because of the problems I was having with the drug, I asked the doctor if I could supplement with Sam-e. He did not know enough about Sam-e to agree to it, so he switched me to Celexa. It has only been three weeks on Celexa and three weeks off Effexor (weaned off a period of two weeks), so it's too soon to tell if the Celexa will be effective. Also, I am suffering the side effects of my first (and now only) Depo Provera shot (extreme nausea and throwing up, fatigue, cramps, mood swings, depression, etc.), so I am hoping that the Celexa will help with at least the mood related side effects until the shot wears off.
Good luck to you.
> I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
>
> I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
>
> I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
>
> I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
>
> I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
>
> P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
poster:jujube
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040927/msgs/397933.html