Posted by tiredguy on September 8, 2006, at 13:38:22
In reply to Re: effexor... urination problems????, posted by notfred on September 1, 2006, at 22:11:17
I have not been back to this site of over a year (so that's a sign of how Effexor worked for me).
I fought severe depression for over three years. I knew about ADs from a bout I had ten years earlier (as well as my wife’s experiences with it). The first thing I said when I walked into the Ps office was “I’ll try anything except Efexxor”. And that’s what I did. Nothing worked. After two years of this I gave in and tried Effexor. I have been taking 150 mgs for a year now and have not had any symptoms of depression.
In the process of looking for a solution I discovered two things. I have a hypo-active thyroid and very low testosterone. These are both things that can intensify depression (or as my GP says “I’ve got the triple whammy”). I now take medications for these. I also take 100 mg. of Welbutron in the morning.
Unfortunately, during my two years in hell, I developed a bad habit. I need to take 2mgs of Ativan to sleep at night. Yes, I am a benzo addict. My P is not concerned about it and is not in a hurry to have me “kick the habbit”.
I have had two major side effects that continue to haunt me.
One is that I am very fatigued all the time. To fight this, I have tried every stimulate you can name (my medicine cabinet is a college student’s dream!). Provigil helps and I occasionally take Adderal or Dexodrine or Ridiline. I’m not happy with any of these so I remain tired.
Second side effect, total death to the “neather regions”. I’m 46, have kids; so it’s not that bad. Wish it wasn’t true but I can deal with it.Over all. I feel really good (for a junkie)! Popping lots of pills a day is not a fun thing but it’s worth it if I can stay in the light. I can’t tell you what it’s like to get off Effexor; my P does not want me to try. I may try it anyway in a year or so.
poster:tiredguy
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060901/msgs/684255.html