Posted by yxibow on January 12, 2009, at 22:45:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 14:45:49
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> I think the drug does work great for my depression and anxiety. It seemed to be the only one that worked. But I don't like that I have gained weight, I cannot drink any alcohol, my vision is worse and I am forgetful. I can deal with the side effects but what scares me the most is what it is doing to my liver and if I will have to take it the rest of my life. If I am late a dose I have to go to bed.
If it is the only one that has worked, maybe you have to weigh the balances. Forgetfulness is common with a lot of psychotropics, unfortunately, but there are psychological excercises to improve your memory -- considering your side effects I'm not sure that Namenda would be a good thing -- some people have had luck.As for the vision concerns, I would see a opthamologist or an optometrist (who is allowed at least in some states to give full eye exams) and determine just what is going on with your vision, if there is anything organic.
Since you may not know your baseline (what you had with vision beforehand), I suppose its hard to say how much has changed, but it could also be just a natural fluctuation in vision -- causation is not always causality.
Well, people with diabetes may have to monitor their glucose and possibly take medication and insulin for life but it improves their functionality and possibly extends their life expectancy to normality.
Others with complex immune disorders may have to take steroids and be careful about infections, but also this prolongs and makes a normal life as well, possible.
Same thing can be said with simple thyroid imbalance, Synthroid can be taken for life and a relative is doing just this.
If you're concerned about your liver, have you had ALT (liver functionality) blood tests ? Do they show any gross abnormalities ? Do you have a liver disorder that would prevent you from taking alcohol or be cautious about medicine ?I mean I'm not advocating alcohol, but people do have it socially time to time, being careful that it doesn't add to depression.
-- best wishes
Jay
poster:yxibow
thread:872605
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/873649.html