Posted by apenname on June 30, 2005, at 9:48:45
In reply to Starting Effexor XR, posted by firefly99 on June 29, 2005, at 15:40:37
I think it's totally worth it. Got me through a very tough time when other medicines wouldn't work. Between the high blood pressure I get at the high dosage that works for me, progress in therapy, and ability to take time off work while I ease myself off the medication: time for me to stop.
I'd read about the withdrawals, but didn't think it was much to worry about. Just because 10 out of 100 people get symptom X doesn't mean I'm 100% going to experience it. It's easy to focus on the horror stories, but browse through the boards, there are success stories as well. It's possible the success story people aren't as likely to come here and write about it, I know I showed up here looking for answers to side effects. But you've got to choose the option right for you. Talk to your doctor, discuss "risk assessment", educate yourself on the possibilities but don't let them make you a hypochondriac.There was another is Effexor worth it discussion that Dr. Bob moved to the main psycho-babble board.
People are different and the human brain is a complex system. I thought for sure that since my brother and I share genetics and similar careers, sense of humor, and ways of thinking about things that the same anti-depressant would work for both of us. Nope: Zoloft did him wonders and pushed me into the depths of depression. I have a sister who has has benefit from hormone therapy (you definitely want to tell your psychiatrist about the PMS link, and maybe also the OB/GYN, and some of that hormone stuff can be tested.)
That's my take on the situation. Good luck, firefly!
poster:apenname
thread:521153
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050611/msgs/521466.html