![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1515 to 1539 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by looking for a life on December 6, 2002, at 17:35:24
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Lexapro- going back , posted by kara lynne on December 6, 2002, at 14:05:44
> ***I was intolerable in traffic etc*** God, can I relate to this. It's interesting to see the commonalities for some of us with the side effects; muscle tension (neck in particular), jaw clenching and increased agitation all around for starters. Every time I try to increase the dose to get to a therapeutic effect it all becomes intolerable. I am going to try Nardil as soon as it becomes available again. So I just wanted to say, yes, I've definitely experienced what you're talking about. In advance, I acknowledge everyone for whom this drug has worked wonders, but I am not one of them. Good luck to you Stella
It's sad but I am relieved to have someone else experience what I am going through. :o(
Good Luck!
Posted by Sebastian on December 6, 2002, at 20:32:31
In reply to Switched from Celexa to Lexapro- going back , posted by stella1 on December 6, 2002, at 10:31:26
I had a simalar experience when I was only taking Celexa. I went back to taking it with a little Zyprexa to relax me, return sleeping, and be able to eat. Zyprexa is great for treating anxiety, much better than the Celexa.
Sebastian
Posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 1:34:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro and headaches » Jaycee, posted by pharmrep on December 4, 2002, at 9:10:19
Thank you for the information. I have forwarded it to the advertising
division for their evaluation.Jim Morrison
CDER Ombudsman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subj: Forest Pharmaceuticals
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 04:06:23 -0500
From:
To: MORRISONJ@CDER.FDA.GOVDear Mr. Morrison of the DDMAC division of the FDA,
There is a well trafficked forum for patients suffering mental illness on
the
internet at the address www.dr-bob.org/babble.Under the posting name of "pharmrep," you will find a self-admitting
representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals who is disseminating clinical data
directly to patients on the newly approved SSRI
Lexapro (escitalopram).I believe this constitutes a marketing violation in that a self admitting
pharmaceutical representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals is 'selling' or consulting
directly to patients without any clear fair balance attached to the information
being so readily offered. As I understand the regulatory procedure all direct to patient marketing must contain clear fair balance.While this clever marketing tactic of creating hopes in the minds of the
suffering with the ultimate goal of influencing physicians prescibing
habbits
may not yet have a legal precendent by which your body can make a
deliberation, I think it is worthy of investigation.Sincerely and Annonymous.
Posted by JLM on December 7, 2002, at 1:52:17
In reply to Lets see what the FDA thinks?, posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 1:34:58
> Thank you for the information. I have forwarded it to the advertising
> division for their evaluation.
>
> Jim Morrison
> CDER Ombudsman
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Subj: Forest Pharmaceuticals
> Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 04:06:23 -0500
> From:
> To: MORRISONJ@CDER.FDA.GOV
>
>
>
> Dear Mr. Morrison of the DDMAC division of the FDA,
>
> There is a well trafficked forum for patients suffering mental illness on
> the
> internet at the address www.dr-bob.org/babble.
>
> Under the posting name of "pharmrep," you will find a self-admitting
> representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals who is disseminating clinical data
> directly to patients on the newly approved SSRI
> Lexapro (escitalopram).
>
> I believe this constitutes a marketing violation in that a self admitting
> pharmaceutical representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals is 'selling' or consulting
> directly to patients without any clear fair balance attached to the information
> being so readily offered. As I understand the regulatory procedure all direct to patient marketing must contain clear fair balance.
>
> While this clever marketing tactic of creating hopes in the minds of the
> suffering with the ultimate goal of influencing physicians prescibing
> habbits
> may not yet have a legal precendent by which your body can make a
> deliberation, I think it is worthy of investigation.
>
> Sincerely and Annonymous.
>
>
>
>
>
>Well, this ought to be interesting to say the least.
I certainly think we are only getting one side of the story, namely Forrest/Lundbecks.
Posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 3:19:07
In reply to Re: Lets see what the FDA thinks?, posted by JLM on December 7, 2002, at 1:52:17
well...Here are a couple of my favorites the FDA has leveraged on Forest in the past.
Viewing these letters requires Adobe Acrobrat.
http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/m466n.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/m2483n.pdf
Posted by Geezer on December 7, 2002, at 8:54:16
In reply to Lets see what the FDA thinks?, posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 1:34:58
Mr. Scott,
Excellent idea and very well said!!
Geezer
Posted by Alan on December 7, 2002, at 9:58:49
In reply to Lets see what the FDA thinks?, posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 1:34:58
> Thank you for the information. I have forwarded it to the advertising
> division for their evaluation.
>
> Jim Morrison
> CDER Ombudsman
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Subj: Forest Pharmaceuticals
> Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 04:06:23 -0500
> From:
> To: MORRISONJ@CDER.FDA.GOV
>
>
>
> Dear Mr. Morrison of the DDMAC division of the FDA,
>
> There is a well trafficked forum for patients suffering mental illness on
> the
> internet at the address www.dr-bob.org/babble.
>
> Under the posting name of "pharmrep," you will find a self-admitting
> representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals who is disseminating clinical data
> directly to patients on the newly approved SSRI
> Lexapro (escitalopram).
>
> I believe this constitutes a marketing violation in that a self admitting
> pharmaceutical representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals is 'selling' or consulting
> directly to patients without any clear fair balance attached to the information
> being so readily offered. As I understand the regulatory procedure all direct to patient marketing must contain clear fair balance.
>
> While this clever marketing tactic of creating hopes in the minds of the
> suffering with the ultimate goal of influencing physicians prescibing
> habbits
> may not yet have a legal precendent by which your body can make a
> deliberation, I think it is worthy of investigation.
>
> Sincerely and Annonymous.
>
================================================While there has been lengthy discussion about this over at PB admin, specifically:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020725/msgs/6905.html
I'm of the opinion that this is the correct approach although skeptical that it will have any effect. Perhaps it will as I've stated in my postings on the subject in that thread.
Alan
Posted by kimbini on December 7, 2002, at 12:05:22
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just started Lexapro mid october and have found no side effects, most of all the other antidepressants I've taken have the usual side effects, weight gain, tiredness, not able to sleep at night (I've taken Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Wellbutrin, celexa). I have not gained any weight (in fact I've lost about 7 pounds), I sleep like a log, and most of all I feel better.
Posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 12:12:35
In reply to Re: Lets see what the FDA thinks? » Mr.Scott, posted by Alan on December 7, 2002, at 9:58:49
Thanks Alan I hadn't seen that thread until now!
Posted by bridgette on December 7, 2002, at 12:34:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by looking for a life on December 6, 2002, at 10:00:20
I think Wellbutrin sr is great w/Lexapro and hate the thought that so many of you say they stop working after awhile---what are the statistics of that happening. Also, has anyone ever split the wellbutrin sr to get a lower dose---I don't belive it's harmful except for losing the SR efefct. What do you think??
Posted by looking for a life on December 7, 2002, at 13:57:28
In reply to Lexapro and Wellbutrin and splitting wellbutrin s, posted by bridgette on December 7, 2002, at 12:34:10
> I think Wellbutrin sr is great w/Lexapro and hate the thought that so many of you say they stop working after awhile---what are the statistics of that happening. Also, has anyone ever split the wellbutrin sr to get a lower dose---I don't belive it's harmful except for losing the SR efefct. What do you think??
I take Lexapro as well as Wellbutrin. My Doctor had me take 200mgs in the a.m. and another 100mgs around noon to give a little boost. Seems to work better for me.
:o)
Posted by Alan on December 7, 2002, at 14:17:12
In reply to Re: Lets see what the FDA thinks? » Alan, posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 12:12:35
> Thanks Alan I hadn't seen that thread until now!
>
>
===============================================Well happy reading...it's a long one to wade through. I said all that I thought I would be allowed to say. I tried my best : ^ )
Best,
Alan
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on December 7, 2002, at 18:21:20
In reply to Re: dosing » looking for a life, posted by pharmrep on December 5, 2002, at 11:15:59
Hi Pharmrep
I have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for about 6 weeks now. I was prescribed it for anxiety and panic which has improved tremendously. I feel much better than I used to but have noticed lately that i am more tense and impatient. (like I was before Lexapro but not as bad). My question to you is this: do you think that I should up my dose to 15mg a day and see how I feel on that? If I do up my dose, how long would it take to see if it improves my mood? Any advice you give me would be great.
thanks-Anxiety Ann
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on December 7, 2002, at 18:31:08
In reply to Re: dosing » looking for a life, posted by pharmrep on December 5, 2002, at 11:15:59
Hi,
I was wondering what the purpose of taking both Lexapro and Wellbutrin is? I have been taking Lexapro for about 6 wks and have noticed lately that I am more impatient and agitiated than I was in the beginning. Lexapro has helped me with my anxiety and I was feeling GREAT up until a few days ago when the agitation started. (feels a little bit like my old self). Would the Wellbutrin help this s/e? If so, how are the sexual s/e on wellbutrin? Any info would be great. Thanks-Anxiety Ann
Posted by looking for a life on December 7, 2002, at 18:45:04
In reply to Re: Question for Pharmrep, posted by ANXIETY ANN on December 7, 2002, at 18:21:20
> Hi Pharmrep
> I have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for about 6 weeks now. I was prescribed it for anxiety and panic which has improved tremendously. I feel much better than I used to but have noticed lately that i am more tense and impatient. (like I was before Lexapro but not as bad). My question to you is this: do you think that I should up my dose to 15mg a day and see how I feel on that? If I do up my dose, how long would it take to see if it improves my mood? Any advice you give me would be great.
> thanks-Anxiety Ann
I would like to say I am on 20mgs and the tension and the impatience is a big problem with me as well. I am glad it has helped you some. I wish I could get some positive results:o(
Posted by jtc on December 7, 2002, at 22:17:23
In reply to Lets see what the FDA thinks?, posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 1:34:58
Hi, I am new to this message board. Any advice about Effexor XR and it's use in children would be greatly appreciated. My 8 1/2 year old daughter has severe anxiety, so much so that it is interfering with her school work. She has been tested for ADD but psychologist said she does not have it. He said she has more anxiety than most kids her age. So he referred us to a psychiatrist and she started my child on Effexor XR about 3 weeks ago. She is taking 37.5 mg daily. I don't really notice a difference but her afternoon teacher at school says she notices a difference. I take Effexor XR, 75 mg daily. I have read a lot of things about Effexor and don't know if I want my child to take it or if I should be taking it. It has helped me but I still have some side effects from it. I am just really worried about my daughter. She is so young to be taking mood altering drugs. Is there any other medications anyone knows of that she can try that have been approved by the FDA. I read that Effexor XR has not really been approved by the RDA for use in children. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, jtc
Posted by bridgette on December 8, 2002, at 20:06:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by ANXIETY ANN on December 7, 2002, at 18:31:08
The purpose of adding the Wellbutrin sr to the Lexapro is to allieviate the sexual side effects (it does) and to boost the Lexapro. I am afraid of the Wellbutrin even though I have had no problems but I worry (worrying is my thing) about the possibility of seizures. If there is anyworry about w/drugs I will worry. I take 150mg of wellbutrin a day and could increase it to 300 but I'm afraid to.
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on December 9, 2002, at 8:20:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin Anxiety Ann, posted by bridgette on December 8, 2002, at 20:06:39
> The purpose of adding the Wellbutrin sr to the Lexapro is to allieviate the sexual side effects (it does) and to boost the Lexapro. I am afraid of the Wellbutrin even though I have had no problems but I worry (worrying is my thing) about the possibility of seizures. If there is anyworry about w/drugs I will worry. I take 150mg of wellbutrin a day and could increase it to 300 but I'm afraid to.
Bridgette,
I know how you feel. worrying is my thing too, especially when it comes to meds. If I read about the s/e before I take them, I get afraid to take them. Does the Wellbutrin help at all with the worrying? Lexapro seemed to really help me in the beginning but now I am starting to feel those same old things again (anxiety, worry, dread). Thats why I was asking about the Wellbutrin to see if it would help the Lexapro work better. I take it seizures are a s/e of Wellbutrin? GREAT, It always seems as though you have to make a trade off when you take a anti-depressant.
Ann
Posted by ayuda on December 9, 2002, at 14:04:13
In reply to Effexor XR: Any advice would be appreciated..., posted by jtc on December 7, 2002, at 22:17:23
> Hi, I am new to this message board. Any advice about Effexor XR and it's use in children would be greatly appreciated. My 8 1/2 year old daughter has severe anxiety, so much so that it is interfering with her school work. She has been tested for ADD but psychologist said she does not have it. He said she has more anxiety than most kids her age. So he referred us to a psychiatrist and she started my child on Effexor XR about 3 weeks ago. She is taking 37.5 mg daily. I don't really notice a difference but her afternoon teacher at school says she notices a difference. I take Effexor XR, 75 mg daily. I have read a lot of things about Effexor and don't know if I want my child to take it or if I should be taking it. It has helped me but I still have some side effects from it. I am just really worried about my daughter. She is so young to be taking mood altering drugs. Is there any other medications anyone knows of that she can try that have been approved by the FDA. I read that Effexor XR has not really been approved by the RDA for use in children. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
> Thanks, jtc
I am not a doctor or pharmacist, but I don't think of anti-depressants as "mood altering" drugs. A person who suffers from depression or anxiety -- and I have suffered from both since about age 7 -- has a chemical imbalance. ADs are an attempt to correct that imbalance. It is most commonly and probably best compared to insulin for diabetics -- they also suffer from a chemical imbalance. So I would not fret about your daughter needing this medication in the first place -- My father and my maternal grandmother both passed on this chemical imbalance to me, my sister and my sister's son, so it appears that you have passed it onto your daughter -- again, it is a physical problem that has "mental" health aspects to it, don't not have her treated for it.As for Effexor XR -- I was on it (I'm age 37) for 7 months and could not handle the side effects, mostly the nausea and weight gain, but I don't know how a child would respond to it. If you want to know if your doctor should have prescribed it for her, you may want to call your pharmacist and ask them about it -- they have the most up-to-date reference guides on drugs. However, I don't think that any doctor who wants to keep his/her license to practice and butt out of jail would prescribe it for her if it was dangerous.
You and your daughter are the best judges of whether or not she can handle the side effects. Don't let anything anyone says here take the place of that judgment. As for the effectiveness, especially if this is her first AD, it takes some time for this kind of med to start showing its effectiveness, and in the meantime you may want to be patient where side effects are concerned.
Back in the early 70s when my parents first had to deal with my problems, no one knew anything about depression or anxiety, and certainly not for children. I was put on "kiddie" tranquilizers, which I had to keep going off of to live my life. I also just learned how to cope with it as best I could, though I would be paralyzed emotionally by anything that heightened my anxiety.
As a teen, I turned to moderate alcohol use as "self-medication" for my anxiety (my father is an alcoholic, also bi-polar). Being on an AD is preferable to alcohol abuse, and actually addresses the problem. What I guess I am saying is that, if your daughter really suffers from these problems and they are left untreated with the proper medication, she will still need to bring her anxiety down someway -- and that alternative may not be what you want for her.
I feel for her -- I know what it is like to be a child and to suffer from anxiety. I would keep my family up all night long some nights in my terrified state, which means that they all suffered along with me. Effexor really helps with anxiety -- it doesn't make you into a robot, like a tranquilizer would, it just keeps you from experiencing that heightened anxiety reaction.
Now that I have been treated for the anxiety for a couple of years, I would never go back to trying to cope with it on my own. I love the relative internal peace I have found. You really need to make sure that your daughter knows that she is not crazy, especially with the fact that she is a child and is under psychiatric care, she may think that she is. She has a physical problem that may require treatment all her life to improve her quality of life. I sure wish I could have some of my childhood back -- with an antidepressant to take -- to live over again without the anxiety or the tranquilizers.
I wish you and your daughter the best of luck. Just remember, depression and anxiety are physical problems, and an AD is not the same as a benzodiazapine or mood stabilizer. Keep us informed on how you and she are doing on the meds.
Posted by looking for a life on December 9, 2002, at 16:20:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin Anxiety Ann, posted by ANXIETY ANN on December 9, 2002, at 8:20:12
> > The purpose of adding the Wellbutrin sr to the Lexapro is to allieviate the sexual side effects (it does) and to boost the Lexapro. I am afraid of the Wellbutrin even though I have had no problems but I worry (worrying is my thing) about the possibility of seizures. If there is anyworry about w/drugs I will worry. I take 150mg of wellbutrin a day and could increase it to 300 but I'm afraid to.
>
> Bridgette,
> I know how you feel. worrying is my thing too, especially when it comes to meds. If I read about the s/e before I take them, I get afraid to take them. Does the Wellbutrin help at all with the worrying? Lexapro seemed to really help me in the beginning but now I am starting to feel those same old things again (anxiety, worry, dread). Thats why I was asking about the Wellbutrin to see if it would help the Lexapro work better. I take it seizures are a s/e of Wellbutrin? GREAT, It always seems as though you have to make a trade off when you take a anti-depressant.
> Ann
I am on 400mgs of wellbutrin Sr and 20mgs of Lexapro. I have never had a seizure. I have been on Wellbutrin for at least 3 yrs now and the MAJOR problem I have is sweating. It is horrible. I was told that Anti depressants target the same area that controls body temperature. I was told that they have not found the right combo to just target the part that causes depression.
The Wellbutrin is supposed to boost your energy. Since switching from Celexa to Lexapro I have not noticed to much of an increase in enegry. ( Lexapro is supposed to give you energy as well).
I too was put on Wellbutrin to boost my sexual desire. I was on Effexor Xl at the time. I have not seen any benefit of Wellbutrin in the sex area.
Lexapro increased my sexual desire for about one week. I am still as depressed and anxious as before.
Good Luck:o)
Posted by leslieg on December 9, 2002, at 17:25:38
In reply to Effexor XR: Any advice would be appreciated..., posted by jtc on December 7, 2002, at 22:17:23
My son was on Zoloft (and ritalin) from about 7 years old until he was about 11 years old. He's still on adderall for his ADHD. We used Zoloft because it had worked so very well for me; there was a definite assumption that genetically he had a greater chance of reacting well to the same med I had reacted well to. I am very afraid of Effexor, and based on my own reactions and withdrawal from it I would *never* let my kids take it. But perhaps you are doing very well on it. I weaned my son off of Zoloft as he entered his teenage years because Zoloft made me inorgasmic and I did not want my son to go through his "high-hormone teen years" with no sex drive! Sure, it may have made me worry less, but it isn't normal! Our home life had changed enough that his depression still hasn't come back. (Yea!)
As for meds being approved for use on children, most are not (psychiactric or otherwise). You need to have a doctor who has used the drugs with enough children clients to have a feel for what works and what doesn't.
> Hi, I am new to this message board. Any advice about Effexor XR and it's use in children would be greatly appreciated. My 8 1/2 year old daughter has severe anxiety, so much so that it is interfering with her school work. She has been tested for ADD but psychologist said she does not have it. He said she has more anxiety than most kids her age. So he referred us to a psychiatrist and she started my child on Effexor XR about 3 weeks ago. She is taking 37.5 mg daily. I don't really notice a difference but her afternoon teacher at school says she notices a difference. I take Effexor XR, 75 mg daily. I have read a lot of things about Effexor and don't know if I want my child to take it or if I should be taking it. It has helped me but I still have some side effects from it. I am just really worried about my daughter. She is so young to be taking mood altering drugs. Is there any other medications anyone knows of that she can try that have been approved by the FDA. I read that Effexor XR has not really been approved by the RDA for use in children. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
> Thanks, jtc
Posted by bridgette on December 9, 2002, at 18:10:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin Anxiety Ann, posted by looking for a life on December 9, 2002, at 16:20:12
1st of all Looking for a life since you have been on Wellbutrin sr for a long time I have questions for you--no 1 do you drink wine on it. I have a couple glasses of wine every night but I hope that's an ok time since it's been 11 hours since my pill. I enjoy the wine and I don't want to give up everything in life. I can increase from 150 mg to 300mh anytime but because of the wine I have held back---so what do you thinK I have also split the pills (even though they say not to) and have felt that has helped. I asked a few pharmacists and the best I could tell splitting them just cuts out the sustained effect. What do you think about that too????
Posted by bridgette on December 9, 2002, at 18:16:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin Anxiety Ann, posted by looking for a life on December 9, 2002, at 16:20:12
After re-reading your e-mail, I'm now thinking your Wellbutrin and Lexapro are not helping you much . Why have you stayed on Wellbutrin for 3 years if it doesn't help???
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 9, 2002, at 18:31:38
In reply to Lets see what the FDA thinks?, posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 1:34:58
> Under the posting name of "pharmrep," you will find a self-admitting
> representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals who is disseminating clinical data
> directly to patients on the newly approved SSRI
> Lexapro (escitalopram).Follow-ups to this should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Bob
PS: As should follow-ups regarding posting policies in general.
Posted by jtc on December 9, 2002, at 21:20:37
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any advice would be appreciated... » jtc, posted by ayuda on December 9, 2002, at 14:04:13
> > Hi, I am new to this message board. Any advice about Effexor XR and it's use in children would be greatly appreciated. My 8 1/2 year old daughter has severe anxiety, so much so that it is interfering with her school work. She has been tested for ADD but psychologist said she does not have it. He said she has more anxiety than most kids her age. So he referred us to a psychiatrist and she started my child on Effexor XR about 3 weeks ago. She is taking 37.5 mg daily. I don't really notice a difference but her afternoon teacher at school says she notices a difference. I take Effexor XR, 75 mg daily. I have read a lot of things about Effexor and don't know if I want my child to take it or if I should be taking it. It has helped me but I still have some side effects from it. I am just really worried about my daughter. She is so young to be taking mood altering drugs. Is there any other medications anyone knows of that she can try that have been approved by the FDA. I read that Effexor XR has not really been approved by the RDA for use in children. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
> > Thanks, jtc
>
>
> I am not a doctor or pharmacist, but I don't think of anti-depressants as "mood altering" drugs. A person who suffers from depression or anxiety -- and I have suffered from both since about age 7 -- has a chemical imbalance. ADs are an attempt to correct that imbalance. It is most commonly and probably best compared to insulin for diabetics -- they also suffer from a chemical imbalance. So I would not fret about your daughter needing this medication in the first place -- My father and my maternal grandmother both passed on this chemical imbalance to me, my sister and my sister's son, so it appears that you have passed it onto your daughter -- again, it is a physical problem that has "mental" health aspects to it, don't not have her treated for it.
>
> As for Effexor XR -- I was on it (I'm age 37) for 7 months and could not handle the side effects, mostly the nausea and weight gain, but I don't know how a child would respond to it. If you want to know if your doctor should have prescribed it for her, you may want to call your pharmacist and ask them about it -- they have the most up-to-date reference guides on drugs. However, I don't think that any doctor who wants to keep his/her license to practice and butt out of jail would prescribe it for her if it was dangerous.
>
> You and your daughter are the best judges of whether or not she can handle the side effects. Don't let anything anyone says here take the place of that judgment. As for the effectiveness, especially if this is her first AD, it takes some time for this kind of med to start showing its effectiveness, and in the meantime you may want to be patient where side effects are concerned.
>
> Back in the early 70s when my parents first had to deal with my problems, no one knew anything about depression or anxiety, and certainly not for children. I was put on "kiddie" tranquilizers, which I had to keep going off of to live my life. I also just learned how to cope with it as best I could, though I would be paralyzed emotionally by anything that heightened my anxiety.
>
> As a teen, I turned to moderate alcohol use as "self-medication" for my anxiety (my father is an alcoholic, also bi-polar). Being on an AD is preferable to alcohol abuse, and actually addresses the problem. What I guess I am saying is that, if your daughter really suffers from these problems and they are left untreated with the proper medication, she will still need to bring her anxiety down someway -- and that alternative may not be what you want for her.
>
> I feel for her -- I know what it is like to be a child and to suffer from anxiety. I would keep my family up all night long some nights in my terrified state, which means that they all suffered along with me. Effexor really helps with anxiety -- it doesn't make you into a robot, like a tranquilizer would, it just keeps you from experiencing that heightened anxiety reaction.
>
> Now that I have been treated for the anxiety for a couple of years, I would never go back to trying to cope with it on my own. I love the relative internal peace I have found. You really need to make sure that your daughter knows that she is not crazy, especially with the fact that she is a child and is under psychiatric care, she may think that she is. She has a physical problem that may require treatment all her life to improve her quality of life. I sure wish I could have some of my childhood back -- with an antidepressant to take -- to live over again without the anxiety or the tranquilizers.
>
> I wish you and your daughter the best of luck. Just remember, depression and anxiety are physical problems, and an AD is not the same as a benzodiazapine or mood stabilizer. Keep us informed on how you and she are doing on the meds.
>Ayuda, thanks so much for your advice and insight. I am also 37 and have been on ADs off and on for about 15 years. I am currently taking Effexor XR, 75 mg and I have weight gain and did have excessive sweating but my daughter has not exhibited either of those side effects. I am going to call her psychiatrist tomorrow with some questions about Effexor. My daughter seems to be doing better since starting the Effexor. She is not as anxious and she is not continuously worrying about her health or other things. As far as I can remember I was just like that as a child but my symptoms did not really show up until I turned 18 and went to college. I have panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder and see a psychiatrist myself. He is the one who told me to be cautious about putting my child on medications for depression because of the young age and that the mind is still developing. But I am just going to do what I have to for my child because she needs help. My husband is more supportive than I thought he would be about all of this. I think he just got worried about her so much and saw that there is nothing else we can do except try this medication or another AD. I want to thank you for your advice. It really helped me. I will keep you posted.
Thanks, jtc
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