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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Frapster on December 31, 2003, at 11:45:51
My GP has just prescribed for me Effexor XR at 75 mg for the first 3 days and then 150mg a day after that. I am on my 2nd day and after reading posts here and elsewhere I am really concerned about Effexor.
I have been dealing with depression and anxiety most of my life and now at the age of 36 I've decided to try to treat it chemically for the first time. My life is in total chaos at the moment and I must admit that after being on Effexor for the past 36 hours I feel different. Calm is the appropriate word. I have 2 sisters that are currently taking some form of antidepressant - one of them is taking Celexa.
My question is this: I need to try some sort of chemical treatment and have taken Effexor on the advice of my GP. I'm not asking for any recommendations - I am wondering that if anyone could do it over would they absolutely under no circumstances take Effexor? My second question is this - anyone out there with any success stories with Effexor?
My depression is long-term and debilitating. It comes in cycles and is compounded with stupid decisions. In fact - everyone be warned about the nefarious 'stupid decision' syndrome. It's a killer. ;-)
Posted by watergirl on December 31, 2003, at 12:20:53
In reply to Effexor - should I take something else?, posted by Frapster on December 31, 2003, at 11:45:51
I think it is VERY IMPORTANT to see a psychiatrist when you treat your depression. They are more experienced & knowledgable in psychoactive drugs. My GP totally screwed me up changing my medication. He put me on Efexxor and sent me into psychosis. Effexor was not right for me. Everyone has diffrent brain chemistry. I got back on track when I saw my pdoc. She "fixed" me with Wellbutrin 400mgs/day and Trileptal. Put me on the proper meds. Best Wishes, Cindy
Posted by Frapster on December 31, 2003, at 12:39:19
In reply to Please go see a Psychiatrist*** » Frapster, posted by watergirl on December 31, 2003, at 12:20:53
I am definitely doing that. I've been really struggling and was desperate to do something - I'm concerned that this may be another of those stupid decisions. :-(
Posted by watergirl on December 31, 2003, at 12:59:10
In reply to Re: Please go see a Psychiatrist***, posted by Frapster on December 31, 2003, at 12:39:19
Hey frapster. It is great that you are getting help. Definitely not a stupid decesion. You could have done something negative in your desperation. Getting help is definitely a positive. I learned the hard way. Best wishes
Posted by Simcha on December 31, 2003, at 14:25:27
In reply to Re: Please go see a Psychiatrist***, posted by Frapster on December 31, 2003, at 12:39:19
Frapster,
> I am definitely doing that. I've been really struggling and was desperate to do something - I'm concerned that this may be another of those stupid decisions. :-(
It's never a stupid decision to get help.
If it helps I started with my GP too. He prescribed EffexorXR. It actually worked for me yet the side-effect of being numb from the waist down was not something I was willing to put up with forever.
I stayed on EffexorXR for about six months before consulting a psychiatrist. I can definitely say that psychiatrists, in general, are much more savvy in the art of prescribing these medications. I'm on a cocktail now that works wonders for me.
I know that for me one of the hallmarks of my depression is that I put myself down incessently. Please be aware that this might be true for you too. It is never stupid to ask for help. That is a VERY smart thing to do.
Blessings,
Simcha
Posted by Jaynee on December 31, 2003, at 16:19:54
In reply to Effexor - should I take something else?, posted by Frapster on December 31, 2003, at 11:45:51
I tried Effexor XR 75mg for about 4 to 5 weeks. It didn't work for me, way to many side-effects. The insomnia and anxiety were the worst. The first AD I ever tried was Celexa and it started to make things better in the first week, I have gone back to it.
I have girlfriends that swear by Effexor, one in particular says it saved her life and she does really well on it and has been taking it for well over 4 years with no real problems. I have another who tried Celexa and it didn't work for her, so she tried Prozac and that works great for her. So unfortunately for all of us, it is trial and error to find one that will work best for you.
My personal opinion on AD's is that if they don't start to make things better by week 4, and are actually making things worse then go on to the next choice. If you feel Okay by week 4, with no real side-effects, but think you could do better, then ask to up the dosage. Of course then there is always the add-on pill that might help things. So going to see a Pdoc, might be a good idea for some.
Good luck.
Posted by KarmaFairy on January 1, 2004, at 9:43:56
In reply to Frapster, posted by Jaynee on December 31, 2003, at 16:19:54
The only problem I have with Effexor (took 75 mg for 6 years quite successfully) is its discontinuation syndrome. I'm going to have to start weaning off soon, and I know it's going to be a difficult road. Overall, I would DEFINITELY do it again. Effexor is a great drug, and I experienced only minimal side-effects while taking it. Best of luck in your quest to recovery :-)
Posted by Frapster on January 5, 2004, at 12:06:31
In reply to Re: Please go see a Psychiatrist*** » Frapster, posted by Simcha on December 31, 2003, at 14:25:27
I'm definitely feeling numb from the waist down. At the moment I'm willing to put up with it but like you - not forever.
Effexor is working for me. In the first week I have a sense of calmness that I haven't had. It's not making me forget my issues but I feel like I can look them in the face without completely caving in.
I'm continuing with my counseling and fortunately I have a good support network around me and I really need it.
The only real problems I've had have been with some stiffness in my neck and nausea. But the nausea seems to be abating and hopefully the stiffness in my neck will too. I keep getting cramps.
Anyway - thanks to everyone for their responses.
Rob
This is the end of the thread.
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