Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 303328

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Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal

Posted by mattdds on January 20, 2004, at 16:02:09

In reply to Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 15:07:51

Hi there,

I also suffer primarily from panic disorder (though when my panic gets out of control, I have subsequent depression, social anxiety, and the works).

I did not have very much luck with the SSRI's, Effexor or any other antidepressants. This does not mean that you will have the same experience, but I've lurked here for quite a while, and noticed that these are not really the best drugs for primary panic disorder.

The benzodiazepines, despite their reputation, remain the gold standard for panic disorder. This class of medications includes Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, and Valium.

They pretty much stopped my panic attacks cold, along with the anticipatory anxiety with it.

Another great thing about the benzos is that they do not induce weight gain, and have very few side effects! I take 1.5 mg of Klonopin and have *zero* side effects - seriously!

Also, have you tried cognitive behavior therapy? I reduced my symptoms dramatically, and learned to cope with panic attacks when they do happen. It's rapidly becoming the psychotherapy treatment of choice for panic disorder.

This is not to second guess your doctor, and if Effexor or Paxil works for you, that's wonderful. I just get bothered by some doctors prescribing these drugs as if they were candy - often telling their patients to go off "cold turkey", as was your case. I did the Paxil withdrawal zap-fest too! Not fun. Meanwhile, doctors will tell you that benzos are addictive and other such nonsense.

You can see my biases, but they are the product of a lot of searching and a lot of pain! I hope to save some people the hell I went through.

Best luck,

Matt

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by john1022 on January 20, 2004, at 16:04:54

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 15:27:47

No problem. I felt very good when I first started taking it after about a week. Never really felt any kind of side effects at all or any kind of nassau or dizziness. Just pretty much felt the anxiety and depression lift day by day after a week and then felt 100% fine after about a month, no anxiety or depression and sleeping normally again.

It is hard to explain but I almost literally felt the serotonin doing its job and would feel really good a few hours after taking my dose, like kind of a very slight rush, but eventually it wouldn't feel like anything at all after I took it. Hoping I can take it again soon in the future. I think I have some kind of chemical sensitivity going on right now where I can't really take anything even, even some vitamins and even fish oil. Hoping it clears up soon. Your mileage may vary, but a lot of people swear by Effexor, but of coarse some don't. Everyone is different. I really hope it works for you though!

 

Re: Effexor XR and therapy

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 16:12:03

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal, posted by mattdds on January 20, 2004, at 16:02:09

Hi Matt,
Thanks for the insight! I've taken notes. I'm going to give the effexor a try and see what happens, but I'm going to ask my doctor about the meds you mentioned.
I noticed that all the meds they put me on are really meant for depression and General Anxiety... mine is very pinpointed! lol
It's good to see that the therapy has helped you. I have tried everything *except* psychotherapy (selftalk, hypnosis, reiki, meditation, yoga, changing my diet to cut caffein and meat, etc). With all my experiences, I feel like there's nothing someone could say that I haven't already heard.
But, I finally have an appointment with a psychotherapist so hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised. My attacks come with no reason or no triggers, but the anxiety in anticipation of possible attack might be something I can learn to control better.
Again, thanks for the reply. I will ask my doctor about the benzodiazepines.

~Panic~


> Hi there,
>
> I also suffer primarily from panic disorder (though when my panic gets out of control, I have subsequent depression, social anxiety, and the works).
>
> I did not have very much luck with the SSRI's, Effexor or any other antidepressants. This does not mean that you will have the same experience, but I've lurked here for quite a while, and noticed that these are not really the best drugs for primary panic disorder.
>
> The benzodiazepines, despite their reputation, remain the gold standard for panic disorder. This class of medications includes Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, and Valium.
>
> They pretty much stopped my panic attacks cold, along with the anticipatory anxiety with it.
>
> Another great thing about the benzos is that they do not induce weight gain, and have very few side effects! I take 1.5 mg of Klonopin and have *zero* side effects - seriously!
>
> Also, have you tried cognitive behavior therapy? I reduced my symptoms dramatically, and learned to cope with panic attacks when they do happen. It's rapidly becoming the psychotherapy treatment of choice for panic disorder.
>
> This is not to second guess your doctor, and if Effexor or Paxil works for you, that's wonderful. I just get bothered by some doctors prescribing these drugs as if they were candy - often telling their patients to go off "cold turkey", as was your case. I did the Paxil withdrawal zap-fest too! Not fun. Meanwhile, doctors will tell you that benzos are addictive and other such nonsense.
>
> You can see my biases, but they are the product of a lot of searching and a lot of pain! I hope to save some people the hell I went through.
>
> Best luck,
>
> Matt

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 16:14:25

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by john1022 on January 20, 2004, at 16:04:54

Thanks! You really helped take the edge off the uncertainty (and with anxiety, that's a big help!).

~Panic~

> No problem. I felt very good when I first started taking it after about a week. Never really felt any kind of side effects at all or any kind of nassau or dizziness. Just pretty much felt the anxiety and depression lift day by day after a week and then felt 100% fine after about a month, no anxiety or depression and sleeping normally again.
>
> It is hard to explain but I almost literally felt the serotonin doing its job and would feel really good a few hours after taking my dose, like kind of a very slight rush, but eventually it wouldn't feel like anything at all after I took it. Hoping I can take it again soon in the future. I think I have some kind of chemical sensitivity going on right now where I can't really take anything even, even some vitamins and even fish oil. Hoping it clears up soon. Your mileage may vary, but a lot of people swear by Effexor, but of coarse some don't. Everyone is different. I really hope it works for you though!

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by john1022 on January 20, 2004, at 16:20:59

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 16:14:25

"only sexual side effects the first two times I took it"

just so you don't translate this wrong, the sexual side effects were there the entire time I took it, but what I meant was I took Effexor during two different time periods over about 3 years

as far as dizzyness: It wouldn't make me dizzy when I took it, only the first time I tried to stop taking it or when I missed a dose. The second time I stopped no problems or dizzyness. I then restarted it a couple years later, stayed on it again for about 6 months and stopped cold turkey again with no withdrawals.

But definitely taper and don't do it cold turkey just to be safe. My doc just had no clue at the time and never mentioned it, so that is why I quit cold turkey

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PoohBear on January 20, 2004, at 17:07:56

In reply to Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 15:07:51

PanicAttackGal:

I have had a very positive experience with Effexor XR and though I've shared on the boards before, I think it's important that you see the positive side of things, especially since there are so many bad posts regarding this wonderful medication.

I asked my PDoc about it for depression, NOT panic attacks, but it has been a good choice for me with side effects that are either correctable or tolerable. We did have to monkey around with the doseage for a few weeks to get it *right*, but I was committed this time around to find a medication that worked, whereas last time I expected too much, too quickly and gave up too easily.

I had the normal side effects: dry mouth, tiredness during the day, trouble urinating, frequent urination, trouble sleeping and inability to have an erection/climax. All this aside however, it HAS gotten better with TIME and with the right doseage, which for me is far lower than for most people.

We used Wellbutrin to treat the sexual side effects and it worked well, but we've gone on to Remeron for that now because it treats the formers and also treats my sleep problem, which nothing else would do.

I still have dry mouth, but hey, everyone needs to drink more water, right?

All of the other side effects are gone. I feel like I'm starting (at 46) to really discover more of who I am.

Kepp doing your research and good luck!

TR

> Hi everyone!
> I've been reading these boards for a while. I have severe anxiety disorder with agoraphobia due to my panic attacks... but we all have something, right? :) I was on paxil for a year and it did wonders for my anxiety... but I put on 70 pounds. (It decreased my appetite and put on the pounds at the same time!) So, I'll save you the withdrawal stories... we all know them.
> My doctor cut me cold from paxil and put my on Celexa... not a smart move. So I weaned myself off Paxil and found a new doc. She put me on Lexapro... nope. Allergic. Gotta love those electric zaps!
> Now, she gave me Effexor XR samples. I've found a lot of horror stories... but I really need some encouragement. Has anybody had any luck with Effexor XR? If so, what were your side effects if any and what dose worked for you? I like to have a good idea before I leap. :)

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by Sooshi on January 20, 2004, at 17:39:59

In reply to Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 15:07:51

I agree with matt - that cognitive behavioral therapy is THE best way to go for panic attacks and anxiety in general...CBT and Klonopin are what cured me of agoraphobia and severe panic attacks over 10 years ago, and I haven't looked back since, so of course I say, give it a try! You might ask your psychotherapist to use some CBT techniques, if he/she doesn't already.

I also take Effexor XR (don't use Klonopin anymore) and have for almost 4 years, but I take it to balance out a mood stabilizer, not for anxiety. It has really helped me though. When I first started it, the first few days I felt really "manic", but that's part of my diagnosis, so you might not react the same way, although I've heard it makes some people feel quite "speedy", hyper, irritable, etc. when they first take it until they get adjusted. Others say it knocks them out and they get sleep all day, so who knows!

Good luck with your decision!

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by ann72 on January 21, 2004, at 7:42:15

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by Sooshi on January 20, 2004, at 17:39:59

Hello, I take effexor xr along with xanax and that did help my anxiety. Did nothing for depression though. Now I am also on a mood stablizer.

Good Luck

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 21, 2004, at 9:55:48

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PoohBear on January 20, 2004, at 17:07:56

Thank you for your input! It really does help. I'm going to start taking it this morning.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes!

~Panic~

> PanicAttackGal:
>
> I have had a very positive experience with Effexor XR and though I've shared on the boards before, I think it's important that you see the positive side of things, especially since there are so many bad posts regarding this wonderful medication.
>
> I asked my PDoc about it for depression, NOT panic attacks, but it has been a good choice for me with side effects that are either correctable or tolerable. We did have to monkey around with the doseage for a few weeks to get it *right*, but I was committed this time around to find a medication that worked, whereas last time I expected too much, too quickly and gave up too easily.
>
> I had the normal side effects: dry mouth, tiredness during the day, trouble urinating, frequent urination, trouble sleeping and inability to have an erection/climax. All this aside however, it HAS gotten better with TIME and with the right doseage, which for me is far lower than for most people.
>
> We used Wellbutrin to treat the sexual side effects and it worked well, but we've gone on to Remeron for that now because it treats the formers and also treats my sleep problem, which nothing else would do.
>
> I still have dry mouth, but hey, everyone needs to drink more water, right?
>
> All of the other side effects are gone. I feel like I'm starting (at 46) to really discover more of who I am.
>
> Kepp doing your research and good luck!
>
> TR
>
> > Hi everyone!
> > I've been reading these boards for a while. I have severe anxiety disorder with agoraphobia due to my panic attacks... but we all have something, right? :) I was on paxil for a year and it did wonders for my anxiety... but I put on 70 pounds. (It decreased my appetite and put on the pounds at the same time!) So, I'll save you the withdrawal stories... we all know them.
> > My doctor cut me cold from paxil and put my on Celexa... not a smart move. So I weaned myself off Paxil and found a new doc. She put me on Lexapro... nope. Allergic. Gotta love those electric zaps!
> > Now, she gave me Effexor XR samples. I've found a lot of horror stories... but I really need some encouragement. Has anybody had any luck with Effexor XR? If so, what were your side effects if any and what dose worked for you? I like to have a good idea before I leap. :)
>
>

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 21, 2004, at 9:58:06

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by Sooshi on January 20, 2004, at 17:39:59

To tell you the truth, I have no idea what cognative behavior techniques entail so I'm not sure if my psychotherapist uses them or not... I just assume she does (but I've only been on one visit so far).

~Panic~

> I agree with matt - that cognitive behavioral therapy is THE best way to go for panic attacks and anxiety in general...CBT and Klonopin are what cured me of agoraphobia and severe panic attacks over 10 years ago, and I haven't looked back since, so of course I say, give it a try! You might ask your psychotherapist to use some CBT techniques, if he/she doesn't already.
>
> I also take Effexor XR (don't use Klonopin anymore) and have for almost 4 years, but I take it to balance out a mood stabilizer, not for anxiety. It has really helped me though. When I first started it, the first few days I felt really "manic", but that's part of my diagnosis, so you might not react the same way, although I've heard it makes some people feel quite "speedy", hyper, irritable, etc. when they first take it until they get adjusted. Others say it knocks them out and they get sleep all day, so who knows!
>
> Good luck with your decision!

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 21, 2004, at 10:03:59

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by ann72 on January 21, 2004, at 7:42:15

Well, I'm not really depressed. A little frustrated, yes (I think that's reasonable. lol), but not depressed. So that works for me. A lot of people seem to have it work for depression. The chemistry between people may be different, but there's enough good feedback here to encourage me to give it a go.

I was just a bit tired of trying meds and having drama stories of my own. I feel that if I had known about Paxil beforehand, I would have saved myself the year of unfavorable side effects. The effexor xr side effects don't seem to be as severe from everyone's accounts. It helps to hear that. I think, with my "condition", negative accounts add enough side effects alone. Nerves are a powerful foe! lol

Thanks!

~Panic~


> Hello, I take effexor xr along with xanax and that did help my anxiety. Did nothing for depression though. Now I am also on a mood stablizer.
>
> Good Luck

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by Sad Panda on January 21, 2004, at 22:12:41

In reply to Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 15:07:51

I've said it elsewhere, I'll say it again. I like Efexor, it seems to help, I'm not looking forward to withdrawing from it, but I think it's worth trying.

Show me a drug with no side effects and/or withdrawl problems & I'll show you a drug that does nothing. :)


Cheers,
Panda.

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by puravida on January 21, 2004, at 22:15:15

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 21, 2004, at 10:03:59

I haven't read all the posts in this thread, but can tell you that I've had good luck with Effexor at 75 to 150. It seems to help my anxiety (Lexapro/Prozac make me jittery) and keep me clear headed and hopefull - helps the dopamine.

It took a long time to kick in for me when I first started taking it. I went off it for about 3 months because of jaw clenching, had no probs going off except that I wasn't getting the positive benefits any longer. Back on it for about a month again because I was so much better on it - and no jaw clenching this time - I think that was coincidental. The only thing I notice when I increase dose is a little vision blurryness which goes away.

Good luck!

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal

Posted by micro on January 22, 2004, at 9:08:33

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 21, 2004, at 9:55:48

> Thank you for your input! It really does help. I'm going to start taking it this morning.
>
> Thank you everyone for your well wishes!
>
> ~Panic~
>
> > PanicAttackGal:
> >
> > I have had a very positive experience with Effexor XR and though I've shared on the boards before, I think it's important that you see the positive side of things, especially since there are so many bad posts regarding this wonderful medication.
> >
> > I asked my PDoc about it for depression, NOT panic attacks, but it has been a good choice for me with side effects that are either correctable or tolerable. We did have to monkey around with the doseage for a few weeks to get it *right*, but I was committed this time around to find a medication that worked, whereas last time I expected too much, too quickly and gave up too easily.
> >
> > I had the normal side effects: dry mouth, tiredness during the day, trouble urinating, frequent urination, trouble sleeping and inability to have an erection/climax. All this aside however, it HAS gotten better with TIME and with the right doseage, which for me is far lower than for most people.
> >
> > We used Wellbutrin to treat the sexual side effects and it worked well, but we've gone on to Remeron for that now because it treats the formers and also treats my sleep problem, which nothing else would do.
> >
> > I still have dry mouth, but hey, everyone needs to drink more water, right?
> >
> > All of the other side effects are gone. I feel like I'm starting (at 46) to really discover more of who I am.
> >
> > Kepp doing your research and good luck!
> >
> > TR
> >
> > > Hi everyone!
> > > I've been reading these boards for a while. I have severe anxiety disorder with agoraphobia due to my panic attacks... but we all have something, right? :) I was on paxil for a year and it did wonders for my anxiety... but I put on 70 pounds. (It decreased my appetite and put on the pounds at the same time!) So, I'll save you the withdrawal stories... we all know them.
> > > My doctor cut me cold from paxil and put my on Celexa... not a smart move. So I weaned myself off Paxil and found a new doc. She put me on Lexapro... nope. Allergic. Gotta love those electric zaps!
> > > Now, she gave me Effexor XR samples. I've found a lot of horror stories... but I really need some encouragement. Has anybody had any luck with Effexor XR? If so, what were your side effects if any and what dose worked for you? I like to have a good idea before I leap. :)
> >
> >
>
> You did thev right thing. Your pdoc is not reading the literature. Please do not cold turkey any of your meds if you have taken them longer than a week. Micro.

 

Effexor XR ~New Beginnings

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 23, 2004, at 13:41:23

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by puravida on January 21, 2004, at 22:15:15

Well, I'd have to say, I'm having remarkably less side effects on day 3 of this med than on any other I've taken. Even the Wellbutrin gave me more hassles than this.

Of course, I'm not really feeling any effect on my anxiety... but I'm very patient! :) The only effect I seem to have in earnest is heart palpitations and sweaty palms. My doctor said they'll go away eventually. Anyone else have this when they started? A few times, my heart beat actually woke me up last night! lol

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 23, 2004, at 13:45:11

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal, posted by micro on January 22, 2004, at 9:08:33

> > You did thev right thing. Your pdoc is not reading the literature. Please do not cold turkey any of your meds if you have taken them longer than a week. Micro.

Yes, I learned the hard way with the Celexa. My doctor seemed only to read the literature that the actual drug company fed him... and closed his eyes to all the studies and reports and noted articles I showed him (and I'm sure he has seen before me). So.. I changed docs! This one seems to be a little more "on the ball". But, the meds she is trying me on are based on trial and error and samples. :(

Thank you for your encouragement, Micro.

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal

Posted by PoohBear on January 23, 2004, at 14:14:15

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 23, 2004, at 13:45:11

Panic:

Stick with it... it'll be worth it. I consider myself lucky, because I have a nurse practitioner who'se specialty is psychopharmachology. She really knows her stuff and usually nods her head knowingly when I mention something I've read on these boards.

TR

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 24, 2004, at 8:23:35

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal, posted by PoohBear on January 23, 2004, at 14:14:15

> Panic:
>
> Stick with it... it'll be worth it. I consider myself lucky, because I have a nurse practitioner who'se specialty is psychopharmachology. She really knows her stuff and usually nods her head knowingly when I mention something I've read on these boards.
>
> TR

Thanks, TR. That's great that you found someone who specializes in this sort of treatment. You are lucky! :)

~Panic~

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal

Posted by puravida on January 24, 2004, at 10:08:32

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 24, 2004, at 8:23:35

A few things about Effexor - first, I forgot to mention that I did have some blurred vision, and I think th efirst few days it made me tired. And, I have, ever since I've been on AD's always had occaisional probs with night sweats.

But, I looked back through my journal last night, and I could see a huge difference in myself pre-Effexor (Lexapro) and with the Effexor.

Hope it does the same for you -

PV

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by Stryker88 on January 25, 2004, at 14:02:13

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal, posted by puravida on January 24, 2004, at 10:08:32

hello Panic Attack Girl I am also on Effexor. My experience has been pretty good, the side effects go away except for occasional drowsiness, but it is hard to tell if that is due to lack of sleep or not. My main concern was probably sexual side effects, however I have had some great sex on Effexor, after taking Ginseng daily. My orgasms are a little delayed but that can be a good thing correct.

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by terrics on January 25, 2004, at 21:44:12

In reply to Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 20, 2004, at 15:07:51

Hi, Hope you are as lucky as I am on effexor. If I had side effects when I started it, I don't remember. It has been a good drug for me. I take 187.5 mgs. Good luck. Terrics

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 26, 2004, at 11:12:39

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by Stryker88 on January 25, 2004, at 14:02:13

Ginseng, eh? I've never heard of trying that. I'll keep that in mind if it proves to be a concern. Right now, I just want to feel better... but I don't want surprises.

Thanks. :)

> hello Panic Attack Girl I am also on Effexor. My experience has been pretty good, the side effects go away except for occasional drowsiness, but it is hard to tell if that is due to lack of sleep or not. My main concern was probably sexual side effects, however I have had some great sex on Effexor, after taking Ginseng daily. My orgasms are a little delayed but that can be a good thing correct.

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » terrics

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 26, 2004, at 11:16:50

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?, posted by terrics on January 25, 2004, at 21:44:12

> Hi, Hope you are as lucky as I am on effexor. If I had side effects when I started it, I don't remember. It has been a good drug for me. I take 187.5 mgs. Good luck. Terrics

Hi Terrics, thanks for the input and support. My question for you is how did you come to take a higher dose? Did you plateau on the lower doses or did you just keep going until your "ailments" (for lack of better words) were gone? And about how long have you been on it?

From other boards and people, it seems the trend is to be on this drug for about 4-8 months before it loses its affectiveness. Does anyone disagree? I hope that's truly not the case.

Thanks for your help... it's very appreciated!
~Panic~

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal

Posted by PoohBear on January 27, 2004, at 10:30:52

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » terrics, posted by PanicAttackGal on January 26, 2004, at 11:16:50

I'm certainly HOPING that it (Effexor) doesn't lose it's effectiveness, because I'm probably going to have to be on it for the balance of my life, and would prefer to have one med that works, not always in the hunt for the next thing.

Tony

> > Hi, Hope you are as lucky as I am on effexor. If I had side effects when I started it, I don't remember. It has been a good drug for me. I take 187.5 mgs. Good luck. Terrics
>
> Hi Terrics, thanks for the input and support. My question for you is how did you come to take a higher dose? Did you plateau on the lower doses or did you just keep going until your "ailments" (for lack of better words) were gone? And about how long have you been on it?
>
> From other boards and people, it seems the trend is to be on this drug for about 4-8 months before it loses its affectiveness. Does anyone disagree? I hope that's truly not the case.
>
> Thanks for your help... it's very appreciated!
> ~Panic~
>
>

 

Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories?

Posted by PanicAttackGal on January 28, 2004, at 15:06:31

In reply to Re: Effexor XR ~ Any Good Stories? » PanicAttackGal, posted by PoohBear on January 27, 2004, at 10:30:52

> I'm certainly HOPING that it (Effexor) doesn't lose it's effectiveness, because I'm probably going to have to be on it for the balance of my life, and would prefer to have one med that works, not always in the hunt for the next thing.
>
> Tony

I know what you mean... that's why I ask. It's different depending who you are, of course (which doesn't help too much when trying to find out about yourself, I know). I was hoping the Paxil would last longer than the year it did. I plateaud on Paxil after a year and my anxiety slowly started creeping in again. That's when my doc told me he would up the dose... which was a big NOOOO as far as I was concerned because of the weight problems, electric shocks and other side effects that would increase with the dosage.

I just wondered if the Effexor would be the same story... maybe without the weight probs at least.


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