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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 Sheilac on August 22, 2013, at 15:32:23
After talking with my doc the other day, we discussed possibly using 150mg Effexor. She feels I really need norepinephrine & dopamine.
I've heard horror stories about Effexor & I really don't want to be stoned.
Are Cymbalta & Strattera similar and easier to take?
I have depression, anxiety & ADD.
Posted by vbs on August 22, 2013, at 16:28:37
In reply to Meds similar?, posted by Sheilac on August 22, 2013, at 15:32:23
I take Cymbalta. It's a SNRI while Strattera is simply a NRI. Effexor and Cymbalta are similar in that they are both SNRIs.
Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2013, at 16:47:45
In reply to Re: Meds similar?, posted by vbs on August 22, 2013, at 16:28:37
I took Cymbalta when newly releases at 60mg along with benzos it was fine. No withdrawal either. Only reason went off is found babble and it seemed that there were a lot of failures. One thing I know is didn't have the back pain when on it either. Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on August 22, 2013, at 17:18:05
In reply to Re: Meds similar?, posted by vbs on August 22, 2013, at 16:28:37
Cymbalta is similar to effexor in that if affects serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Stratera is more norepinephrine specific.
I assume you have tried wellbutrin?
Linkadge
Posted by joef on August 22, 2013, at 18:36:41
In reply to Re: Meds similar?, posted by linkadge on August 22, 2013, at 17:18:05
sheilac why do you feel you would be stoned on effexor
Posted by Sheilac on August 23, 2013, at 4:57:09
In reply to Re: Meds similar?, posted by joef on August 22, 2013, at 18:36:41
I guess I'm just afraid to even try Effexor again. I only took 75mg and it did have some nasty withdrawal. I kinda thought that 150mg would mark me tried all day.
I can't take Wellbutrin because it makes me manic, but if Effexor makes me tired & fatigued, I guess I could add it.
Due to all the nasty horror stories, I thought maybe a different drug would be easier to try.
She suggested these 3 meds because she feels that I have ADD and I need the little hit of dopamine. Too much dopamine makes me nuts.
Not sure what ill choose. Right now still sticking with Buspar and when it wears off I get panic attacks. Ridiculous.
Maybe Cymbalta or Strattera would help with the depression, anxiety and ADD.
Not sure which to tell her I'll try. But I need something that lasts longer than Buspar!
Posted by rjlockhart37 on August 23, 2013, at 12:56:28
In reply to Re: Meds similar?, posted by Sheilac on August 23, 2013, at 4:57:09
sheila i know its not an antidepressant, but Focalin, the modified version of Ritilin....would really be a great dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and taking that with Strattera with or with Effexor for ADHD will defintly bump both DA and NE....but the only thing is Focalin wears off and can have washed out effect....
most of the dopamine/ne reptake inhibitors where taken off the market in the 1980's....health problems with liver, and other stuff...cylert....
work with the doctor, ask what you asked here...
r
Posted by b2chica on August 28, 2013, at 14:12:40
In reply to Meds similar?, posted by Sheilac on August 22, 2013, at 15:32:23
Hey Shielac
it might be worth a try also pristiq. i think the very first med i was on was Effexor...UGH, horror story, rapid cycle crying, then bright and bouncing-not like me. and felt like brain coated, wasn't clear..etc.
well about 5 years later i was running out of options and decided (with the help of info from babblers) to go ahead and try Pristiq. Good news is, i am still on it. i have since gone up to 100mg, but is still the foundation med that i'm on.
the only side effect i had was i did loose some hair for about the first 4 months or so, but luckily i'm blessed with thick hair and had no problem with that. i think i may have had some loose stools as well. but went away.
the only Bad News with it is the first time i was on it, it did take about 10 weeks to really level out. (i stopped due to pregnancy) and second time startup took about 12 weeks.i also take a DRA (adderall-generic). which i personally think is my miracle drug for me.
however, i think i have been on most DRI's/DRAs, personally strattera was a glorified weight loss drug for me. but that was me, and my body seems to be overly 'picky'. i think there are some that have found success with it.I am also on Gabapentin for anxiety and works very smooth.
wishing the best
-b2c
> After talking with my doc the other day, we discussed possibly using 150mg Effexor. She feels I really need norepinephrine & dopamine.
>
> I've heard horror stories about Effexor & I really don't want to be stoned.
>
> Are Cymbalta & Strattera similar and easier to take?
>
> I have depression, anxiety & ADD.
This is the end of the thread.
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