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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by firefly99 on June 29, 2005, at 15:40:37
I have just begun to take Effexor XR for generalized anxiety disorder. I have just finished taking the lower does 37.5 for one week and will be going up to 75 tomorrow and so far have been experiencing very positive effects. For the first time in my life, I feel this calmness inside and have more energy. At first I was reluctant to take it, but my symptoms of anxiety become overwhelming sometimes, especially during PMS, that I get pretty desparate and am willing to try anything. I have now come across this board and after reading all these terrible experiences with withdrawal, I am very concerned now about continuing taking the Effexor wondering if those withdrawals are the norm.
Posted by rabble_rouser on June 30, 2005, at 7:59:17
In reply to Starting Effexor XR, posted by firefly99 on June 29, 2005, at 15:40:37
Hi fire,
glad to hear that effexor is working for you right now - its one of the most beautiful moments when you suddenly realise there is another way to feel in your life.
Yes, effexor does have a 'pronounced withdrawal profile' (i.e. more gnarly stuff happens with this drug than others)though it is different to everyone. There is masses of info on this page about 'tapering' (coming off gradually), use of supplements (see more towards the bottom of the page and posts from apenname and myself, rabble_rouser) and general advice, so have a good look around.
If the drug is working for you, then I would say stick with it. As someone that has tried many different drugs, I know it can be a pain in the a*s trying brand after brand for years waiting for the right one. Just be aware of the things you might expect when you come off, and the things you can do to minimise any effects you might experience.
There are a lot of horror stories out there and I have nothing but sympathy for those going through it - I know how it feels as I have been there many times. But remember, a lot of what you expect in life tends to come to you- so try not to get too hung up on the possibility you might have these bad things happen and just take it day by day.
Blue skies
Ross
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!
This is the end of the thread.
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