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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Izzie on May 2, 2001, at 14:38:55
I was been told yesterday that I am getting prescribed Effexor. I have the meeting w/ the prescribing doctor tomorrow, and after reading the threads here, I am scared. I am taking it for depression, so we'll see what happens.
Keep the threads coming..they are really informative.
Thanks.
Izzie
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 2, 2001, at 14:42:17
In reply to Wish Me Luck (All Effexor Advice Welcomed), posted by Izzie on May 2, 2001, at 14:38:55
Izzie, here is why Effexor is so effective and popular (and perhaps why your doctor prescribed it for you):
*It has the possibility of affecting serotonin, norepinephrine, _and_ dopamine--more chemicals--thus increasing your chances for relief.
*It has no anticholinergic side-effects.
*Sexual disturbances are reported less than with SSRIs.
*It has gained the acceptance of psychiatrists worldwide in less than 8 years of U.S. FDA approval.
*It has few significant interactions with other medications.
*The idea of it being addicting due to withdrawal effects is unfounded; if it had any chance of being addicting, it would have been labeled at least a Schedule IV substance by the U.S. DEA.I myself took Effexor XR up to 375 mg. The only side-effects I had were sexual in nature, and these were remedied by mirtazapine.
Posted by Izzie on May 2, 2001, at 14:59:20
In reply to Re: Wish Me Luck (All Effexor Advice Welcomed) » Izzie, posted by SalArmy4me on May 2, 2001, at 14:42:17
Sal:
Thanks for the info. If you don't mind the asking (I may get this briefing tomorrow), what kind of wierd sexual side effects are possible with EFXR?
I am really nervous about taking this stuff, as I didn't want to be placed on it in the first place. I am not openly acceptant to the idea, but the Psychologist thinks I should do it, so, I have to take his word on it.
Thanks.
Izzie
Posted by NikkiT2 on May 2, 2001, at 15:06:04
In reply to Wish Me Luck (All Effexor Advice Welcomed), posted by Izzie on May 2, 2001, at 14:38:55
When i first took effexor it was wondrful, and it helped no end.. for quite a few months... My pdoc took me off it cold turkey and I had a terrible, terrible time... I went back on it and am currently coming off to try and whole new med thing... i am doing it slowly.. over 3 weeks I ahve cut down to 150mg (from 300mg).. I am now stopping here at 150mg for a week or so, then I will start reducing down again to 75mg over two weeks, then do the final 75mg over 3 weeks.. I know it sounds a long time, but this is working for me, and I actually feel better for it so far!!!
Nikki
Posted by Michele on May 2, 2001, at 17:11:18
In reply to Wish Me Luck (All Effexor Advice Welcomed), posted by Izzie on May 2, 2001, at 14:38:55
Have you tried other AD's before this one?
At least your making yourself informed by reading these posts.
My brother in law is a pharmacist.... and he said he feels "sick" filling this script for people.
Good luck!!!
Posted by Izzie on May 3, 2001, at 7:01:04
In reply to Re: Wish Me Luck (All Effexor Advice Welcomed), posted by Michele on May 2, 2001, at 17:11:18
Nope, this will be my first AD prescript. I did find out since my original posting that I will be the 4th person in my family (including step family from sister's marriage) on ADs, 2 others of which were on EFXR, and one on Zoloft.
Posted by AmyL on May 3, 2001, at 10:37:19
In reply to Wish Me Luck (All Effexor Advice Welcomed), posted by Izzie on May 2, 2001, at 14:38:55
Izzie,
Please don't feel scared about what you read here. Take it all with a grain of salt--use what you can, and ignore the rest. I am on effexor xr 300mg/day and I have never had one side effect. I've felt perfectly fine, and am not scared about getting off of it when it is time. Instead of being apprehensive, turn your feelings into confidence--that this drug will help you to feel better. Just a warning though, it took a while for me to feel better (about 5 weeks). So give it time and have faith that you WILL feel better. Hope I helped :)
Amy
Posted by Izzie on May 3, 2001, at 14:28:57
In reply to Re: Wish Me Luck (All Effexor Advice Welcomed), posted by AmyL on May 3, 2001, at 10:37:19
I thank you all for your advice, but this morning I was informed that I was getting put on Prozac instead of EFXR. So, my question to all of you are: Is that a good or bad thing (in your opionions)? My doctor (not psychologist) explained to me why the medication switch.
The dosage I started at is 20mg.
So...any Prozac advice, experiences, etc, I am more than eager to hear about (if not already on the list).
Thanks.
Izzie
Posted by Michele on May 3, 2001, at 15:10:42
In reply to Prozac Instead of Efflexor (was: Wish Me Luck), posted by Izzie on May 3, 2001, at 14:28:57
I personally think that is a great idea.... and believe wholeheartedly that prozac is a good AD to start with. In fact to be hontest, when I read your post I breathed a sigh of relief. Keep us all posted and good luck!!!!
Posted by Izzie on May 4, 2001, at 6:54:26
In reply to Re: Prozac Instead of Efflexor (was: Wish Me Luck) » Izzie, posted by Michele on May 3, 2001, at 15:10:42
As I used to say in the Army -- WILCO (will comply). I'll let all of u know what's going on (as soon as I figure it out).
New Question: Does Prozac take a "loading phase" to start feeling anything? If so, how long? A week, 2wks, etc?
T.I.A.
Izzie
Posted by Ann NY on May 11, 2001, at 17:22:17
In reply to Prozac Instead of Efflexor (was: Wish Me Luck), posted by Izzie on May 3, 2001, at 14:28:57
Izzie,
I hope you will be feeling better soon!
I have reoccurring major depression. It started when I was 18. I've had 3 serious episodes, the first two lasted 2 years and the current one I could feel coming on.
I tried Prosaic and it didn't help my depression at all and it just made my anxiety worse (common side-effect) and my doctor was not very helpful at all so I simply stopped.
Recently, my GP talked me into taking Paxcil and talked me into seeing a psychiatrist. She took me off Paxcil - because if prosaic didn't work, it was probable paxcil wouldn't either. I was put on Effexor.
My psychiatrist is of the opinion that chronic reoccuring depression require a dual action anti-depressant, i.e. Efexor - but there are others. Also she says Effexor has a higher patient response than prosaic.
Which is better depends on your depression and your individual biochemistry.
I know prosaic can "poop-out" after awhile and it may effect your sex life. And as I said, aggravates anxiety.
Effexor made me extreemly sleepy for a few weeks and then suddenly kicked in after 3 or 4 months (at 150 mg). I also had trouble getting to sleep. I got ritalin for the day and ambien at night to start me off. But I feel sooooo much better now. Many people on this board have also had trouble getting off effexor. I was so bad off that it was a risk I had to take.
Be persistant and make sure your doctors are listening to you! It will get better! For me it took longer than I would like - but I'm really happy on Effexor.
> I thank you all for your advice, but this morning I was informed that I was getting put on Prozac instead of EFXR. So, my question to all of you are: Is that a good or bad thing (in your opionions)? My doctor (not psychologist) explained to me why the medication switch.
>
> The dosage I started at is 20mg.
>
> So...any Prozac advice, experiences, etc, I am more than eager to hear about (if not already on the list).
>
> Thanks.
> Izzie
This is the end of the thread.
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