Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 87634

Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?

Posted by teachersrule on December 21, 2001, at 20:59:29

I just started taking Effexor XR. I am experiencing some minor side effects, such as yawning, but almost immediately I felt much less anxious and more patient. Here is the clincher, I am afraid of this whole anti-depressant thing. I am in 12 step recovery for addiction for over two years. There is a major stigma about taking anything. I decided to take it in addition to my program and psychotherapy after hearing from two totally different therapists that I needed this. I am also recently involved in an anger group - so I'm not looking to a pill for all the answers. It sure would be nice to hear some success stories. Anyone currently taking Effexor successfully? Anyone work through their issues and are now effexor free? I would really love to hear from others. Thanks

 

Re: I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?

Posted by Geezer on December 21, 2001, at 22:01:52

In reply to I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?, posted by teachersrule on December 21, 2001, at 20:59:29

> I just started taking Effexor XR. I am experiencing some minor side effects, such as yawning, but almost immediately I felt much less anxious and more patient. Here is the clincher, I am afraid of this whole anti-depressant thing. I am in 12 step recovery for addiction for over two years. There is a major stigma about taking anything. I decided to take it in addition to my program and psychotherapy after hearing from two totally different therapists that I needed this.
I am also recently involved in an anger group - so I'm not looking to a pill for all the answers. It sure would be nice to hear some success stories. Anyone currently taking Effexor successfully? Anyone work through their issues and are now effexor free? I would really love to hear from others. Thanks

Hi Teachersrule,
Welcome to babble. I am a recovering from Alcohol (sober since 2/15/75), Dexidrine and Valume (clean since 1985). You have nothing to fear from antidepressant drugs as far as addiction is concerned. You probably already know the drugs you need to stay away from-stay REAL HONEST with yourself and your doc. The tweleve step programs saved my life when they got me clean but with out treatment for my Bipolar II disorder I would have relapsed or taken the "big dirt nap". The people in the 12 step programs are all well meaning but mood disorders (anger) often require more than "working through issues". Some of us have brain chemistry problems that need more than cognative understanding and "working the steps". Don't let ANYONE convince you to stop taking medicine without letting your doc. help you make the best decision. Hang around on this site. Let us hear more from you.
Happy Holidays

 

Re: I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories? » teachersrule

Posted by sid on December 22, 2001, at 10:09:15

In reply to I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?, posted by teachersrule on December 21, 2001, at 20:59:29

Yes there are positive stories with Effexor XR.
I've read several "life-saving" accounts since Nov. 27 2001, when I first joined Psucho-Babble.

I am taking it myself (about a month now), at low dose (still on 37.5 mg), for chronic depression, and there has been improvement for me, although initially I had strong side effects. I am more sociable, less anxious, I have better concentration in my work, and it is easier for me to have fun... I even danced at a holliday party last week, something I had not done in YEARS.

Some people have written on Psycho-Babble about long term effects too, which I can't say anything about just yet. Effexor and Effexor XR have lots of side effects, so people who are new it often write here... you can go back in the past month to see other people's experiences with it. It's not right for everyone, but some people have had short and long term success with it. People have written about dosage and duration of treatment as well.

Usually people start Effexor XR at 37.5 mg and then go up as soon as the side effects have subsided. How high you go depends on your needs.

Whatever you do or think about Effexor XR, make sure to talk to your doc (concerns, side effects, etc...), and don't stop any ADs cold turkey: it can be dangerous; it sometimes leads to severe side effects and with some ADs, even death possibly. It is not an addiction thing, it is brain chemistry needing to be adjusted slowly. If you want out, you need to do it progressively, lower dosage over time, and sometimes take other things (Prozac for e.g., Benadryl) to ease out of your treatment. Talk to your doctor in any case, and be sure you trust tyour doctor.

I hope this helps, go read postings from the past month, a lot was written on Effexor XR. Good luck !

> I just started taking Effexor XR. I am experiencing some minor side effects, such as yawning, but almost immediately I felt much less anxious and more patient. Here is the clincher, I am afraid of this whole anti-depressant thing. I am in 12 step recovery for addiction for over two years. There is a major stigma about taking anything. I decided to take it in addition to my program and psychotherapy after hearing from two totally different therapists that I needed this. I am also recently involved in an anger group - so I'm not looking to a pill for all the answers. It sure would be nice to hear some success stories. Anyone currently taking Effexor successfully? Anyone work through their issues and are now effexor free? I would really love to hear from others. Thanks

 

Re: I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories? » teachersrule

Posted by MB on December 22, 2001, at 12:32:51

In reply to I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?, posted by teachersrule on December 21, 2001, at 20:59:29

There's an AA pamphlet that talks about taking these types of medication...you've probably seen it. Basically what it says is that sometimes outside help is needed, and that it is OK as long as you are honest with your doctor about your status as a recovering addict (and as long as your doctor takes this status seriously). A lot of people in AA, because of the second step which states, "We came to believe that a higher power could restore us to sanity," believe that it is a "cop out" to take antidepressants and that if you were really "honest" or if you were really "praying right" you wouldn't need these medications. One of the problems I see with this attitude is this: what did the founders have in mind when they wrote the second step? There are multiple definitions of the word "insanity". Old timers will tell you that "insanity" means repeating the same action over and over and expecting different results (e.g., drinking if you are an alcoholic and expecting that there be no craving). Praying and other cognitive-behavioral tools might very well work for "insanity" of this type. It certainly has kept me sober for 22 months. I think, however, that it might be a mistake to think that praying and working the steps, alone, will cure the more clinical types of "insanity" such as clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. These are medical conditions. Just a few years ago, a young man from my community was hurt very badly in a skiing accident. He was a Christian Scientist, and, while he was unconscious, his family refused medical attention for him and decided to pray instead. He died. To me, his death is just as unecessary as the suffering of an AA member who refuses needed medication because the group tells them just to pray about it. You may have heard the anecdote about the guy in the flood sitting on his roof as the waters rise higher. He prays to God to save him. Meanwhile a boat comes by, but he refuses help because he's faithful and knows that God will save him. He subsequently refuses a raft and a rescue helicopter. The waters rise, he drowns and he confronts God. He asks, "Why didn't you save me?" and God repiles, "Well, I sent two boats and a helicopter, what more did you want?" See the connection. In other words, if you believe that a higher power can restore you to sanity, who are your fellow AA remonstrators to tell you that it can't be done (in part) through medication?

Good luck with your therapy, AA, and medication. I think a combination of all three is great idea. Relax and don't let those grumpy oldtimers guilt trip you or take your inventory. You're right where you're supposed to be.

Peace,
MB

 

Re: I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?

Posted by CASEY on December 22, 2001, at 13:09:36

In reply to I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?, posted by teachersrule on December 21, 2001, at 20:59:29

> I JUST STARTED PAXIL 5 MONTHS AGO, AND I CONTINUALLY YAWNED, UNTIL MY DR. RX PROVIGIL 200MG. AND YAWNING STOPPED. I TOO WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE ADDED MEDICATION. I ASKED HIM TO SWITCH ME TO SOMETHING ELSE, AND HE RX EFFEXOR XR. I WAS SUPPOSE TO START IT TODAY, BUT INSTEAD I AM RESEARCHING THE WEB. THIS IS GOOD ADVISE THEY HAVE GIVEN YOU, AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS IN REFORM. I DON'T HAVE THAT COURAGE YET, BUT I'M HOPING WITH THE EFFEXOR XR, I TOO CAN KICK THE ALCOHOL. I HAVE SOCIAL AXIETY, AND ALCOHOL HAS BEEN THE ONLY CURE IN THE PAST. UNFORTUNATE, NOW I CAN'T CONTROL THE ALCOHOL. LETS PRAY TOGETHER THAT GOD SENDS US IN THE DIRECTION WE ARE SEEKING FROM HIM.

 

Yeppir - Sober AND Medicated

Posted by CincyJack on December 22, 2001, at 13:11:32

In reply to I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?, posted by teachersrule on December 21, 2001, at 20:59:29

I've been sober 10 years (AA)and am currently taking Effexor. A million meetings, inventories, etc., will not change your brain chemistry. Don't sweat it. Many good AAs are on meds. Antidepressants are not "fun," contrary to some who think they offer the same kind of escape that alcohol or drugs offer. I'd prefer not to have to take anything.

Effexor has worked for me. Worst side effect is bad memory. But at least I am sleeping.

Peace on your path.

 

Re: Thanks for your replies!!!! I needed that!!!!!

Posted by teachersrule on December 22, 2001, at 20:35:52

In reply to Yeppir - Sober AND Medicated, posted by CincyJack on December 22, 2001, at 13:11:32

Thanks for the replies! I feel better knowing there are some of you with a lot of sober time and needing meds. I had six years sober and drank. I'm back with a little over two years. Maybe I was self medicating when I went out. I know since starting the Effexor XR, (I'm on 75mgs now) my brain has slowed down. I feel less compulsive, including when I eat. I have actually been stopping when I'm full. I sat down and began reading a book today. This is the first time in years. I, for some reason, could only read magazines or college text books for my degree. I wonder if this is the meds also? The knot in my stomach is gone. If this keeps up like this, I'll be o.k. I also yawned a lot less today and smiled a lot more. I seemed to have a lot more patience with my five year old daughter than usual.

One of you reminded me about the man on the roof story, when God sent various forms of transportation. Thanks, I needed to hear that. I haven't felt this good in awhile. I hope it keeps working. I still can't help wishing I was "normal".

Thanks again. I can't tell you how grateful I am to know you're out there.


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