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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jturner795 on April 11, 2003, at 10:09:24
Hello all, New poster here,
I discovered this board by sheer accident, but feel better that there are others out there like "me". I have been on Welbutrin for about two years 400mg/day. And had become resistaint to its effects. I began tx for ADD in the fall, My Doc put me on Adderall, and I quit Welbutrin cold turkey, It was AWFULL, I became manic and paranoid, and was so keyed up from the Adderall that I thought I was going nuts.(althought I did get alot of house-hold projects done...LOL)I have been on Effexor XR now for 31/2 weeks. Im now up too 150mg per day. What should I be feeling? I don't really feel great. And as a matter of fact it seems to be counter acting the effect of the Adderall! Can anyone help? Thanks,Jared
Posted by japonica on April 11, 2003, at 15:22:23
In reply to Effexor..Is it working?, posted by jturner795 on April 11, 2003, at 10:09:24
Hi Jared,
I've been on Effexor XR for about 6 mos, at 150 mgs. for about 3 weeks. I've been a lifelong depression sufferer; I'm now 42. After much research I've concluded that Bipolar II best fits my particular set of difficulties. I also suspect a bit of ADD and or mild OCD (obsessive/compulsive disorder). I turned to Effexor after a second go round with Prozac. The Prozac worked the first time but not the second. I did a brief and horrific stint with Zoloft which made me instantly fat and stupid. I chose Effexor for the additional neponephrine (spelling?) properties although I'm not certain I'm at a high enough dosage to take advantage of that particular offering.
When I started the Effexor I was suffering from severe depression together with serious anxiety attacks. I'm a divorced mom with 2 kids who works full time and is a part time student. My kids rely on me for everything as my ex is a burnt-out shell of a human. So as you can see it is imperitive that I be well and maintain. Sometimes this pressure alone was enough to send me over the edge.
Effexor helped me within 3 weeks of starting. I had no side-effects with the exception of continued weight gain which I'm handling reasonably well with diet and exercise. The anxiety dissipated almost immediately and has not returned. I do suffer from occassional extreme sleepiness in the early evening. However, it is possible that I am simply truly exhausted. I also have just started with occassional sluggish confusion about 2 days a week (last 2 weeks). This too I can possibly attribute to my course load at school (anatomy).
Bottom line - It's quite possible you may need to give the Effexor some more time. It often takes 6 - 8 weeks. I'd hang in there particularly if you're not suffering any ill effects.
I cannot speak to the interaction with the other medications you're on. I have no personal experience in that area. Hopefully someone else can add some input here.
For more information, you can search through the archived posts on the effexor portion of the site. This is where I did much of my research prior to deciding to try this med.
Best of luck to you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
japonica
Posted by jturner795 on April 13, 2003, at 20:10:42
In reply to Re: Effexor..Is it working? » jturner795, posted by japonica on April 11, 2003, at 15:22:23
Thanks for sharing your story with me. Since my post I have begun to feel better. I also have the courage now to deal with some childhood issues that have followed me my entire life. That feeling of a black empty pit in the center of my chest feels somewhat lighter, And although I am petrified of the withdrawl symptoms after reading threads on this sight, this sight has been a God send for me. Now I dont feel alone locked in a dungeon of Mental anguish. I have been experiencing some horrible abdominal cramps, did that ever happen to you? Let me know, Thanks again, Jared
Posted by japonica on April 14, 2003, at 12:32:49
In reply to Re: Effexor..Is it working?, posted by jturner795 on April 13, 2003, at 20:10:42
Hi Jared,
I'm so glad you're feeling better. I know what a relief it is when you begin to experience good days on a more consistent basis.
No, I can't say that I experienced any abdominal cramping. I was warned when I started Effexor that I would likely become constipated; that didn't happen either. I have been known to have an iron-clad stomach.
Like you, I have been concerned about the possible severity of withdrawl side effects. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. As of right now I have no intention of quitting the med any time soon. I'm really feeling well and life is certainly livable for me. I am motivated and hopeful about my future and realistic about what I can and cannot hope to achieve. While I still have an occassional down moment, I am better able to cope and move through it, then feel better again. That black empty pit as you so aptly describe it is no longer the constant fear it used to be.
If and when you feel strong enough, I recommend Tracy Thompson's personal story of her journey through depression. She was (and still is) a Washington Post reporter. I'll put the title in double quotes which provides a link to Amazon.com. Dr. Bob likes us to use this. However, I don't think this particular one provides the proper link. The book's title is "The Beast". (Another apt desription of depression)
As always, best wishes to you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
japonica
Posted by jturner795 on April 14, 2003, at 13:09:30
In reply to Re: Effexor..Is it working? » jturner795, posted by japonica on April 14, 2003, at 12:32:49
You are so sweet, I really appreciate the thoughtfull responses. I know what you mean about future withdrawl denial! lol. I have noticed the last few days I have become much more intrespective. Thinking alot about deep philisophical questions at lenghth. Such as discussion religion with my father (who is a very close-minded fundamentalist preacher) and I am much moreof a liberal, free thinking kind of guy. Anyway, I would never done these things before, but now its like Im not afraid to share My opinions with people (much to the shagrin of my wife!) When before I just didnt care. Anyway I know I am rambling, I just wanted you to know I value your time and effort, and willingness to correspond. Let me know if I can help you out!!!!, Jared
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