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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4726 to 4750 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Scooter1 on July 23, 2003, at 11:01:22
In reply to Re: Making jump from 37.5 to 75, congrats! » mercedes, posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 10:31:10
Thanks for the bit of encouragement to go to the next level. I know that I am scared, but I will eventually do it. You mentioned you still have severe anxiety attacks, my doc put me on this medication to help with that as well as panic attacks. Do you find that you still have them reguardless and have to learn how to cope, or does the medication seem to make them better. Please let me know. I finally realized a lot of what brought my attacks on this time were visiting my mom in Ar, after not seeing her for about 6 years. I finally realized how much that I missed not having my extended family around. Any advice.
scooter1
Posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 11:05:00
In reply to Re: Hi All... » willie, posted by CherC68 on July 22, 2003, at 19:22:37
Dear Cher, mercedes,.. and all,
Gosh, Cher, my hat's off to you, really. What a mind-boggling thing to cope with even when one *isn't* already dealing with bad hands, depression, etc etc.
I am so sorry i wasn't one who was able to be verbally supporting here the past two days. I don't think i mentioned it, in part because i didn't fully realize how bad it was, but i had wiped out my back 3 weeks ago while doing gardening. I have a congenital defect in my spine and i've gotten used over the years to feeling when it "pops out" of place in the sacroiliac joint and know i need to see my chiropractor... But this time i couldn't feel the usual protrusion and thought the pain would just eventually go away, plus this dreadful lack of energy meant i mostly didn't want to drive the 40 min. it takes to get to him (but he's absolutely 'magic' and i would never go to anyone else now). I'd had to take more vicodin than usual to cope and thought it would heal. I'd scheduled an appt twice before but then my car broke down and another time it was so hot that the Effexor combined was making me sweat buckets and i just couldn't bring myself to even dress and drive there. Finally after another day of major gardening on Monday, i'd scheduled to go yesterday, and it turned out the reason i didn't feel the usual protrusion was cuz i'd actually done so much more damage than usual that I'd rotated my whole lumbar and my back was swollen in that area. He is a very 'holistic chiro' and it involves always ultrasound etc. first, and then he himself spends at least half an hour doing physical therapy and massage as well as adjusting but yesterday involved more than usual and because the adjustment was so major, I came home last night and just sat on ice (my daily routine actually) but i couldn't even write at the computer -- and i'm still drained from the adjustment even now...) but that's the only reason you haven't heard from me. I have been and continue to send you such awed and actually admiring support, dear Cher.
I'm so glad to hear your "men" are coming home - today it seems? and that your son will be there now for the duration. How nice. But how awful in the interim that you had to deal with SOOO much on your own.
(I just had a "tree" of sorts -- a spike from a century plant -- in my yard break during the night and the neighbor down the hill calling me at 7 am today to let me know it was in her yard and what were we going to do? aaargh - and that's nothing compared to what you're dealing with, so your stories inspire to see how minimal this hassle is though, believe me, all i want to do is play ostrich and wish the problem away, just from sheer lack of energy)
I moved to 150 mg last night! It's the first time i've gone up by anything more than 25 mg at a time, but noa's comment the other day about granules (which never would have come up if you, mercedes, hadn't so thoughtfully brought up the issue again and thought of me in that regard -- so thank you for initiating that whole topic again!!) made me decide i had to stop divvying up granules and "bite the capsule" so to speak [no, no, i'm not biting capsules - sorry - i do hate the expression 'bite the bullet' though] ...
I had some real dizziness for a bit an hour ago and i woke up way too early today but the latter was due to my sore spine, i'm sure, from the major adjustment it will take a couple days for my body to readjust to. Otherwise, i always find side effects show up more on the 2nd day anyway. For the first time last night, i really 'gulped' upon taking my pill wondering if i was going to regret such a "leap" in mg's but also eager to be finally getting to the alleged 'magic' level of 150. So now i'll finally be at a level where hopefully i'm going to start feeling some real energy change. So far the only thing that has changed in that domain has been this massive sweating, and that's NOT the change from adrenalin and metabolism boost that i'm looking for!!!
Cher, i have some thinking i've been doing the past few days about your situation which i haven't known if you'd be interested in hearing, but let me know if you're in the mood for some 5c "Lucy"-like long-distance thoughts about what maybe you are dealing with - - and why i'm thinking your instincts were probably wise to quit the Effexor ...
Meanwhile, the only music you've mentioned that i am familiar with is Enigma and the Wallflowers -- the others like Poi Dog something ?? :))) just make me smile ... I have no clue who they all are. I have and really like music by Enigma and the Wallflowers though.
I'm not sure if you read my post the other day when i launched the topic about music during depression... No one really responded to it but maybe it triggered this discussion, but i very much relate to this whole topic and posed my own questions to everyone along the lines of what mercedes, you too, have asked today.
(mercedes, as to TV tastes, i am a bit of a news junkie, but i watch a fair amount of lawyer shows - The Practice, Law & Order, etc too -- and granted they deal with the kinds of awful crimes you listed but it's curious that i don't think of them that way - i think of them as great scripts and relationships among the central characters ... plus on L&O enough of that 'detective' notion that intrigues me too. I don't watch any sitcoms but it's more cuz i rarely find any that are really funny to me. I try to watch Letterman or Jon Stewart before bedtime for my laughs for the day - they are more humorous to me than most sitcoms ... )
well, this is a huge catchall ... Please know that i'm thinking of you and reading you and so glad that you are writing more again, Cher - and only sorry i wasn't responding during your crisis day, which happened to be my major gardening day here on Monday and every one of those days leaves me so exhausted i can't even move afterward, then the chiro yesterday i have been physically unable to write but i've been sending you and continue to send you nothing but loving good vibes and healing thoughts...
Please tell me, Cher, when your birthday is going to be, okay?
And also what exactly is your surgery on your hands going to involve?
love and hugs, to all,
zinya
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 11:13:24
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 10:16:50
Thanks for the follow-up note. I just wanted to add that during the past 7 - 9 yrs, I would read the warning on the A.D.'s "DO NOT TAKE WITH ALCOHOL". I have always drank sociably...yea right! I drank to self medicate often having no recall. I was so afraid of mixing AD's with alcohol and chose alcohol instead of the AD's. I wasn't helping myself at all but worst of all, I used to lie to the pdoc about my drinking. Big mistake I know. This was a few years back.
Since I started taking the 75 mgs of Effexor, I realized that I had lost my craving for alcohol. I'm not a beer drinker but used to drink one once in a while especially if I was washing my car or mowing the lawn (with my music on). I don't crave alcohol like I used to. I'm not saying that I haven't drank in the past 8 months, yes I have but can count them on "2" hands, I think, maybe I have to borrow a toe or 2 :)
But in reality, giving up alcolhol, or not craving it, is one thing I am sure is related to Effexor. I always have beer in my frig but that's for my brother's or my nephew's when they come around. Otherwise it just sits there.
I was on pbabble last Sat night and did crave a drink 'shot of whisky' just here, by myself. However, I said to myself, "self, why do you want to feel bad in the morning?" so I fought the urge. If I drink whisky, I don't know when to stop and usually do something stupid like calling people in the middle of the night.
This was a long p.s. huh?
mercedes
Posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 11:24:17
In reply to Re: Xanex, posted by Susy on July 22, 2003, at 14:00:26
hola Suzy,
i just wrote a long post recounting what's been happening with me so i won't restate it, but wanted to write to say i'm looking forward to hearing if and how you connected with Paula. I hope so. She's sooo supportive. (But also, don't take this as any kind of 'pressure' - I don't mean it that way at all.)
Sounds to me like you've been increasingly taking the bull by the horns, which is great! I also think there's a real "art" to learning to live in the present which is a struggle for all of us but I share your goal in doing that, more each day.
Small world that you were in Rio too! I lived there way back in '78 to '81, and then didn't return again for a visit til '96 and again in '98. Gosh, that level of energy just feels like a reverie... But it will come again... and, yes, i will sing and dance again... But in the clutches of this thing that seems to be "clinical depression" it's just physically not an option. I've learned in the past that i can't push it in those regards. The music/singing/dancing spirit isn't coy, isn't just waiting for me to summon it. It's simply not there now. But it will come back, and i will launch a million balloons to celebrate its return...
abrazos,
zinya
Posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 11:35:23
In reply to Re: Effexor...p.s. » Daphnis, posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 11:13:24
mercedes, Daphnis, and all..
mercedes, you crack me up!! your "Self..." talk and borrowing toes ;))
plus i do relate. And my beer now sits in my fridge too, undrunk for ages. Last time i had one - just before starting Effexor - it had too weird an effect on me anyway - part of what made me realize my biochemistry had gone haywire and part of what made me realize it was time to try Effexor.
Twice, i've gone to dinner with friends and had one sip of their drink and that was all i wanted. I hadn't thought about it, but now that you mention, i think my 'taste' for drinking has diminished too. Or when it pops up, it also goes away rather easily.
I want to at to Daphnis too (welcome!) that i also am so sensitive to such drugs that i'm the one here who took it super slowly... I split the 37.5 in half and started at 19 for 2 wks, then 37.5, then 56, then 75, then 100 -- taking 2 months until just last night i finally took a 150. I've had some side effects at each level but they've been manageable.
I totally agree with mercedes' advice to you. I would add that i do think even if you're going to take only part of a capsule, you need to be consistent or you won't know and you'll possibly have MORE ups and downs as your body goes in and out of adjusting. If you read the posts about dosage levels i've written in the past week with mercedes and noa, you'll see some of what i've learned now too about an additional problem i hadn't thought of -- assuming you have the XR (time release) capsules rather than the regular ones.
hugs to you both,
zinya
Posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 11:43:27
In reply to Re: Effexor...p.s. » Daphnis, posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 11:13:24
I mostly gave up alcohol a few years back. I noticed I was starting to drink more, and didn't like the way it made me tired and unmotivated (I am pretty driven). So now I will drink half a glass of wine maybe two or three times a year, when I go visit my mom. Still don't like the way it makes me feel, but I noticed on my vacation this time I drank a tiny bit two nights with dinner and then wanted more. and my mom gave me a whole bottle (what's THAT about??) and I drank some of it. Still have it, though, so I'm not TOO concerned. Al-anon is for friends and families of alcoholics, and really, what it has helped me with is the co-dependency. And tools to get up and do something instead of staying stuck in depression. "Do the next right thing" has been a helpful idea, even if it just means washing the dishes. Because later the feelings will have changed some. Anyway, I guess my feelings about drugs and the body apply as well to alcohol. Even to sugar! food has always been my drug of choice, unfortunately. In fact, gotta go take a walk before work. Exercise is one thing that really HAS helped me with depression over the years, so I try really hard to get out and walk a LOT. I sure appreciate the chance to talk about how to manage depression. I've read so much on it, but dialogue is something else again... thanks
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 11:44:19
In reply to Re: Hi All... catch-up esp. to mercedes and » CherC68, posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 11:05:00
Hi Zinya, I was starting to wonder what happened to you? Sorry that your back gave out, I know the feeling so when I plan to do heavy yard work or even lifting something heavy, I have to put my back brace on. I've hurt my back several times, the last being on my birthday this past May 4th when I fell on my ass.
As far as TV taste's. I wonder if it's dep. related. Oh, I watched "Analyse That" cause I also watch psycological stuff. It's with Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiro? (I'm not good with names.) Anyway I was laughing so much that I could feel the seratonine level rising in my brain. I too, don't watch sit coms, only when my son was living with me. He liked E L Raymond, and I watched it with him, but he's gone now and I don't watch it anymore. I like Funniest Video's but don't make it a point to watch it.
Well, hope your back feels better soon & thanks for thinking of me.mercedes
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 11:46:57
In reply to anyone had weight gain?, posted by nocalmaggie on July 23, 2003, at 10:39:59
What dose are you on?
Mercedes**************************************
> Has anyone gained significant (over 20 pounds) after being on effexor for 1+ years.
>
Posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 11:57:57
In reply to Re: Effexor...p.s. borrowing a toe :)) Daphnis and » mercedes, posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 11:35:23
This is amazing! No, I have old (samples) 37.5 mg tabs, and when I DO get so down that I feel like trying again, I break one in like fifths! So I feel like an imposter here cause I hear people dealing with issues over 150 mg, but where else am I going to deal with these issues?? And anyway, I feel like an imposter everywhere and always.
Posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 12:13:43
In reply to Re: Effexor...p.s. borrowing a toe :)) Daphnis and » zinya, posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 11:57:57
this is new language for me...
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 12:19:22
In reply to Re: mercedes, posted by Scooter1 on July 23, 2003, at 11:01:57
Scooter, my anxiety and panic attacks are mostly under control, say about 95%. In addition to effexor xr, I also take xanex so the combination must be working. My bad attacks, which I'm just learning about thru the help of people on this site, may be a form of migranes. I have to confirm this with a new neurologist - my 6th! in the past 7-9 years. I wrote about my bad attack back on 07/11. It's called "Had bad attack, any 1 have one of these?"
It's good to discuss your fears here, cuz so many people can relate. I too, was far from my immediate family till I moved last Sept. Should have done that long ago but you know, the job, etc. I lost one job after 19 yrs thru a merger and my last job, I lost in 6 yrs, also due to a merger. So much for dedication. That's when I said, the hell with it, I'm going home.
Suggestion: when you up your med to the next level, why not go on-line on pbabble and update how you are feeling every hour or so. That's if you have no one elso to be with you. We're here to listen and offer support. Been there/done that/felt that/cried over that/been under that black cloud/ etc, etc.
Mercedes
**************************************
> Thanks for the bit of encouragement to go to the next level. I know that I am scared, but I will eventually do it. You mentioned you still have severe anxiety attacks, my doc put me on this medication to help with that as well as panic attacks. Do you find that you still have them reguardless and have to learn how to cope, or does the medication seem to make them better. Please let me know. I finally realized a lot of what brought my attacks on this time were visiting my mom in Ar, after not seeing her for about 6 years. I finally realized how much that I missed not having my extended family around. Any advice.
> scooter1
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 23, 2003, at 12:34:54
In reply to Are you still taking 75mg? (nm) » KimberlyDi, posted by theo on July 23, 2003, at 9:37:34
I'm currently at 100mg, 2x daily. It took me 4 weeks for my body to adjust to taking the higher dosage. I went from 75mg to 150mg to 200mg rather quickly.
KDi in Texas
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 23, 2003, at 12:51:37
In reply to Re: Effexor...p.s. » Daphnis, posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 11:13:24
That's another reason why Effexor is such a lifesaver for me, the absence of the craving to drink. I didn't like the taste of Whiskey. But I would be frantic to *shut up* all those fears and anxieties racing through my head. I almost ran out of Effexor because the area Pharmacy's didn't stock the non-XR version. I had 2 days were I was taking half-dosages to string my remaining supply out without going completely off. Those old fears and apprehensions, I could feel them coming back. Not a nice feeling. I am NOT stopping Effexor anytime soon, not willingly. i wish Effexor would help me with anger though.
KDi in Texas> Thanks for the follow-up note. I just wanted to add that during the past 7 - 9 yrs, I would read the warning on the A.D.'s "DO NOT TAKE WITH ALCOHOL". I have always drank sociably...yea right! I drank to self medicate often having no recall. I was so afraid of mixing AD's with alcohol and chose alcohol instead of the AD's. I wasn't helping myself at all but worst of all, I used to lie to the pdoc about my drinking. Big mistake I know. This was a few years back.
>
> Since I started taking the 75 mgs of Effexor, I realized that I had lost my craving for alcohol. I'm not a beer drinker but used to drink one once in a while especially if I was washing my car or mowing the lawn (with my music on). I don't crave alcohol like I used to. I'm not saying that I haven't drank in the past 8 months, yes I have but can count them on "2" hands, I think, maybe I have to borrow a toe or 2 :)
>
> But in reality, giving up alcolhol, or not craving it, is one thing I am sure is related to Effexor. I always have beer in my frig but that's for my brother's or my nephew's when they come around. Otherwise it just sits there.
>
> I was on pbabble last Sat night and did crave a drink 'shot of whisky' just here, by myself. However, I said to myself, "self, why do you want to feel bad in the morning?" so I fought the urge. If I drink whisky, I don't know when to stop and usually do something stupid like calling people in the middle of the night.
>
> This was a long p.s. huh?
> mercedes
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 13:15:49
In reply to Shorthand? What's BAM and pdoc?, posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 12:13:43
Daphnis (spelling?)
Don't feel bad, I went HUH? when I first started reading posts. Pdoc is your psychiatrist.BAM stands for Basilar Artery Migrane which is not related to this thread or effexor. For the last 7-9 years I happen to have severe attacks where I get dble vision, slurred speach, make no sense, short term memory loss and then I sleep or pass out. No neurologist has ever had an answer for my attacks, so have been misdiagnosed and given seizure meds and epileptic meds. BAD, bad. After many tests, my tests come out negative for seizures yet I've been given meds for seizures - go figure. I don't take those meds anymore.
I'm treated for anx, ptsd (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) & depression which I DO have.
Through the help of people on this site, I discovered that I may have this BAM, but have to confirm with a new neurologist. Hope this doesnt' confuse you and keep on asking if you don't understand something. You show more courage than I have. I've seen things that I don't quite understand but don't ask. See, you've already helped me, I'll ask next time I don't understand something.
Thanks,
mercedes> this is new language for me...
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 14:00:54
In reply to Re: Effexor...p.s. borrowing a toe :)) Daphnis and » zinya, posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 11:57:57
Daph, what do you mean that you feel like an imposter here? If you are reaching out for help through this site, you are not alone. Do you want to talk about why you feel like an "imposter here and everywhere". I used to refer to myself as a robot, going thru each day like a robot, get up, get dressed, go to work, pretend to be happy, go home and do the same thing the next day. Please stay with us and let us help you out if we can.
p.s. another shorthand, SE-side effects.
Mercedes> This is amazing! No, I have old (samples) 37.5 mg tabs, and when I DO get so down that I feel like trying again, I break one in like fifths! So I feel like an imposter here cause I hear people dealing with issues over 150 mg, but where else am I going to deal with these issues?? And anyway, I feel like an imposter everywhere and always.
Posted by midgie1007 on July 23, 2003, at 14:17:51
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain?, posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 11:46:57
I just started Effexor XR, and I'll be interested to see if my weight creeps up. I gained 25 lbs on paxil then switched to prozac and wasn't able to shake it off for the longest time.
I finally figured out that eating a lower carb diet worked for me and lost it all. I certainly don't want it coming back!
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 14:49:37
In reply to music, romance, and missing in depression, esp. to » Susy, posted by zinya on July 21, 2003, at 13:21:02
Zinya, I had to look back for your post. I had read it and for some reason, I think there were just sooooo many posts that day, I personaly didn't respond. But yes, I think we sorta, somehow did get into the subject of music due to your post.
I can remember when nothing I used to enjoy including music was no longer part of my life. Although I've always had my car radio on music. That's cuz if it were on talk, I probably wouldn't "hear" it. I'm not sure I even listened to the car radio music cuz I was in this "other world". Meaning that my body was there but my mind was out in nowhere land. I think it's called "disassociation". Sorta like watching TV and not knowing what the program or movie is about. Or someone talking to me and in the middle of the conv., my mind would go off somewhere else, then I would feel so embarrased when the person would ask, "what do you think?" and I'd have to say something stupid..like "yea" or "uh huh", yet I had no idea what the conversation was about. I was in my own world of depression & misery and subconciously, disassociated. Learned this from going to therapy.
Anyway, right now I'm listening to my country music station as I write. "I'm a little bit country, I'm a little bit rock and roll" I luv all kinds of music, cumbia's, zamba's corridos even hip-hop. I also have a taste for classical, Bethoven, Bach. It depends on my mood. However I remember listening to some music so that I could cry, can't remember what it was now.... that's a good thing, huh?.
Anyway Z, I hope you can soon enjoy your music again, you will, I know it. Got to write you another note, ok.
mercedes
Posted by catachrest on July 23, 2003, at 14:50:41
In reply to To Theresa Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by tina on May 8, 2000, at 8:03:14
Hi there,
I'm pretty new to Effexor; started at 37.5 mg about 5 days ago. Overall I'm not minding it, and I haven't had a panic attack or really really low mood since I started. But I'm finding the drowsiness and the problems sleeping hard to deal with. From reading what others have put here it looks like this will most likely stop eventually as my body gets used to it, and I'm okay with that, but as it stands, I've been at work all day and haven't gotten anything done. I feel drowsy and absolutely uninterested and unmotivated in my work. For three nights I've had trouble getting to sleep, and I wake up often at night and don't seem to dream. Can anyone recommend to me a safe, non-medicinal way of dealing with these side effects for the meantime? I'm committed to getting better - can't handle the depression any more - but I also really need to be able to work.
By the way, thanks for all the information and support I've gotten just from reading old posts. I'm pleasantly surprised at the general standard of articulateness in peoples' writing here - it makes me feel like you guys are intelligent, thinking people, and if you can be depressed and get help for it too, then no shame for me!
Thanks,
Susan
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 15:04:14
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain?, posted by midgie1007 on July 23, 2003, at 14:17:51
On the contrary, I personnaly have lost about 11 lbs. But this drug works differently for everyone. I have lots more to lose but not really worried about it. My mental health is more important. I've also gained weight with some other AD's. I think some meds make us lathargic, no energy, so we tend to gain weight. One of the SE (side effects) of Effexor is dry mouth, so I drink lots of water now and maybe that attributes to losing. Also loss of appetite, don't really know but I'm glad. Speaking of appetite, I HAVE to eat now so I can take my effexor.
Mercedes
**********************************
> I just started Effexor XR, and I'll be interested to see if my weight creeps up. I gained 25 lbs on paxil then switched to prozac and wasn't able to shake it off for the longest time.
>
> I finally figured out that eating a lower carb diet worked for me and lost it all. I certainly don't want it coming back!
Posted by mercedes on July 23, 2003, at 15:19:44
In reply to Re: Hi All... catch-up esp. to mercedes and » CherC68, posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 11:05:00
Zinya, just wanted you write you a separate note on your courage in taking the 150mgs at one time. Congratulations. How do you feel on it? Since you tend to have the SE's on the second day, keep us posted. I hope you don't have any. Give it a chance. Lack of sleep was the worst reaction I felt, I think. And of course the sweating but gosh, it's been over 100 degrees here in central CA.
Glad you enjoyed my "Self" talk. That's my humor, and I sure missed it when I was in that dark hole some time ago. I'm so glad to be out of it and to enjoy laughing again.
Also, thanks for your comments on my TV issue.
Anyway, I've got to get off this site and try to get something accomplished around here.
<<<<Lots of Hugs>>>>
mercedes
Posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 15:29:35
In reply to Ways to fight initial drowsiness/sleep problems?, posted by catachrest on July 23, 2003, at 14:50:41
hi Susan,
welcome! I was a newcomer not so long ago myself...
What time of day are you taking your Effexor? (It's the XR time-release, right?)
It could be that you might benefit from changing from night to morning or morning to night ... I take mine at night after dinner (initially out of concern for nausea which did me in with other a-d's i've tried) to be on fullest stomach of the day and so far i haven't had trouble sleeping although i do find myself having a third coffee many days even though i usually tried to keep myself to one or two. But otherwise, i've been fine with taking it night.
However, as you've surely read, others here had to do the opposite and switch to mornings ... If you have enough 37.5s you might try making the switch before you move up to 75 so there's less of an adjustment to your body as you gradually shift time of day.
???
just my 2c,
zinya
Posted by CherC68 on July 23, 2003, at 15:38:19
In reply to Shorthand? What's BAM and pdoc?, posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 12:13:43
Dear Daphnis,
There are no imposters here, and if so that would be me! I do not have a PDoc (Shrink) or do I see a therapist. I went to my doctor who was an internist and he put me on Zoloft. I told him I had anxiety attacks that's it. He was a new doctor for me cause I haven't seen one in about 2 years. Zoloft made me nauseaus so I quit. He then put me on Effexor XR which I only lasted SIX DAYS ON. He is no longer at my clinic - so I see nobody yet - but am looking for a pdoc & therapist.
Right now I have a prescription for Xanax (which is not mine a friend gave me hers!)
While on Zoloft & Effexor I had support from Zinya, Mercedes and Kimberly and then more support recently from Susy, Willie & Nyia and several others and I continue posting (which I probably shouldn't because this posting section is for Effexor), but to have people actually understand sort of what you are going through with depression, anxiety, bi-polar, personality disturbances and thoughts of suicide and just feeling plain miserable has helped me tremendously.
I have a friend who is bi-polar and she's really quite manic right now so I don't have her to even talk to. Everyone on here is very supportive because we are all going through similar things - mostly personal crisis. Depression is very debilitating as well as anxiety attacks - the difference is some of us have other problems like personality disturbances, mania, etc.
Many of us on here are not in therapy and those that are in therapy are helping with things they learned.
You are welcome here and I could guarantee that you reaching out looking for any sort of help on here is actually helping someone.
It's quite unbelievable to me that everyone on here is in personal turmoil and has the strength to reach out and help another or even has the strength to reach out and ask for help. That in itself is being on the road to recovery.
Hugs,
Cher
Posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 15:52:27
In reply to Re: Effexor...p.s. borrowing a toe :)) Daphnis and » zinya, posted by Daphnis on July 23, 2003, at 11:57:57
i just saw your post, Daph (can i call you Daph? :)) and i can only second what Cher has said and urge you to post whenever and whatever... That's what we all do, and we all started somewhere. And i first came on this site last November and then decided to postpone taking Effexor and only started in late May ... So believe me, we're each on a unique path and none of them are imposters -- we're only posters :)) [get it? :)) ha ha - my pun for the day...
oh dear...
hugs and more welcome!
zinya
Posted by theo on July 23, 2003, at 15:58:46
In reply to Re: Theoscooter1::theo, posted by Scooter1 on July 23, 2003, at 10:00:37
This morning, 7/23/03. I feel great, actually more leveled off. At 37.5mg I felt like it was trying to kick in but just scratching the surface. Today is just the first day at 75mg but I actually feel more at ease and not as moody. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by catachrest on July 23, 2003, at 15:58:57
In reply to Re: Ways to fight initial drowsiness/sleep problem » catachrest, posted by zinya on July 23, 2003, at 15:29:35
Thanks Zinya,
I think I will try that. I've been taking it with supper - which is often later in the evening due to my decreased appetite lately - and maybe I would benefit from taking it in the morning, or even at lunch. My doctor didn't recommend a time of day, only that I should eat something with it, which is why I chose suppertime.
Susan
> hi Susan,
>
> welcome! I was a newcomer not so long ago myself...
>
> What time of day are you taking your Effexor? (It's the XR time-release, right?)
>
> It could be that you might benefit from changing from night to morning or morning to night ... I take mine at night after dinner (initially out of concern for nausea which did me in with other a-d's i've tried) to be on fullest stomach of the day and so far i haven't had trouble sleeping although i do find myself having a third coffee many days even though i usually tried to keep myself to one or two. But otherwise, i've been fine with taking it night.
>
> However, as you've surely read, others here had to do the opposite and switch to mornings ... If you have enough 37.5s you might try making the switch before you move up to 75 so there's less of an adjustment to your body as you gradually shift time of day.
>
> ???
>
> just my 2c,
>
> zinya
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