Posted by Fish on April 4, 2001, at 9:55:23
In reply to Re: Curious, posted by Voski on April 4, 2001, at 8:12:43
I have been taking Effexor XR for 1 1/2 years now at 75 mg a day. After initial side effect went away, I was very happy with this drug. It helped me tremendously, especially with social anxiety. I started with and still have side effects from taking the drug (sweating, memory lapses, forgetfulness, confusion) but I guess everyone is different in how their body will react. The drug worked wonders for my depression, but in the last 6 months or so, I just couldn't take the side effects anymore ... the side effects are causing me great stress. I am currently weening myself from the drug. Taking 37.5 mg everyday. Side effects are tolerable (vertigo, dizziness, nausea). They are light enough that I can function. Seem to get the worst of my side effects at night (5:30 pm) when my next dose is due. No support from my doctor, as he thinks all of this is a bunch of hoopla. He knows about it ... said I should take 37.5 for one week, then 37.5 every other day for one week and then stop. Based on my side effects so far, I am a little nervous that this regimen will be too severe, so I will listen to my body and do what I feel is best. It is definitely a personal choice. I think anyone who takes drugs that effect their brain chemisty should realize that there has to be some change in your body. Personally, the relief from depression was more important than the side effects. I am feeling better now, I don't know if that is the drug or the fact that the situation that made me depressed is resolved, or possibly both. These are the questions I think you should ask yourself ... Is the medication helping with your depression? If so, what are the side effects, if any? Which is worse? What can you live with? I will be surprised if when you ween yourself off the medication you don't have side effects, but it sounds like not everyone has them from what I have read in these emails. I think what is most important is what you think and what you need. Take some time and think about it carefully. You will know what to do. Best of Luck ... Fish
poster:Fish
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/58643.html