Posted by jtc on May 27, 2003, at 10:26:35
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by belle rose on May 27, 2003, at 0:10:47
> > First, I'm grateful to have all your posts to read. I did so back when my md. first gave me Effexor back in Dec. and, because of my history of ultra sensitivities and side effects to previous drugs, I decided to delay taking it and try to 'weather' my depression (also thinking perhaps the mourning for my mom's passing was so much a factor that maybe time would heal some of the depression.
> >
> > But it's gotten worse and months have gone by with no more than an isolated day here and there of any physical energy for anything beyond reading and writing.
> >
> > I started Effexor last night, taking only HALF (approx.) of the grains in a 37.5 mg capsule, after dinner and dessert and presumably the fullest and most protected time of day for my stomach (also having a history of gastritis).
> >
> > I woke this morning after about 5-1/2 hrs sleep with an immediately noticeable, albeit fairly mild, nausea which has been off and on all day, and just now eating crackers to try to appease it, it seemed instead to get worse. And in the past few hours, i've been having a different sort of weird sensation in my head, like a somewhat knifey-tingly-electricky feeling, not severe but noticeable and distracting. This is on only approx. 18 mg!
> >
> > My question: I know from reading many of your posts that initial side effects ilke this are not unusual -- but on so little a dose, given my history of sensitivity... I'm thinking i should at least finish the other half of the first capsule, but can it be that this is already my body telling me "This drug isn't meant for you?"
> >
> > I know it's a judgment call only I can make for myself, but if anyone has any thoughts/input, I'd appreciate it. My md. who prescribed told me, after I'd read comments here last Dec. about symptoms he'd given me no indication about despite knowing my ultra-sensitivity, told me he has about 200 patients taking Effexor (!?!) and had never heard of any problems with side effects. Well, that just made me not really trust his level of awareness, so I turn to you all here. Thanks.
>
> Dear Friend
>
> I would discuss the symptoms you are having immediately with your physician especially if you are sensitive to prescriptions. I told my physicians for years about the side effects I would have when I missed a dose or was even a few hours late and was dismissed. While on the drug, I had chronic constipation and weight gain only. It wasn't until I would try to go off of it because it didn't help with my "Cyclothalmia", rapid cycling, less severe than manic depression, that I experienced the hideous side effects. I am now 40 days off Effexor and still have extreme joint pain and my vision is awful. I feel much better though. If you haven't tried any other mood stabililizers, I recommend trying some others first and using Effexor as a last resort.
> Best of luck to you. belle roseHi, I agree with belle rose's suggestion. I would try some other antidepressants first before the effexor. I have been off Effexor for about 2 months after taking it for about 11 months. It is hard to discontinue but it did help me, however I wish I had known more about it before trying it. My 9 year old daughter took it for about 4 months. She is now off of it too. Her pediatrician does not feel comfortable with prescribing it for children. She recommnends trying Zoloft for my daughter. My daughter's psychiatrist prescribed the Effexor and told me I did not have to taper it with my daughter and that she could just stop taking it. That is the furthest from the truth I have ever heard. My daughter has extreme anxiety (just like me). Anyway we are both off of it now. I am sure it works for some people but I think we should be aware of side effects of this medication before taking and some doctors do not seem to be aware of these. Take care and good luck to you in whatever your decision, jtc
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poster:jtc
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030525/msgs/229419.html