Posted by MSR on December 28, 2003, at 22:01:16
In reply to Re: Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by Cetacea on December 28, 2003, at 21:02:04
Thank you for your help. I guess I was being silly not to talk about this with my doctor. I do not have much confidence in her advice, however. I told her originally that I was only mildly depressed and did not want to be on a "strong" or addictive medication. My symptoms were mostly sleeping all the time, lack of motivation, and anxiety. She first put me on Welbutrin which caused more anxiety, high blood pressure, & panic attacks. So, we tried the Effexor, which seemed to help with the anxiety, but caused me to be even more lethargic and reclusive. She never warned me of the terrible withdrawal symptoms from stopping the Effexor. I just want to feel happy, not like I'm on drugs!
I will certainly call her and try the Prozac. From what I have read here and on the other posts, it seems to be very helpful. I will also exercise more. I'm sure that will help give me more energy and may even have the added benefit of helping me drop the 15 pounds I gained in the last 4 months. :)
After going through this horrible feeling all week, I really don't want to start taking the Effexor again. I imagine that slowly weaning myself off will just prolong this agony. I have been fortunate to be off work the last couple days as I have felt so terrible. Tomorrow is my first day back and I am praying I will be able to get out of bed in the morning. At least now, I realize what is happening to my body and that these symptoms are more common than I knew.
By the way, my father has been taking Effexor for about 8 months and it has worked wonders for him. I have never seen him more happy or relaxed. Thanks again for your help.
poster:MSR
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031225/msgs/294188.html