Posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor-sideeffects, posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:22:45
The side effect that caused me to switch from Prozac to Effexor initially was bruxism (jaw clenching). The side effect that caused me to want to wean off of Effexor was general lack of motivation and tiredness. Effexor kept me functional for a long time when I really needed it, and I do not regret taking it. I've come to the conclusion that I need something else. I can't take Wellbutrin due to a seizure history. Taking 15 mg of Ritalin twice a day helps me concentrate, and Buspar helped me work through the jaw clenching apsect when it bothered me before.
I feel weird taking the Ritalin. I can mail order a 90 day prescription to my insurance company, so I don't have the hassle of going to the doc's office once a month to pick up a new prescription, but I find myself skipping it on the days I don't need to focus on details. I would probably do better if I took it daily twice a day - but the difference is so subtle it is hard for me to appreciate it. I'm content to laze back and ignore the fact that I am sticking my head in the sand about my responsibilities and I waste a lot of time when I do not take it because I am easily distracted.
It is so hard to determine mental side effects of meds versus symptoms of the depression itself. I've discovered that the depression itself will cause me to ignore or not recognize side effcts of medication. Outside events such as a close friend or relative's comment, or messing up some responsibility like paying bills on time. cause me to *wake up* and realize that Effexor alone is no longer the best drug treatment for me.
poster:LynnPerley
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050921/msgs/558363.html