![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6053 to 6077 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Jaynee on January 7, 2004, at 13:27:46
In reply to Re: hypomania, posted by ann72 on January 7, 2004, at 7:39:37
Ann, have you tried anything other than Effexor? I tried Effexor xr for about 5 weeks, and it made me so incredibly depressed and anxious. I cried for about 4 hours a day on Effexor and I haven't cried in 2 years. I quit the effexor and started back on Celexa and I am doing "way" better.
Maybe effexor isn't working for you?
Posted by melley on January 7, 2004, at 16:54:15
In reply to loved the sentence about normal also, posted by Lyrical13 on January 6, 2004, at 20:42:26
Just thought I'd check back in. I've been off effexor since June. What a difference! I think effexor is truly an evil drug. I am now on lexapro--a nice gentle drug that still leaves you with feelings. I think with effexor affecting two parts of your brain it is no wonder it is a dangerous drug.
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 19:45:55
In reply to Re: THANKS.... FlyLady.com » Mercedes, posted by Zellie on January 6, 2004, at 23:05:10
I'm curious about this flylady. I jotted down the website but haven't checked it out yet. I too have tons of clutter to work through. I started on it last spring when I was a bit hypomanic and I started pitching stuff and downsizing and organizing like crazy. But I would like to have a more calm consistent approach to getting to a more orderly organized clutter-free state and maintaining that. I have so much clutter from years of packrat existence that the task of weeding through it is overwhelming at times. I try to break it down into small manageable tasks..and it helps.. the thing is, I really need help on managing things the most during my depressed phases...that's when things really get out of control and I can't find the motivation or brainpower or energy to do anything.
Does it cost to join this site? Does she e-mail you personally or is it kind of a newsletter kind of thing? It sounds very interesting and helpful.
Also, have any of you ever heard of crazy lady organizers? A friend on mine had one...it's like a day planner but it has pages geared more towards managing a household. Very nifty. Also had purses that looked very functional...help to keep things organized without hauling around a suitcase... I looked for them on the web but haven't been able to find them.
ONe more question. Do any of you watch Clean Sweep on TLC? I love that show. It is inspiring me to de-clutter my life and get rid of stuff. It's on weeknights from 6-7pm Eastern and on Saturday nights...I think at 10pm Eastern. I'm not sure when else. It has a carpenter, organizer and interior designer plus a team of workers. They go to a couple's house and help them clean and organize 2 rooms that are just out of control with clutter and mayhem. THey move everything out onto their lawn and they have to sort all the stuff into "KEEP", "TOSS" or "SELL" piles. AFter the couple does the initial sort, the organizer comes out and helps them get the KEEP pile pared down some more. They go to a hotel overnight and usually have some kind of organizing task like sorting their photos into categories or thinning out and organizing their files. The next day they come back and have a yard sale. Whatever doesn't get sold is carted off to charity. Meanwhile, the clean sweep team completely redecorates and organizes the 2 rooms and at the end you get to see the finished rooms. I've gotten a lot of great organizing ideas and also gotten some guidelines on how to weed through all my stuff. I've started taking a clean sweep approach to small areas of my house at a time. I'm slowly building a pile of stuff for a yard sale next summer and pitching a lot of stuff and figuring out how to better organize the stuff I am keeping.
Anyway, I thought that related to the flylady discussion and perhaps could be helpful to some of you.
TTFN as Tigger would say!
L13
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 20:02:31
In reply to Re: hypomania, posted by ann72 on January 7, 2004, at 7:39:37
I just thought of something else. I am on 225mg of Effexor XR. At first it was wonderful.. actually for probably 8 or 9 months after I got to a therapeutic level. But then my next cycle of depression hit. That's when I was increased eventually to 225mg but was still having so much trouble. very very depressed and thinking that I just wanted to crawl under a rock and die. I switched docs because my old one kept telling me to "wait" and I was falling apart at work..crying for no particular reason... sobbing and sobbing and I didn't even know why.
My new pdoc told me that for my type of depression where I've tried several different ADs and have even maxed out a couple of them but was still having difficulty one med alone wouldn't do it. He said we needed to augment the Effexor in one of 4 ways (boost its effectiveness):
1. Another AD that worked on a different chemical
2. Thyroid medication
3. Mood stabilizer
4. Atypical API wanted to do thyroid because of very few side effects. But it would take quite a while to get up to a therapeutic level and I was barely hanging on. So I started SEroquel..an atypical AP because it would start working quickly. BAsically, a dose for a schizophrenic or other type of problem APs are prescribed for would be on a dose of 400-500mg. But for augmenting an AD teh max dose would be about 100mg. I started at 25mg. Within about 3 days I was significantly improved. By the end of the first week, I was about 200% better. AFter 2 weeks I increased to 50mg and now I am wonderful. That's my dose now. I made it through the holidays feeling better than I remember feeling since I was a small child. Usually at the end of vacation I feel a little bummed about going back to work. This time I felt perfectly fine...sometimes even cheerful. Still have normal range of emotions. I'm a bit hypomanic now, but I think that's because my true dx is BP2. But the above approach is designed to work for unipolar depression which is what I thought I was for the past 13 years.
HOpe this helps.
L13
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 20:04:47
In reply to Re: loved the sentence about normal also » Lyrical13, posted by KimberlyDi on January 7, 2004, at 11:34:19
But I did live in TExas for 12 years... :)
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 20:12:26
In reply to Re: Womanly Question, posted by zinya on January 7, 2004, at 11:51:14
Thank you! I've been saying the same thing for a long time! How can it NOT be related? Everything that happens with our bodies impacts other parts of our bodies. I have that book but my sis has it right now. I want to go back to it and read about the adrenal glad because I have always thought that mine must be messed up. I have anxiety and I also have hypoglycemia and the adrenal gland is very much involved in regulating blood sugar. I also have endometriosis and a hx of ovarian cysts. I've always thought that they must be inter-related. Basically my endocrine system is FUBARed.
also, I wonder about your mention of carpal tunnel. I've been having a lot of problems with that lately and also a lot of stiffness in my hands. I thought it was related to how much time I've been spending on the computer...but it doesn't seem like it's incredibly excessive though it could play a part. And I know the ergonomics of my desk are all wrong. I've been trying to compensate...put the keyboard down on the middle drawer, put the mouse down on another pulled out draw with a book on top of the drawer, raise the monitor by putting a couple books under it (good thing I have a lot of books!) But I know it's still not quite right.
Hmmm.. could you elaborate on the Effexor and carpal tunnel angle? Thanks
Posted by Zellie on January 7, 2004, at 20:48:17
In reply to flylady info, posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 19:45:55
Dear Tigger (Lyrical13):
You will LOVE the FlyLady site, based on what you've shared. It is well-paced, sensible, consistent, and wise in its de-cluttering and organizational methods.
It is free! I am already signed up with Yahoo, (which also was free to join), so when I went to sign up for FlyLady, my same password and user name signed me up automatically.
It is way awesome. No, the e-mails are not individualized...but they are sent out daily to all. If there are any that you do not have time to read or do, then you are urged to simply delete them, so you never feel "behind." Although the e-mails are not personalized, it feels as though they are, since they are so pertinent! This woman knows the things that plague we organizationally and motivationally impaired individuals!
Let me know what you think, if you join, once you've worked with it for a few days or for a week or so. For me, it has been such a blessing. My husband loves the changes it is making in my life and in our home. So do I.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> I'm curious about this flylady. I jotted down the website but haven't checked it out yet. I too have tons of clutter to work through. I started on it last spring when I was a bit hypomanic and I started pitching stuff and downsizing and organizing like crazy. But I would like to have a more calm consistent approach to getting to a more orderly organized clutter-free state and maintaining that. I have so much clutter from years of packrat existence that the task of weeding through it is overwhelming at times. I try to break it down into small manageable tasks..and it helps.. the thing is, I really need help on managing things the most during my depressed phases...that's when things really get out of control and I can't find the motivation or brainpower or energy to do anything.
>
> Does it cost to join this site? Does she e-mail you personally or is it kind of a newsletter kind of thing? It sounds very interesting and helpful.
>
> Also, have any of you ever heard of crazy lady organizers? A friend on mine had one...it's like a day planner but it has pages geared more towards managing a household. Very nifty. Also had purses that looked very functional...help to keep things organized without hauling around a suitcase... I looked for them on the web but haven't been able to find them.
>
> ONe more question. Do any of you watch Clean Sweep on TLC? I love that show. It is inspiring me to de-clutter my life and get rid of stuff. It's on weeknights from 6-7pm Eastern and on Saturday nights...I think at 10pm Eastern. I'm not sure when else. It has a carpenter, organizer and interior designer plus a team of workers. They go to a couple's house and help them clean and organize 2 rooms that are just out of control with clutter and mayhem. THey move everything out onto their lawn and they have to sort all the stuff into "KEEP", "TOSS" or "SELL" piles. AFter the couple does the initial sort, the organizer comes out and helps them get the KEEP pile pared down some more. They go to a hotel overnight and usually have some kind of organizing task like sorting their photos into categories or thinning out and organizing their files. The next day they come back and have a yard sale. Whatever doesn't get sold is carted off to charity. Meanwhile, the clean sweep team completely redecorates and organizes the 2 rooms and at the end you get to see the finished rooms. I've gotten a lot of great organizing ideas and also gotten some guidelines on how to weed through all my stuff. I've started taking a clean sweep approach to small areas of my house at a time. I'm slowly building a pile of stuff for a yard sale next summer and pitching a lot of stuff and figuring out how to better organize the stuff I am keeping.
>
> Anyway, I thought that related to the flylady discussion and perhaps could be helpful to some of you.
>
> TTFN as Tigger would say!
>
> L13
Posted by Zellie on January 7, 2004, at 20:57:40
In reply to effexor and depression, posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 20:02:31
I was soooo happy to read that you are now feeling so much better.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> I just thought of something else. I am on 225mg of Effexor XR. At first it was wonderful.. actually for probably 8 or 9 months after I got to a therapeutic level. But then my next cycle of depression hit. That's when I was increased eventually to 225mg but was still having so much trouble. very very depressed and thinking that I just wanted to crawl under a rock and die. I switched docs because my old one kept telling me to "wait" and I was falling apart at work..crying for no particular reason... sobbing and sobbing and I didn't even know why.
>
> My new pdoc told me that for my type of depression where I've tried several different ADs and have even maxed out a couple of them but was still having difficulty one med alone wouldn't do it. He said we needed to augment the Effexor in one of 4 ways (boost its effectiveness):
>
> 1. Another AD that worked on a different chemical
> 2. Thyroid medication
> 3. Mood stabilizer
> 4. Atypical AP
>
> I wanted to do thyroid because of very few side effects. But it would take quite a while to get up to a therapeutic level and I was barely hanging on. So I started SEroquel..an atypical AP because it would start working quickly. BAsically, a dose for a schizophrenic or other type of problem APs are prescribed for would be on a dose of 400-500mg. But for augmenting an AD teh max dose would be about 100mg. I started at 25mg. Within about 3 days I was significantly improved. By the end of the first week, I was about 200% better. AFter 2 weeks I increased to 50mg and now I am wonderful. That's my dose now. I made it through the holidays feeling better than I remember feeling since I was a small child. Usually at the end of vacation I feel a little bummed about going back to work. This time I felt perfectly fine...sometimes even cheerful. Still have normal range of emotions. I'm a bit hypomanic now, but I think that's because my true dx is BP2. But the above approach is designed to work for unipolar depression which is what I thought I was for the past 13 years.
>
> HOpe this helps.
>
> L13
Posted by Crazy T on January 7, 2004, at 23:47:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » jp, posted by dms777smd on November 30, 2003, at 22:44:08
Hi. I just started taking Effexor XR (first 37.5 mg, then 75). It's been three weeks, and I HAVE to take Ativan with it or I am manic. This bothers the hell out of me b/c I don't want to form an addiction to Ativan, and frankly, it barely works, so usually I take more than two to even relax. What should I do?
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 7, 2004, at 23:51:12
In reply to flylady info, posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 19:45:55
> I'm curious about this flylady...
I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding her to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031229/msgs/297924.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 8, 2004, at 0:09:05
In reply to Re: Womanly Question, posted by zinya on January 7, 2004, at 11:51:14
> Christiane Northrup's "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom"
>
> (once more with feeling - i'm trying Dr. Bob's system here to link to amazon but it's saying Amazon doesn't have it. Yet i can see it right on amazon's site - Something's wrong with the amazon link here but anyway it's available, $13 new, $8 used... :))Hmm, worked for me... Are you sure you weren't missing one double quote, on the left?
Bob
Posted by Zellie on January 8, 2004, at 8:07:57
In reply to Redirect: flylady info, posted by Dr. Bob on January 7, 2004, at 23:51:12
Hi, L13. Sorry, it should have been Flylady.net (I had said .com previously). Hope this hasn't confused you.I'll post any additional info about Flylady on the site Dr.Bob recommended (psycho-social).
Kindest regards,
Zellie> > I'm curious about this flylady...
>
> I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding her to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031229/msgs/297924.html
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob
Posted by Salty_Dog on January 8, 2004, at 21:41:24
In reply to Anyone taking Effexor with Ativan?, posted by Crazy T on January 7, 2004, at 23:47:55
> Hi. I just started taking Effexor XR (first 37.5 mg, then 75). It's been three weeks, and I HAVE to take Ativan with it or I am manic. This bothers the hell out of me b/c I don't want to form an addiction to Ativan, and frankly, it barely works, so usually I take more than two to even relax. What should I do?
I don't think Ativan would be a good choice for manic periods. Zyprexa is used more commonly ( In my very limited knowledge ).
Posted by tetheredcat on January 8, 2004, at 21:52:47
In reply to Glad to be OFF EFFEXOR!!, posted by melley on January 7, 2004, at 16:54:15
I stumbled across this message board when i was looking for clues as to what effects i might notice coming off of effexor. ive been taking it just over a year now, 150 mg of effexor xr. when i called my doctor for a refill she said i had to make an appointment first and see her for a follow up- even though i told her i was all out and it takes at least two weeks to get in to see her!!!
so ... i started researching since i dont know how else to get a refill. ive been dizzy the past two days. with weird bursts of some kind of tingling in my head off and on. i dont even know how to describe it! im nauseous and have NO motivation to do anything. i want to crawl into bed and sleep! im not too emotional.. but after all ive been reading im afraid-very. im a new LVP and can not afford to lose my new job!
i dont really want to go back on effexor now that ive read so much and havent had it for 4 days. i had planned to get off it sometime mid-2004. i want to have a child at some point. i want my life back. though it helped when it was needed, the longer i took it, the more i resented it. the moodiness was off and on, with euphoric highs and heart wrenching lows. i didnt see a point in taking it any longer. i plan to talk to my therapist and the psychiatrist she works with and see what they recommend as well to help get me through this. i have a lot of support on the home front, but im afraid of the physical sfx. well, im sorry for this LONG post. im looking for someone that can relate. thank you for reading.
> Just thought I'd check back in. I've been off effexor since June. What a difference! I think effexor is truly an evil drug. I am now on lexapro--a nice gentle drug that still leaves you with feelings. I think with effexor affecting two parts of your brain it is no wonder it is a dangerous drug.
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 8, 2004, at 23:01:30
In reply to Anyone taking Effexor with Ativan?, posted by Crazy T on January 7, 2004, at 23:47:55
I was taking Effexor with Ativan but I'm doing much better now. Much less anxious. But I am a bit hypomanic. You might talk to your doc about this concern. He/she might add a mood stabilizer to the mix which should keep you more balanced.
L13
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 8, 2004, at 23:04:32
In reply to Re: Glad to be OFF EFFEXOR!! » melley, posted by tetheredcat on January 8, 2004, at 21:52:47
that was pretty unethical for your doc to leave you hanging like that. He/she should at least have given you enough to get you through till the appt. It's dangerous to quit a med cold-turkey. Esp with one well known to have adverse side effects when tapering off. I'd follow up on this right away.
L13
Posted by Salty_Dog on January 9, 2004, at 0:00:34
In reply to Re: Glad to be OFF EFFEXOR!! » melley, posted by tetheredcat on January 8, 2004, at 21:52:47
> I stumbled across this message board when i was looking for clues as to what effects i might notice coming off of effexor. ive been taking it just over a year now, 150 mg of effexor xr. when i called my doctor for a refill she said i had to make an appointment first and see her for a follow up- even though i told her i was all out and it takes at least two weeks to get in to see her!!!
> so ... i started researching since i dont know how else to get a refill. ive been dizzy the past two days. with weird bursts of some kind of tingling in my head off and on. i dont even know how to describe it! im nauseous and have NO motivation to do anything. i want to crawl into bed and sleep! im not too emotional.. but after all ive been reading im afraid-very. im a new LVP and can not afford to lose my new job!
> i dont really want to go back on effexor now that ive read so much and havent had it for 4 days. i had planned to get off it sometime mid-2004. i want to have a child at some point. i want my life back. though it helped when it was needed, the longer i took it, the more i resented it. the moodiness was off and on, with euphoric highs and heart wrenching lows. i didnt see a point in taking it any longer. i plan to talk to my therapist and the psychiatrist she works with and see what they recommend as well to help get me through this. i have a lot of support on the home front, but im afraid of the physical sfx. well, im sorry for this LONG post. im looking for someone that can relate. thank you for reading.
>
>
> > Just thought I'd check back in. I've been off effexor since June. What a difference! I think effexor is truly an evil drug. I am now on lexapro--a nice gentle drug that still leaves you with feelings. I think with effexor affecting two parts of your brain it is no wonder it is a dangerous drug.
>
>I am so sorry you are going through this. There are several options:
1. Talk to your Pharmacist, (S)he can issue emergency meds and call your Dr. on your behalf.
2. Make an emergency appointment with your Dr. as this can led to very bad outcomes.
3. Go to the ER. That will embarase the Dr. enough to listen to you, plus the ER will give you meds. Don't mention any thoughts you are not having, it could be most incoveinent.Good luck,
Posted by angst on January 10, 2004, at 12:21:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Was put on Effexor Xr, 37.5 mg for GAD.
Took 1 pill each day for 3 days.
My experience:
non-stop sweating palms and feet,
tight jaw, loss of appetite (including thirst),
jittery, dilated pupils, unable to function at work - had to take 3 days off, sinus headache,
nervousness, unable to concentrate or sit still,
rapid talking, only able to sleep by taking Seroquel and Clonopin (small doses).
I will not take another pill. The only positive was that the Effexor helped my IBS-D symptoms,
but I'd rather go to the toilet all day than experience these feelings.
I am so glad I did my research before staying on this dreadful med one more day.
I see doc this Tuesday, am planning to give him an earful.
Posted by gettingbetter on January 10, 2004, at 17:02:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by angst on January 10, 2004, at 12:21:21
These symptoms are pretty normal and lasted a week or two for me. I would try and stick to it, I have been on Effexor XR 75mg a day for 3 months and truely feel I am starting to get better, I was having very bad panic attacks and had become extremely withdrawn. My panic attacks went away almost instantly and am now starting to put my life back together, though am still a high degree of procrastination and a lack of drive, can anyone help me out on that one.
Anyway hope this helps and hope u find a treatment that is right for you if you decide to give up on effexor.
> Was put on Effexor Xr, 37.5 mg for GAD.
> Took 1 pill each day for 3 days.
> My experience:
> non-stop sweating palms and feet,
> tight jaw, loss of appetite (including thirst),
> jittery, dilated pupils, unable to function at work - had to take 3 days off, sinus headache,
> nervousness, unable to concentrate or sit still,
> rapid talking, only able to sleep by taking Seroquel and Clonopin (small doses).
> I will not take another pill. The only positive was that the Effexor helped my IBS-D symptoms,
> but I'd rather go to the toilet all day than experience these feelings.
> I am so glad I did my research before staying on this dreadful med one more day.
> I see doc this Tuesday, am planning to give him an earful.
Posted by angst on January 10, 2004, at 17:45:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by gettingbetter on January 10, 2004, at 17:02:06
I have had the same problem with side effects from Paxil, Zoloft, and tri-cyclics. After having read all the horror stories about withdrawal from Effexor, I can't justify staying on it. I can't put my life, especially work, on hold until side effects dissipate, if they would at all. If I take a med for anxiety, I want to feel calmness, not more anxiety. That is why I prefer the benzos, but we know about their addictive properties and tolerance issues.
As of Jan.1 I've given up chronic marijuana use and fairly regular alcohol consumption, so my anxiety level is quite high right now. Started therapy just last week after 2+ years without it.
I am focusing on living a healthy lifestyle, practicing relaxation, meditation, exercise, etc.
I really don't like the idea of being manipulated by these powerful psychotropic drugs.
Anyone out there who has had success in dealing with GAD, please let's hear from you.
Best of health to all.
Posted by Gummybear on January 11, 2004, at 19:20:05
In reply to Re: flylady info » Lyrical13, posted by Zellie on January 7, 2004, at 20:48:17
Does anyone know what the normal heart rate for a 23 year old female would be?
My resting heart rate - when I am LYING down - tends to be like 88 - 95 beats / minute and I feel kinda sick and nausea at this time too.
I can only guess what my heart rate is when I stand up and go upstairs - feels like my heart is going to pop out of my chest!!I am on Effexor XR for anxiety/depression (now for 5 weeks at 75mg) and I am not sure if this heart rate increase is from my anxiety or the meds....hmmm.
Also, I get slight twitches in my body... I think from the meds.
Does anyone know what dose of Effexor is recommended to decrease anxiety - because I know certain meds work for different things at different doses. Anyone know???
Greatly appreciated!Also, does Effexor XR affect ones memory and concentration ability?? I am currently studying for a test and I feel like everything I read I just can't remember or concentrate on!!!! ahhhhh.
Please - some advice desperately sought. G.Bear.
Posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just started looking at this board again after being away from it for a few months....
I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 months and it has been working just fine. No side effects, normal life, just the med I had hoped for.
I avoided all meds for years after bad, actually terrible, experiences with Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. I thought nothing would work, and I assumed all meds would bring about these awful side effects. I didn't want to experience this again, so I avoided all meds and just lived with depression. When I couldn't take that life any longer I finally gave up and went to my doctor and tried Effexor XR. What a difference it has made.
I saw my doc the other day and he suggested I taper down to 75 (I'm on 150) this spring or summer. I had a taste of the brain zaps recently when I took a dose a few hours late, but I swear a few days of that would be worth the comfortable life I've had this last year.
Not sure where I'm going with this other than I've had good results with Effexor, have no side effects, and only had about four days of relatively light side effects while going on it. Some of these meds work for some of us, others don't. Just keep trying and find out what works for you.
Posted by kattay on January 11, 2004, at 20:02:13
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
has effexor xr ever give anyone bouts of rage and or major depression? For the women: I can't tell if it's my pms or the med. I get these bouts of being so upset. I can't stop crying. I could blame it on pms cuz that time is coming up but i'm just not sure.
Posted by Twuffy on January 11, 2004, at 20:06:53
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
A good friend is also on Effexor and happy, some lack of sexual desire but not enough to lose her very handsome husband. She has been on it for four years. Just an FYI.
Posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:12:26
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
I am encouraged to hear of your positive experience with Effexor. Everyone has a different story to tell, some pleasant, some not.
I, too, am very pleased with Effexor. It has changed my life completely. I have GAD, Major Depression, ADHD, and for 2 decades I had Panic Attacks as well. At 42, I now have peace for the first time, and I finally no longer wish I were dead. My life and my home are unquestionably happier.
My side effects are minimal, and whatever I do experience is worth it in my case. The benefits far, far, far outweigh the side-effects, for me.
By the way, I have learned from several sources that, the earlier the onset of symptoms, and the greater the number of occurrences, the greater the odds are that that person may require meds indefinitely. I am a perfect example of a person who will likely always require meds to control my symptoms and help me function in a healthy way.
I have discovered that many doctors seem to want to wean their patients off their meds as soon as their depression/GAD has been under control for 6-12 months. In some instances, this may be beneficial. But I have friends who are very fearful of going back to the life they once lived, once their meds are reduced or eliminated. They've had depression in their lives for years (decades), and, therefore, may be quite prone to a return to that state if taken off their meds.
As I said, according to the plentiful readings I have perused, and according to my own pdoc, there are many patients who ought to never be off the meds (if not Effexor, then one that is optimal for that patient). Why does there seem to be such a push to get them off? There is much evidence that indicates that there will be a return of the old symptoms, because their problem is chronic, and not just an isolated experience of depression.
You may want to research it yourself. Amazon has the book, The Mayo Clinic on Depression (by Keith, Md. Kramlinger). This is one book that had a really good summary of the matter, in my opinion. You may want to ask about remaining on Effexor or another anti-depressant, indefinitely.
If you do decrease or come right off of Effexor, ask your doc to take you down by baby, baby steps, allowing at least a month, if not 2 or 3, each time you are titrated down. This will help minimize intensity of the side-effects.
In the meantime, you may wish to carry an emergency pill or two with you, so that, if you wind up unexpectedly away from home when you usually take your dose, you'll have it with you. I recommend that you use one of those daily pill holders, too, so that you can check to see if you've had your pills (I can take mine, and then within a minute not remember if I've taken it...so I just check the pill box). I certainly don't want to miss a dose or be late in taking it, nor do I want to double up, if I ever cannot remember whether I've taken my meds.
I wish you much continued success.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> I just started looking at this board again after being away from it for a few months....
>
> I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 months and it has been working just fine. No side effects, normal life, just the med I had hoped for.
>
> I avoided all meds for years after bad, actually terrible, experiences with Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. I thought nothing would work, and I assumed all meds would bring about these awful side effects. I didn't want to experience this again, so I avoided all meds and just lived with depression. When I couldn't take that life any longer I finally gave up and went to my doctor and tried Effexor XR. What a difference it has made.
>
> I saw my doc the other day and he suggested I taper down to 75 (I'm on 150) this spring or summer. I had a taste of the brain zaps recently when I took a dose a few hours late, but I swear a few days of that would be worth the comfortable life I've had this last year.
>
> Not sure where I'm going with this other than I've had good results with Effexor, have no side effects, and only had about four days of relatively light side effects while going on it. Some of these meds work for some of us, others don't. Just keep trying and find out what works for you.
>
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