Posted by Joyful on March 26, 2003, at 12:08:40
I began on Effexor XR 7 weeks ago. I began with 37.5 mg for 1 week, then 75 mg for one week, then 150 mg for 4 weeks, and now 225 mg for one week, to see my dr. again in one month. Is this a strange dosage? My dr. said that 150 mg was the minimum therapeutic dose and many people take 300 mg or slightly more, but that doesn't seem to be true of most of you that have written to this site. <p>
I have not yet experienced any lift to my depression. I'm trying to be patient. The good thing is that the side effects have been tolerable: dryness, constipation, great fatigue, feeling very hot and sweaty, pounding and pressure in my head when I move quickly, and the inability to achieve orgasm. Will this ever go away? It may be what I have to accept. How do you know? <p>
I want so badly for this drug to work. I've experienced depression for the last five years. I've never had an anti-depressant work for me before. What does that feel like? I have had some head injuries and brain damage in the past, which makes me very sensitive to drugs and their side effects. I do tolerate Desyrel, but my dr. thinks it provides sleep but is not effecting my mood. Previously I have tried Pamelor, Prozac, Paxil, and Wellbutrin but I couldn't function due to side effects. So I fought the depression without drugs (except Desyrel for sleep) and seeing a counselor about every six weeks to keep on track. But that isn't enough anymore. Now, I'm not functioning due to depression. My dr. said that if Effexor XR doesn't work, there aren't too many more options and we may have to consider Electroconvulsive Therapy, which I am greatly opposed to and do not believe I will consider it seriously. Is that always a bad, dreadful experience or does it acually help? <p>
Thanks for your support.
Hoping to be, Joyful
poster:Joyful
thread:213065
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030325/msgs/213065.html