Posted by PoohBear on May 27, 2004, at 13:48:01
In reply to Tell me about starting on Effexor XR, posted by NatureGirl on May 27, 2004, at 3:14:38
I've been on Effexor XR for 8 months now...eventually settling down to 150mg once a day.
As noted above, I had most of the common SE's: dry mouth, sleep disruption, constipation, sexual anorgasmia, etc. BUT, it WORKED for my depression and got rid of the continual rumminating thought processes I was putting up with.
The SE's moderate with time. I have been through several adjunct medications for sleep. Seroquel 100mg at night is what works for me. For constipation eat lots of high fiber foods and drink LOTS of water.
Suck on mints (Altoids) for dry-mouth.
Wellbutrin works for anorgasmia, but I don't need it now. Orgasms are intense and better than I've had in a long time.
The "brain zaps" and "wooshing" feeling you get when you turn your head quickly go away eventually. It's VERY important to ramp-up SLOWLY. Spend a week or two at each doseage level. Expect from the outset that while you should get SOME relief right away, the most benefit will be felt 3-6 weeks after starting treatment.
If you find that you need to get OFF, don't do it without your doctor's supervision. Go slowly and augment with Prozac.
Hope this helps. Effexor XR has been wonderful for me and for many others.
Tony
> I've been on Paxil about a year, and I saw my psych doc today asking to try something new. He recommended Effexor XR. I am suppose to start weaning off the Paxil tomorrow and start on the Effexor XR in about a week. What can I expect for symptoms upon starting (starter kit)? And for how long will it last? I've got some important things to do in the next 2.5 weeks...and I'm wondering if I should hold off on starting the Effexor XR until things are a little quieter in my life.
poster:PoohBear
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040527/msgs/351160.html