Posted by kinglear on December 18, 2004, at 14:40:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had amazing success with Effexor, and I was very reluctant to try another antidepressant having used tricylics earlier in my life (too sedating, zoned out) and then prozac (stopped working after one year). Based on a psychiatrist friend's advice I finally tried to get treatment again. After a lengthy history was taken, my psychiatrist recommended Effexor XR. I began at 37.5 mgs for one week, in which I felt a little bit of jittery new energy, but after a week I felt fine. Then as I increased dose at 2 weeks to 75 mgs, I felt no additional symptoms and began to feel "anxiety" was lessened tremendously. I understand this is early to see effects but I did notice reduction of anxiety very soon and realized finally after 20+ years that anxiety has been at the root of my depression and inability to live a joyful life. After 6-8 weeks I have noticed tremendous improvement and more ability to discuss my feelings with my psychotherapist without so much extreme emotion and overeaction to those feelings. I still feel feelings though, and she has advised that it is good to stay at a level of medication that allows this. I have not had any other side effects other increased dreaming and lighter sleep - no sexual side effects at all : ) I am so happy with Effexor XR and I wanted to post this experience because I did a lot of internet research and personal research before I tried it and was very concerned about side effects. I cannot speak about withdrawal symptoms, because I have only been on the medication for 2 months but at this point I will definitey say that for me, and I emphasize this, for "Me", Effexor has proven to be a miracle drug. I want to encourage everyone who is having trouble with depression to keep trying to find an effective treatment, it may not be Effexor but there are many treatments and providers of treatment. Find a psychiatrist who will listen, and take a thorough history. Ask questions. Get good psychotherapy from a recommended therapist. Keep trying. Do not give up. This comes from a person who previously believed there was no hope for getting effective treatment! Ask trusted friends for referrals, keep seeking help. It is possible to feel better.
poster:kinglear
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041217/msgs/431293.html