Posted by jandea on July 12, 2006, at 10:00:36
I had been on Effexor ER at 300 mg a day for well over a year. That drug worked well for almost a year but then I began having breakthrough depression even on this high dosage. My doc did not want to increase the Effexor and, instead, recommended I wean off that medication so that I could try another antidepressant. She was not specific about what other drug we were going to try once I was off the Effexor and seemed to be open to suggestions. I have been on a gradual tapering of the 300 mg of Effexor for the past six weeks and am down to one 37.5 mg dose a day. The withdrawal symptoms have been terrible. I have vivid dreams, brain zaps, all-over body aches, just to name a few of the side effects of withdrawal. Now that I'm almost off the drug (and will NEVER take it again), I'm wondering what other antidepressant I'm going to try.
I have a long history of depression. I also have a strong family history of depression with multiple suicides in past generations. I know that depression is not something to take lightly and I know that I need an antidepressant. Prior to being on Effexor I was on Lexapro but I gained so much weight on that medication I stopped taking it. In fact, toward the end, I was also gaining weight on the Effexor. Prozac was a wonder drug for me for several years in the early 1990's but I was unhappy with the effects of that drug on sexual functioning. Even so, I would considering going back on the Prozac if nothing else seems promising. At least with Prozac I didn't have the breakthrough depression or the weight gain.
Can anyone give me suggestions for an antidepressant that might be worth a try?
Mainly I'm interested in a drug that will work for a person to whom Effexor-ER at 300 mg was no longer effective after a year. I am also interested in a drug that will not promote weight gain and one that has minimal effects on libido or female orgasm. Finally, I want a drug that one is able to wean get off of without going through the hell associated with Effexor withdrawal. Maybe no such drug exists.
By the way, my doctor also recommended I take Provigil as an adjunct to any antidepressant that I decide to take. I have a major problem with lack of energy and motivation and have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning when my antidepressant medication is less than optimal. If I do decide to take Provigil, I will have to cover the cost of the drug without the help of insurance since my particular insurance company will not cover Provigil prescribed to treat depression. Provigil is approved for use with sleep disorders.
Sorry for the long post but I would appreciate any help.
jandea
poster:jandea
thread:666314
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060627/msgs/666314.html