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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jms600 on December 21, 2003, at 16:20:13
Hi everyone,
For the last year or so now I have been suffering from depression, social anxiety and GAD. Ive been on a number of drugs, but around 6 weeks ago my PDoc put me on Effexor (Venlafaxine). I started on 75mg but I have raised this to 150mg.
The drug seems to work - although I do still get some anxiety. However I have noticed a significant increase in my mood.
Unfortunately, however, I seem to have little interest in things. I am just not interested in things that I used to be. Christmas is just round the corner, but I really can't look forward to it. Enjoyable things just don't appeal to me anymore.
Can anyone recommend a drug I could try to help raise my interest? Should I stop the Effexor or increase the dose further? I would be really grateful of any advice - I want to start enjoying life again!!!
Thanks
Posted by nicky847 on December 22, 2003, at 9:49:16
In reply to No interest in things - help!!, posted by jms600 on December 21, 2003, at 16:20:13
This is all just personal non-professional opinion..but i think that it is easy for us to forget that battling depression/anxiety is TIRING and takes alot out of a person...the important thing is that effexor has appeared to improve your mood and help your depression..just try taking it easy and do things that you normally would enjoy a little at a time...if you have stomach flu you dont eat a whole pizza..try to stay "light on your brain" and give your neurotransmitters a chance to build their strength back up..and chances are you will begin to feel a little more motivation..it has worked for me..
> Hi everyone,
>
> For the last year or so now I have been suffering from depression, social anxiety and GAD. Ive been on a number of drugs, but around 6 weeks ago my PDoc put me on Effexor (Venlafaxine). I started on 75mg but I have raised this to 150mg.
>
> The drug seems to work - although I do still get some anxiety. However I have noticed a significant increase in my mood.
>
> Unfortunately, however, I seem to have little interest in things. I am just not interested in things that I used to be. Christmas is just round the corner, but I really can't look forward to it. Enjoyable things just don't appeal to me anymore.
>
> Can anyone recommend a drug I could try to help raise my interest? Should I stop the Effexor or increase the dose further? I would be really grateful of any advice - I want to start enjoying life again!!!
>
> Thanks
Posted by brussell on December 24, 2003, at 7:24:23
In reply to Re: No interest in things - help!!, posted by nicky847 on December 22, 2003, at 9:49:16
I agree that you shouldn't push yourself when recovering from depression.
That said, Effexor and SSRIs can cause feelings of apathy for many people. Since you are getting good mood results from the Effexor you might want to talk to your doctor about adding Welbutrin. It tends to have an energizing effect for many people.
Happy Holidays
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