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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by desufnoc on July 6, 2004, at 2:54:20
I have been prescribed my anti-depressants by my regular physician. I was on Lexapro but due to my inconsistency in taking the medication, as well as drinking alcohol frequently while on it, it no longer helped. I have been taking Effexor XR for about a month or month and a half. In the last week or so I increased my mgs from 112.5 to 150. I wouldn't think that such a minor increase would effect me, but after discussing my actions of the last couple days with a close friend, I feel that it may be what is causing me to "fall backwards." Clarity and motivation were being realized, and in the last week or so I have turned into a wreck again. Overly anxious and self-conscious, not wanting to be around people, feeling like things can't get better. I just wanted to know if anyone else has had similar experiences with Effexor XR. Also, not looking forward to the withdrawal, but I guess getting things taken care of should come before worrying what I will do if I ever get off of this.
Peace.
Posted by nephron on July 6, 2004, at 4:17:05
In reply to Effexor XR- Am I taking too much?, posted by desufnoc on July 6, 2004, at 2:54:20
You said that you were inconsistent with taking the Lexapro, is it the same with Efexor? If so, it could actually be withdrawal that you're suffering. Even taking it a few hours late can cause some people serious problems.
Posted by Buckeye Fan on July 6, 2004, at 7:53:59
In reply to Inconsistence in taking medication, posted by nephron on July 6, 2004, at 4:17:05
Also, anytime you adjust the dosage with Effexor
(or other AD's) two things will happen. Your body will feel the "side effects" of the dose adjustment...and there will be a period of time
before your system recieves the intended benefit from the adjustment ( especially an increase)Your mentioning "clarity & motivation" is consistant with my personal experience with Effexor. That is one of the Biggest reasons I stopped taking it.
So, my advice ( just my opinion, everyone is different)...give your body a couple weeks to adjust to the new dose, and if near the end of July you STILL feel worse than when on Lexpro...
see your Doc and perhaps switch back.
In any event...alcohol is NEVER recommended with
AD's...as it can counteract some of the anti-depressant properties of your medicine.
Not judging you or saying your a bad person for drinking.... am just pointing out that alcohol complicates anything having to do with our CNS.God Bless
Buckeye Fan
Posted by Possibility on July 6, 2004, at 8:22:20
In reply to Re: Inconsistence in taking medication, posted by Buckeye Fan on July 6, 2004, at 7:53:59
I agree with Buckeye Fan. Whenever you increase your doseage, you should wait about three weeks to receive its intended benefits. This allows for your body to adjust to the new amount. I am also on Effexor XR and I have found that it seems not to work as well for me whenever I increase my doseage, but that after a few weeks, I feel better than before. It takes some time to find the right individualized dosage, but if you are still uncomfortable after three weeks, you should talk with your doctor.
Good Luck!
Posted by Colleen D. on July 6, 2004, at 17:28:30
In reply to Effexor XR- Am I taking too much?, posted by desufnoc on July 6, 2004, at 2:54:20
Hi! I am also taking 150 mg of Effexor XR and I had a period of regression about 3 weeks into this dosage - anxiety, self-consciousness, etc. I am now doing quite well and am happy with the results I have gotten at about 6 weeks into the dosage. I still have a bit of nighttime anxiety and insomnia, but it's been MUCH better the last week. I require less sleep so that's GOOD as I have 3 children age 4 and under, and my house hasn't been this tidy since 1999.
I hope you see an improvement soon. Try hanging in there a bit longer! Good luck!
Colleen
PPD, GAD and OCD
Posted by desufnoc on July 6, 2004, at 23:03:22
In reply to Re: Effexor XR- Am I taking too much? » desufnoc, posted by Colleen D. on July 6, 2004, at 17:28:30
Thanks to all of you for responding. It sounds like the digression is not something to be extremely concerned with unless it lasts a long while. I am taking the Effexor XR every day and I am not drinking (alcohol) at all. I do not take it at the same time however. A regular schedule is something I desperately need but is nearly impossible to follow.
Peace. b
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