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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by chevy on June 13, 2005, at 13:22:54
I went to see my doc. today about how I have been depressed lately. She suggested Effexor. What I am worried about is that once i taked this medication I can't be normal or 'happy' unless im on it. Will I have to give up things that I enjoy? (ie. pot/alcohol)
Can anyone give me some alternatives to making me feel like me again?
Posted by linkadge on June 13, 2005, at 15:16:59
In reply to need info about Effexor, posted by chevy on June 13, 2005, at 13:22:54
There are some ideas on the alternative board. SAMe and St. John's Wort and EPA (from fish oil) are the main alternative medicines.
pot/alcohol are not recomended if you are going to take effexor. Giving them up is a personal choice, however.
This drug is associated with a significant withdrawl syndrome. Ie, when you take it, (you are right), you cannot just stop taking it without suffering a significant withdrawl syndrome. It can be tapered to lessen this withdrawl but it still exists, and is fairly significant.
Personally, I would try some of the alternatives, and see if they have any effect first.
That is just my 2 cents, after having taken all of these drugs. Others may advise you in other directions.
Linkadge
Posted by BUCKEYE FAN on June 13, 2005, at 17:45:05
In reply to need info about Effexor, posted by chevy on June 13, 2005, at 13:22:54
My experience with Effexor was OK until I tried to stop. Plus the Effexor side-effects were more pronounced than Zoloft.
Zoloft is much better in my opinion.
These are the only 2 SSRI's I have ever been on.
Hope this helps in your choiceBF
Posted by Phillipa on June 13, 2005, at 18:28:46
In reply to Re: need info about Effexor, posted by BUCKEYE FAN on June 13, 2005, at 17:45:05
I'm just glad I stopped taking it after a week because of the side effects. Each day I felt better. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by gromit on June 13, 2005, at 19:10:28
In reply to need info about Effexor, posted by chevy on June 13, 2005, at 13:22:54
I agree with Linkage, post on the Alternative board, try to be specific about what your main problems are. I'll add one to his list, 5-HTP, which you can get at WalMart for less than $10. Maybe you can try therapy along with so called alternative treatments, it helps a lot of people. Contrary to popular belief these aren't happy pills, you don't take one and wake up in Shangri-La. One common side effect is no orgasms for example. I don't want to put you off taking Effexor, it probably works for the vast majority of people, but just try these other things first. The drugs will always be there.
Rick
This is the end of the thread.
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