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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 adagiolover1 on April 25, 2005, at 10:17:55
I'll try and keep this succinct: I discontinued effexor XR 150 mg in late december 2004, due to tremors, and restless leg. I had used it successfully for (at first a low dose, ending up at 150 for the last 3 yrs) for about 6 yrs total. The last year side effects became intolerable.
I went through over 3 weeks of side effects even though I was weaned.
At that time I was given Trazodone 100 mg hs for insomnia.
In the last 4 months I have had 2 major depressive periods where I had suicidal thoughts.
While I am finally sleeping for 6 hours in a row, with the trazodone, it's not a refreshing sleep.
I had hoped that sleeping would address my depression, but it seems not to. I was briefly on Lamictal, but discontinued it at 10 days due to EXTREME irritability (the slightest sound made me feel rage inside).
When I am not seriously depressed I am quite anxious even having daily palpitations, something I never experienced in the last 6 yrs.
My doctor is a general practitioner and not interested in getting to the bottom of this all. There are no decent psychiatrists in this area, and...I am getting my psych meds from a licensed mental health therapist who has prescribing certification. She is not my counselor.
I'm 47, and frankly, the future looks bleak. Am I doomed, due to an inability to tolerate ssri's, to rapid periods of depression and anxiety?
A final note:
I am an alcoholic with 7 yrs plus sober. However, I have struggled with depression all my life, even in years without drinking.
When I mention 'suicide', I must add that when I do feel that, I tell someone. I feel that I am restrained from suicide by the fact that I have a child, and a family that loves me, so 'telling on myself' seems to defuse such thinking to where it's tolerable.
i'm suffering.
Posted by Readersleaders on April 25, 2005, at 15:56:57
In reply to After effexor, what now?, posted by adagiolover1 on April 25, 2005, at 10:17:55
I don't know how fast you came off your anti-depressant. If it was too fast you will have withdrawal symptons such as irritability, rage, insominia, etc... for longer than if you tapered very gradually.
Have you tried using natural remedies?
Flax seed oil that you buy refrigerated (not in capsules) is very good for depression.
Start with small amounts of exercise; about 20 minutes a day and work your way up--very good for depression.
Use a calcium/magnesium combination for anxiety; the magnesium helps keep the heartbeat regulated.
Chamomile Tea is very soothing to the stomach and nerves...drink some before going to bed.
Use some lavender oil on a cloth and put under your pillow; very relaxing to your mind.
Take a multi-vitamin because all anti-depressants remove much need minerals from your body.
Drink lots of water.
Stay away from caffeine in coffee & chocolate. Get rid of white flour products, sugar and processed foods from your diet.
Hope this brings some relief.
RJ
Posted by SLS on April 25, 2005, at 18:15:53
In reply to After effexor, what now?, posted by adagiolover1 on April 25, 2005, at 10:17:55
If you are still receptive to using a "synthetic" medicinal compound, perhaps Cymbalta would treat you better than Effexor did. There are some similarities between the two, but it seems that Cymblalta is more likely to reduce anxiety earlier in treatment and can produce a robust antidepressant response. I don't know if it would be any less likely to produce tremors or not. Like Effexor, Cymbalta is a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor. You can, however, opt to try a tricyclic antidepressant like nortriptyline instead. It is much more selective for norepinephrine with very little serotonin reuptake inhibition.
Your palpitations are probably a symptom of the return of depression. It is, for the most part, harmless. You might find that it gets worse before it gets better if you reintroduce an antidepressant. It is caused by a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system - an imbalance of sorts between the sympathetic and parasympathetic components. Do you have dry mouth too?
- Scott
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