Questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2003
Questions
3
Mon, 10-18-2004 - 9:20pm
I don't really know if this is the right place to post this but I hope it's close enough. I recently stopped taking Effexor for depression after having taken it for 2 and a half years. It was quite a process getting off of it (took about 6 months for me, gradually lowering the dose) and I didn't exactly stop taking it because I wanted to. I did want to stop taking it because I just didn't really feel comfortable being so dependent on a drug for so long, but I HAD to stop taking it because I am now living on my own and do not have health insurance anymore (having recently moved out of my parents house) and cannot afford it. I do feel good that I am no longer on the medication, BUT I had forgotten just how depressed (and anxious! oh and I worry a lot too "awfulize" as my mother puts it) I can get, so I was wondering what people know about St. John's Wart and other more natural things that I could take. Hopefully something that would be easier to get off of when I want to. Any help or advice anyone has would be greatly apprecated. Thanks
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-03-2004
In reply to: spooky_52
Mon, 10-18-2004 - 11:43pm
Hi Spooky, I don't know if you know about scholarships but you may qualify for one from Wyeth that makes Effexor. The drug companies give low income people free medication through that persons doctor for a minimum of three months and may continue the free medication for much longer. Your Doctors office should have the forms and you just need to include proof of income and state you have no insurance. As to the St. Johns Wart I tried it a long time ago and it didn't work for me but it seems to for some people. If you have anxiety issues also you'd have to take a different herb to help with that. Also herbal stuff can interact with prescription and over the counter medications so always check with the pharmacist or online before mixing any of them. I think there are some links on this boards home page you can check. Please keep posting and let us know how your doing. Mo

Maureen/Mo

If this was a real life it would have come with instructions.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: spooky_52
Tue, 10-19-2004 - 8:24pm

Hi Spooky and Welcome


I dont have any advice on the SSt John's wort but I did want to suggest that one way to help yourself is Lots of Outdoor exercise and sunshine if you can.

*hugs             

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2003
In reply to: spooky_52
Tue, 10-19-2004 - 10:45pm
Thanks for the suggestions, I think I might go see if there's anywhere in town that will help with the cost. I had no idea there was any other option other than paying myself. Also I do think getting out and doing more outside would help a lot. If anyone's tried St. John's and had it work for them I would be interested in hearing how it worked. Thanks