Effexor

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-26-2004
Effexor
11
Sat, 01-29-2005 - 8:57am
Anyone on Effexor for depression? I was on Paxil before and just felt "numb" basically never being happy, sad, or any strong emotion at all. Then I tried to wean myself of it and had major withdrawals from paxil for 6 weeks. I was wondering if anyone is on Effexor, if it works for them, and if the withdrawal symptoms are as bad as paxil?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2003
In reply to: jodyannrn
Sun, 01-30-2005 - 3:47pm

Hi Jodyannrn,

I'm currently taking Effexor for both depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). I feel very fortunate that it has worked wonders in my life. I've read so many stories, while lurking here, of how people had to try so many different meds to find some relief from their symptoms and I got lucky with the very first med my doctor suggested.

I've been on it for almost a year now and I haven't had any severe side effects. My doctor did warn me I might get frequent headaches, but the birth control pills already cause that symptom and effexor hasn't made them any worse. My doctor also said I might have more vivid dreams and, boy, was he right about that one. However, dreams fascinate me so I don't mind that they are so much more vivid and that I remember them most of the time now.

As for my symptoms, I still feel some anxiety and saddness when it is appropriate for the circumstances in my life, but it is nothing out of the normal range of emotions. I don't go over the top anymore, which is so very nice. My doctor is planning on weening me off of the meds at my next doctors appointment. I'm a bit concerned since I don't want my emotions to return to being all out of whack like they used to be, but I also don't want to be on meds my entire life. So, I'm learning coping techniques for the stress in my life and am hoping for the best.

Since you didn't say whether or not you were thinking of trying Effexor, or if you were already taking it, but if you do try it, I hope it works as well for you as it has for me.
We all deserve some peace from the chaos of depression.

Brightest Blessings,
Annika

Brightest Blessings, Annika


iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Mon, 01-31-2005 - 8:11am
Hi Jodyann,
I just started taking my Effexor XR and seem to be doing ok. I do have a bit of a dry mouth, a little bit of the shakes and I woke up several times last night but other than that, everything seems to be ok. I was told that these side effects will pass in time too so I am not very concerned about them. I just want to feel better...
~Jackie~
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-26-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Mon, 01-31-2005 - 8:52am
Hey Jackie, hope things have been going better for you. Yeah my counselor told me to try Effexor and people at work tell me it works pretty good so when I get some insurance I think I'm going to try it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Mon, 01-31-2005 - 9:24am

Things have been pretty horrible around here so that is why I am taking Effexor also. I have found that if you take it at night with a glass of milk, that seems to work to counteract some of the side effects.

How have things been with you?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-26-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Thu, 02-17-2005 - 1:50pm
I am trying some effexor today. I got a script to try 75mg for two weeks then go to 150mg. How are you doing on it? Life isn't better for me yet and I've been battling with this depression on and off for a long time now. Any bad side effects?
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Thu, 02-17-2005 - 3:24pm

I am doing really well on it and had very little side effects. The ones that I did have (dry mouth, shakes and insomnia) went away within a week or so. I would suggest taking it right before you go to bed WITH food or a full glass of milk because it will upset your stomach.
I hope that you have good results with it like I have! Let me know how your doing.

Jackie

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-26-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Thu, 02-17-2005 - 3:54pm
Let me ask you something. Has your situation changed at all or just the way you are able to think about it now that you are stronger?
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Thu, 02-17-2005 - 4:15pm
My situation is still the same but I am much better at dealing with it. I can think clearly now and I am able to stand up to xh much better. I am not anxious like I used to be.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Thu, 02-17-2005 - 4:38pm

If you ever need to talk, feel free to email me. The link is on my profile. :)

Jackie

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-26-2004
In reply to: jodyannrn
Thu, 02-17-2005 - 4:38pm
That's good. That is my goal as well. To be able to be emotionally strong enough to stand up to him and not let him run me over anymore.

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