Posted by Cam W. on May 11, 2001, at 10:12:08
In reply to Effexor: My positive experience, posted by Ann NY on May 11, 2001, at 9:26:48
> I know the FDA pamphlet suggests staying on it for at 6 months. I was advised one year. Going off it requires a slow tapering of the dosage just as going off it. My Dr. warns me to keep some in my purse or work desk because missing one day can screw some people up. At this point I don't care how long I'm on it because looking back, I can see how much of a mess I was.
>•Ann - Congrats on finding the proper AD. I am on my 5th week of Effexor (225mg for the last week and a half). I too have had the light turned on, partially. Zoloft and Paxil have failed for me in the past. Wellbutrin worked, except for this latest episode. At least now I am getting out of bed and having a shower every day.
I just wanted to comment on the part of your post above. The recommendation is to keep taking an antidepressant for at least six months "after the depressive episode has remitted." It does take 4 to 12 weeks for full remission, so if you add 3 months to 6 months you get 9 months. The last 3 months (to add up to a year) is insurance that you will remain euthymic.
I believe that a one year trial of an effective antidepressant is necessary to help prevent a depressive relapse. The doctor's suggestion of having a dose with you is a good idea. The withdrawl syndrome does not affect everyone, but those it does, it can be rather uncomfortable.
Congratulations again, and hang in there. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:62466
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/62471.html