Posted by Bernadette on August 8, 2001, at 0:12:42
In reply to Re: This is scarier than I thought , posted by Noa on April 26, 2000, at 13:21:51
> Jennifer, please don't make your decisions based upon a few people's bad experiences with Effexor XR. Many of us have reacted badly to one or another medication, but done well on others. And the sensationalism of some authors really doesn't help matters at all.
>
> I have been taking Effexor XR for a few years, at 375 mg/day. I take it all in the morning. I think many of the medications have labels warning against operating heavy machinery, etc. The most important thing is to see how it affects YOU. For some people, effexor can make them a bit drowsy. When I first heard this, I laughed because it was hard for me to believe that, given that it is quite activating for me and makes sleep harder. Each of us responds differently. Negative effects for me have been, difficulty falling asleep, and fidgetiness, and possibly some bladder problems. But these are dose related, it seems.
>
> My most important advice about Effexor is to taper up gradually, starting at 37.5 mg/day. That way, the initial side effects will be minimal to nonexistent, hopefully. Same with going off of it, if that comes up. Go slow.
>
> My understanding is that it is not addictive, per se, but does cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have been on higher doses for a long while. But it is not addictive in the sense that you will crave more and more of it.
>
> BTW, how has your first day on it been so far? Keep us postedThanks to everyone who has contributed. This is all scary since my state of mind isn't what I'm used to in the first place. I hope everything went okay with Jennifer. I just started my first dose at 37.5 mg of Effexor XR and took it in the evening. It sounds like mornings will be better. I was on Paxil and switched to Celexa on the advice of a friend. I liked it much better, but my depression got worse and now that I've maxed out at 60 mg/day of Celexa, my doc suggested we add Effexor. I'm very nervous about it. Has anyone else taken this combo? My depression is "situational" in a lot of ways and I just need to keep it together for the sake of my young children, my marriage, and to get me through this rough point in my life. Any feedback would be appreciated! I do look forward to a med-free life some day, but in reading all the postings realize that may not be a reality. Thanks for making me not feel alone!
Bernadette
poster:Bernadette
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/74083.html