Posted by sid on December 22, 2001, at 10:09:15
In reply to I'm New to effexor - Any positive stories?, posted by teachersrule on December 21, 2001, at 20:59:29
Yes there are positive stories with Effexor XR.
I've read several "life-saving" accounts since Nov. 27 2001, when I first joined Psucho-Babble.I am taking it myself (about a month now), at low dose (still on 37.5 mg), for chronic depression, and there has been improvement for me, although initially I had strong side effects. I am more sociable, less anxious, I have better concentration in my work, and it is easier for me to have fun... I even danced at a holliday party last week, something I had not done in YEARS.
Some people have written on Psycho-Babble about long term effects too, which I can't say anything about just yet. Effexor and Effexor XR have lots of side effects, so people who are new it often write here... you can go back in the past month to see other people's experiences with it. It's not right for everyone, but some people have had short and long term success with it. People have written about dosage and duration of treatment as well.
Usually people start Effexor XR at 37.5 mg and then go up as soon as the side effects have subsided. How high you go depends on your needs.
Whatever you do or think about Effexor XR, make sure to talk to your doc (concerns, side effects, etc...), and don't stop any ADs cold turkey: it can be dangerous; it sometimes leads to severe side effects and with some ADs, even death possibly. It is not an addiction thing, it is brain chemistry needing to be adjusted slowly. If you want out, you need to do it progressively, lower dosage over time, and sometimes take other things (Prozac for e.g., Benadryl) to ease out of your treatment. Talk to your doctor in any case, and be sure you trust tyour doctor.
I hope this helps, go read postings from the past month, a lot was written on Effexor XR. Good luck !
> I just started taking Effexor XR. I am experiencing some minor side effects, such as yawning, but almost immediately I felt much less anxious and more patient. Here is the clincher, I am afraid of this whole anti-depressant thing. I am in 12 step recovery for addiction for over two years. There is a major stigma about taking anything. I decided to take it in addition to my program and psychotherapy after hearing from two totally different therapists that I needed this. I am also recently involved in an anger group - so I'm not looking to a pill for all the answers. It sure would be nice to hear some success stories. Anyone currently taking Effexor successfully? Anyone work through their issues and are now effexor free? I would really love to hear from others. Thanks
poster:sid
thread:87634
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011222/msgs/87669.html