Posted by John T on September 10, 2002, at 19:36:29
In reply to Just started on Effexor, and all I've heard is bad, posted by TenelKa on August 29, 2002, at 18:00:23
> Does anyone have anything good to say about effexor? My doc just put me on it, and I"m terrified that I"ll get fat or have all sorts of horrendous problems. I had sexual side effects on paxil, and muslce spasms, sleep problems, etc, so I'm wondering what can be worse...
I've been on Effexor for a little over a year now and, have to say, I'm much better off then I was last September. I was initially on Paxil but my pdoc switched me to Effexor XR (went up to 300mg) after a suicide attempt. Therapy and the drugs really helped me get my life back on track. However, due to various side effects of the Effexor (sweating, chills, insomnia, tiredness, electric shocks, weight gain) I did have to make some changes in my daily life. I used to be an avid runner but have since stopped due to the fact I get dizzy, sweat uncontrolably, and can't run close to the level I was at prior to starting the drugs. I've also noticed more and more that I'm very forgetfull and often find it hard to concentrate.
All in all, my therapy and drugs saved my life. getting through a day was much more important than running,etc... However, now that I'm recovering and on my way back to a more happy and healthy life the Effexor is getting in the way. I'm desperate to start running again, stop sweating, stop forgetting things, and wouldn't even mind having my sex life return to normal. I'm now trying to taper off the Effexor and am down to 75mg. The withdrawl symptoms are horrifying and i'm looking for a new pdoc that is more willing to help me and less willing to get an incentive check from the makers of Effexor.
Thus, my point after so much babbling...find a doctor that will be completely honest and work with you. You may want to ask your doc directly if he/she receives compensation from particular drug companies. If they're hesitant to answer that may be a bad sign. Also, ask yourself and your doc if you're in a bad enough place/condition where you need to possibly sacrifice some activities/comfort for your health. Lastly, see if there are alternatives that will work for you that have fewer side effects and withdrawl symptoms. If I had it to do over again I would do everything in my power to avoid Effexor simply based on the terrible withdrawl symptoms I'm experiencing. However, I'd still choose the Effexor over the condition I was in last year at this time. Just keep in mind, Effexor has its price (for me anyway). It's a shame, I'm very happy with the progress of my recovery but feel the Effexor is now hindering me rather helping. I hope some of this helps you.
Take care and good luck,
JFT
poster:John T
thread:118166
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020906/msgs/119496.html