Posted by jtc on May 29, 2003, at 8:21:52
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by belle rose on May 29, 2003, at 0:57:50
> > Gosh, wnj, my heart goes out to you. Over the years, i've known of similar stories of seemingly heartless abandon but knowing that doesn't diminish one whit the pain and rage and angst and grief you must be experiencing when instead you had surely a vision of new joy... and surely also now, i'm guessing, considerable guilt at not being able to transmit only delight to your newborn.
> >
> > You don't mention it, but your situation absolutely demands, in my opinion, that you find a good therapist or counselor to help you feel listened to in all the necessary raging and processing that you must go through over this. If your doctor only prescribed a drug and didn't also "prescribe" such therapy, I would consider it highly irresponsible. You have legitimate and concrete griefs and angers which no amount of anti-depressant medicine will make go away. I'm not saying that taking Effexor is wrong or misguided based on this, but I am suggesting it should not be viewed as a panacea or substitute for the therapy you should definitely give yourself -- and make sure you find someone you like and trust and whose perspective makes sense to you and feels right.
> >
> > I'm so new to this drug myself that I am the last person to give advice on the drug per se, although I would encourage you given what must be a very fragile state of -- I'm assuming -- still also the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy and post-partem as well. So given how potent this drug is, I would start on it very very gradually.
> >
> > After reading so many posters here and knowing that i'm very sensitive and have had many bad experiences of side effects to other drugs, I have started this by taking only half of a 37.5 mg capsule -- opening it and dividing the grains roughly in half. Even with that, i've had fluctuating side effects the past 3 days but so far they're all been mild and transitory. And to my surprise i've already sensed on the 3rd day even some positive benefit already just from this 18 mg dose. I would neither recommend nor dissuade anyone from taking it because one thing is clear from all the postings here: Each and every one of us has a unique biochemistry which makes it totally impossible to generalize from one to another taker of whatever a-d drug. But if I were you i'd consider starting on it VERY VERY slowly at the lowest dose possible, and monitor your symptoms -- and be sure at least for the first month while tryign to determine if it works for you or not -- I'd stay off all alcohol and minimize stimulants of all types to avoid bad reactions while adapting...
> >
> > Wishing you well and sending hugs of concern and hopes you will also find someone to be a counselor/therapist very very soon...
> >
> > z.
>
> Good advice z.
>
> jtc,
> My prayers are with you during your difficult times. Sometimes our burdens seem to much to bear. That's why we need to give them to God.
>
> I have spent several years on Effexor along with many other antidepressants and/or mood stabilizers which seem to offer little relief. I did the best when I saw a counselor. Talking to someone else helps put things in perspective, which we can't seem to do ourselves. I exercised and that seemed to clear the cobbwebs out of my brain and I could think for clearly. Sun, too has theapeutic effects.
>
> Join groups, single groups, talk your baby to the park. Don't isolate yourself. I did this for many years and feel terrible for the time I stole away from my family. As much work as it seems to be involved in relationships, it is healthy. And remember people are always going to disappoint us. Just love on that baby and receive all his/her love back.
>
> I wish you much luck. I will be praying for strength and hope for you during this difficult time. Know that many people care.
>
> Belle RoseBelle Rose,
Thanks so much for your posting and thinking of me in your prayers. It is very much appreciated. Thanks again, jtc
>
>
poster:jtc
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030525/msgs/229904.html