Posted by Penny on June 28, 2003, at 23:31:37
In reply to Re: Is it effexor? » sleepingbelle, posted by Dinah on June 28, 2003, at 8:58:08
> Originally posted by sleepingbelle 6/28/03
>
> > After suffering depression and trying several meds, I was given effexor. At first I was pleased that the crying jags and the suicidal thougths seemed to disappear but everytime I thought I could go off the medicine, I would miss a day and feel like it was my worst day of depression.
> >
> > Now I do not cry all the time or think about suicide but I have gained 60 pounds, get up at least twice a night, wake with puffy feet and hands, spend money with no concern and charge up every card to the max, have no energy and take at least two naps a day but I am not depressed...The no energy and need to nap can be a sign of under-treated depression, even without the suicidal thoughts... just a thought. I go through this myself...
> >
> > Now I am trying to wean myself off, but I feel like pins and needles are covering my body and bugs are crawling and biting me. I am going to get through this and be strong. Any advice?How slow are you tapering? I was on effexor for a year and even with tapering slowly I had major withdrawal effects, including 'brain shocks' that lasted for several weeks after completely stopping the drug. Not pleasant, but not painful or anything, and eventually it all went away.
> >
> > I have my benadryl in hand for the itches.I just do not want the tears and feelings of no self worth to sneak in to my thoughts.If they do - be sure to talk to your doc and don't feel like you have to battle it all on your own, with no help or anything!
After being off of all meds for 6 months (after taking effexor), I went downhill again and my pdoc started me back on effexor, but it didn't work this time and I didn't tolerate the side effects as well as the first time. Now I take a cocktail of meds but I don't have the side effects (thanks to a good pdoc). Don't know if your doc has tried augmenting your AD with anything, but, if not, it's always an option for the future if you have to go back on meds.
As for getting off the effexor - just wean as slowly as you can, to minimize the withdrawal, and try to be patient.
> >
> > Thanks for hearing me out. I have never written on a post before so it seems odd to share with total strangers but I am open to other's wisdom and experience
>This board can be a wonderful source of info and support...welcome!
poster:Penny
thread:237683
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030624/msgs/237821.html