Psycho-Babble Medication | about biological treatments | Framed
This thread | Show all | Post follow-up | Start new thread | List of forums | Search | FAQ

Re: My Effexor Xr Story: 5 Years of going nowhere

Posted by jrbecker on September 15, 2004, at 11:20:36

In reply to Re: My Effexor Xr Story: 5 Years of going nowhere » TommyIsland, posted by sooshi on September 15, 2004, at 10:41:55

> Hi Tommy,
>
> I am so sorry you are experiencing so much pain! But hang in there...there are lots of great people on this board with lots of good adivce!
>
> I too have been on Effexor Xr for 5 years. Until I got on a mood stabilizer (Zonegran), it just kept me barely afloat, so I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm not suggesting you need a mood stabilzier, though. Maybe adding something to *boost* the Effexor Xr, to give you more energy and increase the anhedonia side effects you're feeling. I know Wellbutrin is one med that is used, and it also helps with the sexual side effects. Hopefully someone else will chime in with some other suggestions (Scott?)
>
> Also, you might consider switching to Cymbalta, which is similar to Effexor with less side effects...check out some of the latest posts here - there's a bunch of people giving it a go for the first time!
>
> Good luck to you and keep us posted,
> Sooshi

I'll echo the recommendation for a trial of Cymbalta. Your complaints about the good/bad side of effexor truly resonate with my own. It was my mainstay drug [on/off] for the last 6 years.

So far, Cymbalta has been less "zombie-like" and the side effects are less noticeable (e.g., sexual, sedation, apathy). If you try it, be conservative and start low. Perhaps try 30 mg for a couple weeks while you cross-taper off the effexor. And then, instead of upping to 60mg, you might want to trial 40mg (20mg twice daily). This might be enough for you and will keep the anergic side effects at bay.

Good luck.

JB


Share
Tweet  

Thread

 

Post a new follow-up

Your message only Include above post


Notify the administrators

They will then review this post with the posting guidelines in mind.

To contact them about something other than this post, please use this form instead.

 

Start a new thread

 
Google
dr-bob.org www
Search options and examples
[amazon] for
in

This thread | Show all | Post follow-up | Start new thread | FAQ
Psycho-Babble Medication | Framed

poster:jrbecker thread:390976
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/391083.html