Posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:53:08
Hi everyone~
I'd like to share my story with you, with the wish that I may possibly give hope to others. Not all experiences on Effexor are bad. In fact, mine is a story of success and living life again.I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma in July of 2002, at 33 years old. I had gone through 4 years of infertility treatment, and my husband and I finally had the baby of our dreams. Two weeks after my baby's 1st/ birthday, my whole world was turned upside down, by this diagnosis.
My situation may be extreme, but it triggered clinical depression, just like any other traumatic circumstance can. I fell into a very deep black hole of depression and severe anxiety. I thought of death constantly,and was so scared. I don't think I got out of bed or my pajamas for weeks, and my life, marriage, family, everything was going down the drain.
I began seeing a psych., and was prescribed Effexor XR, 37.5 to start, then remained on 187.5, and xanax as needed. (We tried Paxil first,and I hated it) Effexor did WONDERS for me. I began living again, despite my fears of the cancer. I was able to function, to take care of my little boy, be a wife etc. I felt great on Effexor from day one, and had very little weight gain. I did gain 15 lbs., but I had lost 10 previously from making myself so upset. I gladly accepted the extra 5, in return for my life.
I took the Effexor for 1 1/2 years, and I thought that because I felt so good, I was past all of the fear etc. So, I made the decision with my Dr. to wean off of it. Yes, the withdrawl was hard,, but I did it.
From around April 2004 - September 2004, I was Effexor free, and things were fine. I did not have any residual effects from the medicine at all, once I was past the withdrawl. Then due to some sad circumstances in my life, the depression and anxiety came back with a vengence. I was literally crying from morning till night, convinced that I was dying.I asked my Dr. if I could try Wellbutrin, because someone had recommended that med. to be really good...that was definately the wrong med. for me. I got worse. My psych. and I made the decision together that I would go back on the Effexor, because it worked so well before. For me, I know that for the sake of having a life, I need to remain on this med.
It took a long time for the Effexor to kick in the 2nd time around. As my psych. explained, when you interupt treatment, you can become resistant to the meds. Finally, after about 8 weeks, it was like a light went back on, and I was alive again. I am so thankful, and I have never felt better.
Having gone through the withdrawl myself, I know all about this med., BUT it is what allowing me to function, care for my son and not cry all day. Seeing what I am like off of it, I will never, ever do that again.
I think that every circumstance is different, and for me Effexor is allowing me to live through my fears. I'm so very grateful.
I am just one voice. I hope that anyone that may read this, will gain hope that things can get better... I am proof, having come full circle. Maybe if you have had a POSITIVE outcome with Effexor, you can post your story too. Even if you help just one person to feel a little better, then it's worth the time.
Best wishes to all of you in your journey,
Faith~
poster:FaithT
thread:446637
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050124/msgs/446637.html