Posted by Bill LL on October 5, 2005, at 14:21:32
In reply to Terrified to take my effexor xr!, posted by pashmena on October 3, 2005, at 22:35:08
I strongly, but respectfully, disagree with the other people who responded to your post. Effexor is a very safe and effective medication. It's true that if and when you discontinue it you may have a tough time for a while. But if you discontinue it very gradually over a period of a few weeks, and take Prozac during that time period, it shouldn't be too bad.
I do not think that it is too strong as a first medication. Doctors often prescibe it as the first antidepressant for a patient, especially if anxiety is present along with depression.
From reading a lot of articles about Effexor, it does not cause any permanent damage. The advantage of reading posts is to learn from others. The disadvantage is that one will be afraid to try a given drug since people who have problems with the drug are more likely to post than others. So keep things in perspective.
I have tried over the counter drugs such as St Johns Wort and other supplements but had little or no success. Also, I have read more disapointing posts about these alternative treatments than success stories. Once again I respect other people's views and experiences, but I personally think that you would be wasting your time with these.
In general, prescription drugs for anxiety and depression are more effective as well as safer than alternative over the counter drugs, herbs, and supplements.
As far as therapy is concerned, most doctors seem to agree that therapy without medication is not very effective. You need to control your symptoms first with medication, and then consider therapy if you want to.
> Hi, I am new to this site. I have just been prescribed effexor xr for mild depression and anxiety. I am so scared after reading all these posts that effexor will make me totally screwed up. Is there a chance that it will make me irrepairably worse? what r the chances of it making me feel better? Ugh, i am so confused, i just need someone who knows about it to talk to me. I am only 21 and i really want to have my normal life back. NOTHING happened in my life to make me be this way, I dont know how it happened, it was like overnight.
poster:Bill LL
thread:562568
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051003/msgs/563236.html