Posted by SandyWeb on February 6, 2011, at 15:54:38
In reply to Pristiq (the new Effexor XR), posted by SandyWeb on February 6, 2011, at 15:51:01
> Hi guys. I used to post here years ago, but only come back rarely now. It's nice to see some familiar names still around (or maybe that's not nice). I'm taking my chances by posting on SuperBowl Sunday as my message will probably get lost (lol), but here goes.
>
> The patent ran out on Effexor XR in 2010, so now you are given the generic form. But since the company still wants to bring in the bucks from that med, they took out a few additives and added some salts. It changed the structure, but it's still supposed to be the same as Effexor XR (although it's being toted as a new NSRI antidepressant).
>
> I can't tolerate SSRIs, so I have very few options. Remeron was great, but I couldn't stop eating. Effexor XR was great, but my eyes went blurry and sometimes the water pressure within my eyeballs would become so GREAT that I thought they were going to rip open and explode. The pain was BEYOND! So I had to stop that.
>
> I'm using samples of Pristiq now, and either by removing the additives or adding the salts, I don't have the eye problem anymore and the med works very well and extremely FAST. After this incredibly long introduction (hee hee...I was holding you prisoner, I guess), here's my questions:
>
> 1. Has anyone used Pristiq for any length of time?
> 2. Have you had any problems with the medication?
> 3. Do you find that it continues to work?
> 4. Does it make a difference to up the dose from 50mg to 100mg (the max...and they only come in 50mg time-release tabs).
> 5. This med is NOT covered because they say it has no benefits that the generic Effexor XR can achieve. I can NOT afford Pristiq, and my eyes can't tolerate Effexor XR. What can my doctor do to ensure that I receive this med? Contact the pharm company? I have no idea, and need HELP here.
> 6. I have tried almost every med out there (other than the old-timers and MAOIs, which I am staying away from). The only other option I can think of is a stimulant. Maybe Ritalin. Something to give me energy, focus, and confidence.
>
> I should mention that I am being treated for anxiety...big-time agoraphobia right now. I take 12mg Klonopin and 100mg of a beta blocker each day. It helps with the anxiety, but does nothing for the depression (which I feel coming on as some major stressors are upcoming). If I went on a stimulant, the anti-anxieties would help me not freak out and I could actually be productive! But for now, my last straw is Pristiq.
>
> Sorry for the length. When you don't see many people, I guess you can tend to gab a lot on the computer. Lol. Thanks for reading this far, and for any suggestions you can offer. Good luck to you all.
>
PS: I'm in Canada, so I don't have as many options in meds as the US.> Sandy
poster:SandyWeb
thread:978767
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110130/msgs/978768.html