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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MsMilly on April 7, 2004, at 15:36:19
I have GAD and have been on antidepressants before. Most recently I've taken Effexor and that really helped however have been off since about last October and would prefer not go through withdrawals again. Recently, my anxiety has been very bad and am at the point of having to take something for the anxiety and Xanax just doesn't do it anymore.
I went to a psychiatrist instead of my internist to discuss the pros and cons of different meds. It came down to two: Lexapro or Effexor and she gave me access to both. I am still in a quandry as to which I should be taking.
I was told that Lexapro was a cleaner (less side effects) med and didn't have so many problems when you get off however I had success with Effexor but wasn't aware of withdrawals when I first began to take it.
Also, I don't need anything that lessens libido more than it already is. I also take high b/p meds and know that a Effexor can effect b/p but I was told that a dose of only 75 mg would not have any effect.
I decided to start the lexapro but have only been on it two days (5 mg) and have had headaches both days. I am still trying to decide which would be the best to take.
I would appreciate feedback.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 7, 2004, at 17:13:57
In reply to Lexapro vs Effexor for anxiety, posted by MsMilly on April 7, 2004, at 15:36:19
Hi MsMilly,
I'm on Lexapro for anxiety and it has been very helpful. However, in my experience it takes a while to take effect and can increase your anxiety for the first few days that you take it. Also, it seems that low doses of Lexapro work well for depression but larger doses are needed for anxiety.
Keep in mind that you might react to the med very differently than I have. It could turn out that 10 mgs does wonders for your anxiety and you never experience any side effects other than headaches.
I haven't tried Effexor, but worry about it because my father took it for a month and had a horrible time coming off of it. He said he had "brain zaps" that lasted for several days. I don't think the withdrawl from Lexapro is quite that bad.
I suggest giving Lexapro a chance. Try it for 5 weeks and see if you don't notice a difference in your anxiety. I hope this information is useful.
K.
Posted by Civ on April 7, 2004, at 18:31:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro vs Effexor for anxiety, posted by KathrynLex on April 7, 2004, at 17:13:57
My pdoc won't give me a straight answer on this so I'll ask here. Does everyone experience bad withdrawal symptoms regardless of how slowly one tapers off the med? It goes without saying that abrupt withdrawal is going to be nasty, but what about when one does it by the board? IT seems like a lot of the babblers are saying it doesn't matter what you do, you're going to feel awful. What about this particular drug makes withdrawal so horrific?
Posted by Sad Panda on April 8, 2004, at 11:50:38
In reply to Re: Straight Talk about Effexor, posted by Civ on April 7, 2004, at 18:31:45
> My pdoc won't give me a straight answer on this so I'll ask here. Does everyone experience bad withdrawal symptoms regardless of how slowly one tapers off the med? It goes without saying that abrupt withdrawal is going to be nasty, but what about when one does it by the board? IT seems like a lot of the babblers are saying it doesn't matter what you do, you're going to feel awful. What about this particular drug makes withdrawal so horrific?
>
>
>Hi Civ,
Effexor causes problems with withdrawl because it has a very short half life. People don't seem to know they can take Prozac to help taper off from Effexor.
Cheers,
Panda.
This is the end of the thread.
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