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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MrsDelT on February 22, 2006, at 12:38:59
Hi!
I have been on Effexor XR 75mg for almost two years now. I originally went on it because of major issues in my marriage, and the threat of divorce, that was leaving me very depressed and anxious. Since being on the medication, I feel much better. Things are going very well in my marriage (in addition to the Effexor for the depression, we went to marriage counseling) and I do not feel the least bit depressed.
I just found out that my insurance carrier is discontinuing this drug as a preferred medication and I either have to switch to something else, or pay regular price. I spoke to my doctor (not a pdoc, just my regular doctor who prescribes the RX) who suggested that I switch to Cymbalta (which is a preffered drug and covered by my insurance). I have been reading about all of the horrible withdrawal symptoms associated with coming off the Effexor and I am scared to death. I have had pretty good success with this RX. I have had a few mild side effects that include decreased sex drive, memory loss, and, of course, the "so called" brian zaps, during the course of taking this med. (That is the wierdest thing I have ever experienced.) The first time I experienced it was this past summer. My husband and I went to Vegas (my first time there) and in all the excitement and lack of a regular sleeping schedule (I take the pill before I go to bed), I did not take it for 4 days. By the end of the 4th day, I felt this undescribable whirlling in my head. I at first attributed it to the heat and lack of sleep, then I realized that it was mild withdrawal. I couldnt wait to take it so that I would feel better. Now, I only have to miss my dose by a few hours and I feel this "dizziness" in my head.
I dont really feel like I need to continue taking an anti-depressant, because I feel great. I am happier than I have been in years, my marriage is strong and wonderful (except in the sex department, because of my decreased labido)and I feel like I can handle my life without the pills. I have read the forums on the Cymbalta, and it sounds pretty similar to the Effexor XR. The same type of withdrawal symptoms with maybe a little mor intensity. Has anyone out there switched from Effexor XR to Cymbalta? What are your thoughts on me quitting the meds all together? Am I fooling myself into thinking that I got better on my own, or is it really just that the anti-depressant has actually helped me, and if I quit taking it, will I go back to being miserable? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and good luck!
MrsDelT
Posted by Racer on February 22, 2006, at 13:35:11
In reply to Effexor XR vs. Cymbalta, posted by MrsDelT on February 22, 2006, at 12:38:59
From what you're written, during a stressful period in your life, you experienced a depressive episode, attacked the biological side of it with Effexor, and the psychological side of it through therapy. That's the preferred plan of action, and it sounds as though it's worked for you.
My guess is that you can stop the Effexor and will probably be fine for now. There's always the chance -- high in many cases -- that you will experience another depressive episode at some point, but it's not necessarily gonna happen. If I were to give advice, which of course I won't, it would probably be to taper off Effexor slowly and see how you do. If you start to get depressed again, and it's not just the withdrawal, then you can start meds again. But if you're fine, you're fine. You've got more tools at your disposal now, through what you learned in therapy, so there's a good chance you can use them to stave off some of the triggers in your life.
Good luck. And there are a lot of tips on the Withdrawal board here about coming off Effexor. It isn't comfortable, but it is possible, and it's possible to do it with a minimum of discomfort.
Posted by MrsDelT on February 22, 2006, at 13:42:23
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Cymbalta, posted by Racer on February 22, 2006, at 13:35:11
Thank you for your support.
That is kind of what I was thinking myself. I feel like I can handle my life with out the drugs, but at the same time, I feel better/different in so many ways from being on it. Not just from the depression aspect of it. I do think that I am going to just go off, with the help of my doctor, and make a go of it alone.
Wish me luck with the withdrawal. I have heard/read horror stories.
MrsDelT
Posted by Phillipa on February 22, 2006, at 20:25:01
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Cymbalta, posted by MrsDelT on February 22, 2006, at 13:42:23
I'm with Racer go to the withdrawal board. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Racer on February 22, 2006, at 21:35:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Cymbalta, posted by MrsDelT on February 22, 2006, at 13:42:23
> T
> Wish me luck with the withdrawal. I have heard/read horror stories.
>
> MrsDelTI've been through it, and it doesn't have to be terrible. It won't be quite as nice as an ice cream sundae, of course, but it really doesn't have to be terrible.
First tip is to decrease gradually. Not a couple of days at each lower dose, but a couple of weeks. And then, at the end, when you're ready to stop it entirely, one nice Prozac from your doctor will help you over the hump. (Prozac, due to its long half life in your body, is sort of self tapering.)
Good luck.
This is the end of the thread.
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