Posted by Cathleen on May 10, 2000, at 16:26:55
Withdrawal, weight gain, fatigue and exercise
I just found this board and am very glad to know you are all out there. I have been taking Effexor for about three years and have found it to be a wonder drug with a few exceptions. The drugs I took before cause severe dry mouth which really interfered with work (I talk a lot).
With Effexor, I did not have the dry mouth and found the other side effects to be far less noticeable. However, I have experienced the weight gain—significantly--since I first started taking anti-depressants ten years ago. So, I agree with those who say that the weight gain is more depressing than the original depression.
My doctor recently advised me about the problems associated with withdrawal from Effexor. She said she has experienced it herself. When I have tried to come off it (without medical supervision I must add), I experience extreme anger to the point of rage--not toward anyone--it just 'bubbles up' from inside me and I find I an immediate outlet for it like tensing up all my muscles and releasing them.
My question is, has anyone read about the use of exercise as a substitute for antidepressants? I always feel better when I exercise, but I'm so tired from the drug, particularly in the afternoon to early evening. I find that, often, I get a resurgence of energy just before I go to bed that often interferes with sleep. It’s the fatigue that bothers me the worst, other than the fact that I have to depend on the drug.
Any comments on the use of exercise and the fatigue would be helpful. I’m a person who oversleeps while depressed, but I truly believe the fatigue is caused by the drug.
poster:Cathleen
thread:33093
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000508/msgs/33093.html