Posted by Cam W. on January 15, 2001, at 11:23:27
In reply to Started taking EFEXOR today-worried, posted by Sarah on January 15, 2001, at 3:06:25
Sarah - The start-up side effects and the withdrawl side effects seem cruel, but the drug is very effective for depression, anxiety and panic disorder. The start-up side effects do dissipate in a couple of weeks. If the dizziness, etc continue, consider taking your dose at bedtime.
Also, I am assuming that you are taking Effexor XR (the long acting form). If you are taking the regular Effexor, I would consider asking your doctor if you could split the tablet and take 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night, since the regular kind has such a short half-life. Most people will not have effective blood levels for the entire day if the regular Effexor is taken once daily.
Not everyone gains weight while taking Effexor, especially if diet and exercise are done. Even so, some people do gain weight. It might be a good idea to keep a diet log; a book to record everything that you eat, to make sure that you keep eating sensibly. Weight gain with Effexor is usually a lot less than is seen with Paxil or Zoloft.
Hope this helps - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:51706
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010111/msgs/51730.html