Posted by maribeth on March 12, 2002, at 17:25:00
In reply to 2+ years on Effexor...., posted by ladylight on March 7, 2002, at 19:37:42
> Hi, I haven't been on this site in a long, long time. But I remember how much it helped me when I first was trying Effexor XR.
>
> I've been taking Effexor for 2 years. The first year at 150mg and the second year I needed to up the dose to 225. I also take 50mg of Trazadone to help me sleep.
>
> I'm a bit frightened about being on a medication for such a long time. I have a history of depression and have in the past been helped by Prozac and Wellbutrin. But I also tend to get to a point where I don't want to take my medication anymore and will spontaneously quit.
>
> Obviously this is a poor choice and my Pdoc has been good enough to continue to tx me with the understanding that I won't wander off again to quit cold turkey.
>
> Has anyone been on Effexor for more than 2 years? I'm frightened of having been on this for so long, but am more frightened of going off. Each time I have stopped taking anti-depressents, I've eventually relapsed. Each time the relaps seems to come sooner and the severity of the depression seems much much greater than it ever has before.
>
> Has anyone here made peace with being on meds for the rest of their life? If so, how? and what meds are you taking?...Thanks for listening and for your support
> BethBeth,
I can give you a "half yes answer"--I have accepted being on SOMETHING for the rest of my life. Now let me explain. I like you kept trying to come off the meds. And I am a professional who should know better. I too have been on Effexor for over two years. However, here is where I am so to speak -- My pdoc has been tapering me off the Effexor and on to Celexa at my request, no my INSISTANCE, due to massive weight gain. 50 lb over 5 years -- I simply will no longer put up with it!! The good the anti depressant may have done was about obliterated by my depression over my size.
I WANT MY BODY BACK.!!
I take my last Effexor tomorrow. I was on 325mgm at the top. Yes, Effexor was a wonder for the depression, but was it worth it?? Frankly, I just do not know. We shall see how Celexa does Wellbutrin is next in line. I shall keep in touch
maribeth
poster:maribeth
thread:96941
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97667.html