Posted by kalyb on June 4, 2003, at 10:39:18
In reply to Effexor Day 6: No Horror Stories Yet, posted by KimberlyDi on June 4, 2003, at 8:47:29
KimberlyDi,
I'm coming up to a month on Effexor and it's great for me, too. It suits me like no other AD has done before. The disorienting side effects went away within the first few days and now I just have a little trouble getting to sleep at night, but even that's improving.
I know some people on this board were sceptical, but I genuinely *did* feel some effect from it within the first week. According to the mfrs website, some people can, and do. It switched off my anxiety like pulling a plug or building a soundproof window across half my mind.
My confidence has soared. The day after my first dose I was due to have a driving lesson and felt vaguely fuzzy and disconnected but thanks to the way it affects my confidence I decided to have the lesson anyway, warning my instructor that I was starting some new meds, and to stop me if he felt my driving or responses were shot. But in fact I drove so well, he joked: "Better take two next week!"
People around me have commented on the genuine positive effect on me, and no, I do not feel like a Stepford Wife. I still have emotions here, and they still will surface from time to time, as they did at the weekend when I found myself getting sad and crying a little, missing an ex boyfriend. But my bounce-back has improved and I could *stop* feeling sorry for myself if I wished, and when I wished, which I simply COULD NOT do before Effexor.
I too have more energy and have completely lost the urge to go to bed for a "nap" during the day. Although I have been waking up much later than usual, possibly because it's taking me longer to fall into real sleep. I may try Benadryl but where I live it's pretty expensive and I'm broke.
Just got to repeat what has already been said a thousand times: YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY. Effexor works great for some people, not good for others, but wow - if you had known me even 4 weeks ago, you would not recognise the person typing this now.
Glad it is working for you Kim!!! You must be feeling as good as me!!! and it's great, isn't it? :) Woooo hooo!
Kalyb xx
> For anyone who is thinking about starting Effexor:
>
> Days 1 & 2, 37.5 dosage, slightly upset tummy, difficulty sleeping @ night, yet sleepy all day. No problem, I started Effexor over the weekend.
> Days 3-6, tummy feels better. Sleeping better during night with aid of Benedryl (thanks group!), noticed i'm much more laid back at high-stress job. Have slight problem trying to keep focused and not "zone out". Noticed slight edginess towards end of workday. Must be building up a tolerance. I go to 75 mgs on Friday (in 2 days).
>
> I have more energy. My desk is organized. My co-workers are noticing an improvement without knowing that i've started taking Effexor. Yes, it is working for me.
>
> :) Kim
>
poster:kalyb
thread:231329
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030604/msgs/231349.html