Posted by HS on September 19, 2003, at 9:33:22
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on 150 mg Effexor for about 7 weeks now for depression and GAD. My depression is much better, but the anxiety is worse than I've ever experienced before. I feel terrible practically all the time - my quality of life is zip and my work is suffering. I'm having to take Molipaxin to sleep and Xanax to manage the anxiety. I thought the side effects would have worn off by now. I've got mood swings, get dehydrated easily, sexual disfunction, headaches and have been manic and agressive as well - none of which I've experienced before.
My psychiatrist has now decided that I may be bipolar and wants me to start taking lithium. How can she be sure I'm bipolar if the side effects of the Effexor are so similar? I'm not happy about any of this and don't know who to believe.
I was on Seroxat before, which wasn't as good with the depression, but sexual disfunction was the only real side-effect (ok, that's not great, but it's paradise by comparison). This level of anxiety is making me depressed because I just can't cope. Luckily I've got a very supportive partner and I'm starting cognitive behavioural therapy in a couple of weeks, but I'd really like to get my medication under control.
Any suggestions?
HS
poster:HS
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030917/msgs/261588.html