Posted by Morgaine on May 4, 2004, at 14:20:40
In reply to Happy with Effexor, posted by PoohBear on May 4, 2004, at 10:12:27
> It's good to see some responsible posts to the "Oprah" rant and rave...
>
> I have had an overall good experience with Effexor; not perfect, but good. Considering some of what has been written here:
>
> 1. Lack of emotion? I have ALL of my emotions with Effexor. I can laugh and I can fully empathize with others. What I DON'T have is the terrible LOWS I had with my depression, when nearly anything sad could bring me to the point of tears. I'm a guy and not afraid to cry, but really...
>
> 2. Sleep? Effexor DOES "effect" my sleep in a negative way, but my pDoc and I are still trying to come up with the right med that can help with that. It may end up being something as simple as melatonin or valerian...
>
> 3. Side effects? Most of the side effects I experienced have gone away completely or moderated with time. I still have shaking hands, but I've always had that... The sexual side effects have also gone away: no more anorgasmia. For some reason my glans (the head of the penis) is more sensitive now and my orgasms are much more intense. That's a good thing for a 47 year-old ;)
>
> 4. Withdrawal. What can I say? I haven't experienced this yet, but plan on continuing some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I worry about missing a dose of Effexor, but try to be aware and methodical about taking it: ie, develop the habit of taking it at the same time every day in the same routine.
>
> I don't deny that SOME have had a bad experience with getting off this POWERFUL medication, AND I will NOT deny that many doctors give the stuff out because a pharmacutical rep told them it was the latest wonder drug and they haven't researched the side effects.
>
> NEVERTHELESS...
>
> This drug has saved many, many lives. Even though I don't believe I was personally in danger of suicide, I still had suicidal thoughts continually and Effexor has given me back my LIFE, and most importantly: control of my own mind.
>
> I keep posting because there is a preponderance of negative input regarding Effexor on these boards and not enough positive. However, I participate on MANY bulletin boards and this one is no different: most of the time, it'll be the negative aspects of whatever that gets the most posts.
>
> There.
>
> TonyHi Tony, Yeah why is it too often the negative info
that gets the most press? Re: Sleeping, my advice is to try Trazodone.
It is the most amazing, subtle, yet super effective drug I have ever
used. It is completely non-addictive (not a barbiturate)
has no side effects and you wake up refreshed + I
don't know if it's just me, but I remember my dreams
more easily, which is really important to me. It is technically
under the category of an anti-depressant, though I don't know why
since within 1/2 an hour you are drowsy and ready for dreamland.
I would suggest starting with 50mgs. and if one isn't strong enough
do 2. I take 100mgs now, though sometimes I end up
splitting it and only taking 50, depends on how wired I feel.
I used to take melatonin and it does work, however, since it is a
hormone and I have found no definitive info out there
re its long term effects, I don't feel comfortable
using it anymore. Valerian capsules take too long for me, so I don't
do those anymore and the tea tastes plain old yuck.
If you want to go totally organic on this though,taking 400mgs of
Magnesium every night about 1/2 hour before bed works too.
It relaxes the muscles and helps synthesize your calcium intake too.
Take care, very happy you are doing well. I too still have my emotions,
big time, but like you I just don't have those super dark suicidal
thoughts and paralysing sadness that I had without
the effexor. Morgaine
poster:Morgaine
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040429/msgs/343266.html