Posted by pmz on October 17, 2004, at 23:45:48
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Metabolization » invisiblemanpa, posted by dancingstar on October 17, 2004, at 19:44:28
I have got to say that I enjoy reading the postings on this site. It gives me an insight to the effects that this medication gives to such a variety of people. Like with any drug, it does depend on your general health, your lifestyle whether sedentary or athletic, your diet and metabolism, and any other medications that you are taking as to how much of a theraputic effect the drug will have and if and how severe the negative side effects will be.
I was started on the Effexor xr because I had been going through so many stressful situations with my own health and the abrupt loss of my health, lifestyle, career that I loved,and family situations. I had gotten to the point where I had uncontrolled crying, severe mood swings, insomnia, and such a low feeling of self esteem that it could have become very dangerous if left unaddressed.
Although now after being on the Effexor xr for 2 1/2 years in varying doses, I am able to function throughout the daily life without having manic episodes and taking them out on my husband. I do have a more functional social outlook, and do get out of the house when the weather is fitting on my own, to relieve the "stir crazy" effect that being disabled has given me. I am able to actually be a functioning productive contributing part of the family now instead of spending all my time in bed or not even motivated to bathe and pay attention to my appearance. I went through all those signs of severe manic depression. Yes I have had a weight gain, but I contribute a great part of that to the fact that I have not been able to be physically active due to my disability, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and poor pulmonary functions. I was acutely ill with a crippling disorder and then less than a year later, had a permanently damaging case of interstitial pneumonia that nearly killed me. To top that all off after given the choice of continuing to smoke and die soon, or quit and live a bit longer, I stopped smoking and started eating. This was all such a dramatic change from the role of caregiver that I had enjoyed so much in my career and home, that it either initiated or potentiated such a severe depression that I lost all self esteem and feeling of self worth and felt that I was a burden on everyone. I am a nurse who loved her job, and a mother who loved being involved with her children and all their activities. I thank God every day that I had such a supportive family and such a patient, tolerant, caring, and loving husband that was able to help get me through this awful transition in my life. He is truly one of a kind.
Now, I am able to have an affectionate and fulfilling role as the home-maker and supporter of my husband's career choices. Whatever I physically am not able to do, he does for me without complaint. I spend as much time as possible with my grandson. I manage to keep my hands busy enough with creative craft and sewing projects that are very theraputic with self esteem issues as well. The feeling you get when you have completed something that has turned out beautiful is very theraputic.
All I can say is that we all need to accept that we are going to have an effect from the drug whether it be positive or negative depends on the individual. For me, for now, the positive outweighs the negative.
If you feel that the negative effects outweigh the positive, then consult with your doc and see if there is something else that you could take that should deliver the theraputic effect you are seeking without the negative side effectthat you have experienced from the Effexor xr.
I hope that you all realize that your emotional and mental problems are more times than not due to something you have done or can even control. That is why we look to our physician for guidance and treatment. If you are not getting the support and help you need from your current doc. then find a new doc.
Best wishes to all.
poster:pmz
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041012/msgs/404305.html