Posted by Racer on December 4, 2004, at 10:00:51
In reply to New Effexor user, posted by Warty'smom on December 3, 2004, at 17:28:41
Effexor works slightly differently than Prozac, targetting more than just serotonin. When I started it years ago, the first few days I couldn't sleep, but I was still calm and comfortable and drowsy. After two nights, I think, I went to being able to sleep fine. My appetite was suppressed at first, but then I also have a history of eating disorder, so that was partly me, partly the drug. That appetite suppression also passed.
Mostly, with Effexor, the adjustment was pretty comfortable -- nothing that made me feel bad, really, just some annoying things that went away before they got annoying enough to complain about.
On the other hand, withdrawal from Effexor is rough for a lot of people. Some people have no problem with it, and some people have moderate problems, but if you're one of the unfortunate ones who have severe problems with it, it can be really rough. If your doctor hasn't discussed that part with you, go back and chat about it.
If pain is a problem for you, by the way, you might also ask about Cymbalta, which has a similar action to Effexor, but really seems to help with chronic pain. It's helping with my arthritis, and the pains associated with AN for me. And, so far, there's no word on withdrawal, and some of the studies have been pretty extended. Plus, of course, after the Effexor withdrawal problems, I would guess that checking it out for withdrawal problems would be a priority with Cymbalta!
Hope that helps.
poster:Racer
thread:424085
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041201/msgs/424289.html