Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 19, 2005, at 19:25:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by elka on February 18, 2005, at 12:46:01
Elka,
Please, please take anything "dancingstar" says with a grain of salt. She's had a bad experience with Effexor and is on a campaign to make the manufacturer pay for it. Yes, there are people who have bad experiences on drugs, and upon withdrawing from drugs. However, in her case there are two things to consider. #1. Her reason for taking Effexor originally was not for depression, but for an "off-label" use... I think back pain or fibromyalgia or something (for some it helps with pain). #2. She quit taking Effexor abruptly, which is not recommended unless there's a life-or-death reason (like a severe allergic reaction).
Here's my advice to you: If you've been trying for years to manage your depression, but without relief, then there is no shame in seeking an answer through a pdoc (psychiatrist) and RX drugs; just get informed on any drug you consider. One of my favorite sites is www.healthsquare.com, but others here could share theirs, too. Also, understand that starting up on a new med CAN (doesn't have to, but can) be as challenging as living with your depression in the first place! You can often expect 2-6 weeks for your depression and side effects to relent. You might expect to have to try several drugs before you find the one (or combination) that works for you. Just work closely with your doctor(s), know which side effects you should *not* try to ride out, and have support in place to help you through (family, friends, or even people on message boards, like here). You don’t have to live with depression, but meds won’t be without their drawbacks, either. However, most people can manage their side effects way better than debilitating depression!
Good luck.
Minnie
poster:Minnie-Haha
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050217/msgs/460541.html