Posted by MrsDelT on February 22, 2006, at 12:38:59
Hi!
I have been on Effexor XR 75mg for almost two years now. I originally went on it because of major issues in my marriage, and the threat of divorce, that was leaving me very depressed and anxious. Since being on the medication, I feel much better. Things are going very well in my marriage (in addition to the Effexor for the depression, we went to marriage counseling) and I do not feel the least bit depressed.
I just found out that my insurance carrier is discontinuing this drug as a preferred medication and I either have to switch to something else, or pay regular price. I spoke to my doctor (not a pdoc, just my regular doctor who prescribes the RX) who suggested that I switch to Cymbalta (which is a preffered drug and covered by my insurance). I have been reading about all of the horrible withdrawal symptoms associated with coming off the Effexor and I am scared to death. I have had pretty good success with this RX. I have had a few mild side effects that include decreased sex drive, memory loss, and, of course, the "so called" brian zaps, during the course of taking this med. (That is the wierdest thing I have ever experienced.) The first time I experienced it was this past summer. My husband and I went to Vegas (my first time there) and in all the excitement and lack of a regular sleeping schedule (I take the pill before I go to bed), I did not take it for 4 days. By the end of the 4th day, I felt this undescribable whirlling in my head. I at first attributed it to the heat and lack of sleep, then I realized that it was mild withdrawal. I couldnt wait to take it so that I would feel better. Now, I only have to miss my dose by a few hours and I feel this "dizziness" in my head.
I dont really feel like I need to continue taking an anti-depressant, because I feel great. I am happier than I have been in years, my marriage is strong and wonderful (except in the sex department, because of my decreased labido)and I feel like I can handle my life without the pills. I have read the forums on the Cymbalta, and it sounds pretty similar to the Effexor XR. The same type of withdrawal symptoms with maybe a little mor intensity. Has anyone out there switched from Effexor XR to Cymbalta? What are your thoughts on me quitting the meds all together? Am I fooling myself into thinking that I got better on my own, or is it really just that the anti-depressant has actually helped me, and if I quit taking it, will I go back to being miserable? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and good luck!
MrsDelT
poster:MrsDelT
thread:612069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060219/msgs/612069.html