Posted by Winning again on June 8, 2006, at 8:43:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
To quickly answer your question: Yes, I have had great success with Effexor XR.
The history: I was suffering from situational depression of severe nature to the extent that twice I intended to commit suicide. I was under treatment of a psychiatrist that was extremely competent, and through my family’s interaction, continued to be involved even when I did not want the involvement. Thank you Dr. S.
My breakthrough came when I started Effexor XR, 150 mg. I was also (and continue) being treated for ADHD with Adderall XR, 20 mg with an additional Amphetamine Salts, 10 mg tab, taken in the late afternoon. I mention this because the interaction of the amphetamine helped buoy the effects of the Effexor, which also has a stimulant effect.
With the medication, family and psychiatrist support, I was able to identify and cope with the sources of depression, which, on the surface were all related to the dissolution of my marriage and business, but also were tentacled through many aspects of my life. These details are included to buttress the fact that Effexor alone did not solve my problems but instead was a tool in a multi-faceted approach.
Now the current: The causational issues of depression addressed and dealt with, I have been able to be slowly and carefully phased from Effexor.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS ORDERS CAREFULLY WHEN QUITTING EFFEXOR. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODERATE YOUR PRESCRIPTION
WITHOUT THE PROFESSIONAL BENEFIT OF A PHYSICIAN.Effexor has a very short half-life and an abrupt discontinuation may cause rebound of depression that may be worse than the original symptoms.
I had only a very slight adjustment “feeling” when the dosage adjusted from 150 mg to 75 mg. I continued taking the 75 mg for a period of about two weeks and then switched to Fluoxetine HCL 10 mg (Prozac) for 14 days. The benefit of this arrangement lies in the duration, or half-life of the Fluoxetine HCL, which remains in your system for a much longer duration than Effexor; and hence, has the desired effect of slowing withdrawing the drug without causing withdraw symptoms.
Not everyone can end treatment for depression and some may require continued medication for the control of depression. That said, the use of Effexor helped me through a very dark phase of life and help ensured that I am still here to continue to live, and now, more fully enjoy life.
Good luck to those that may be treating for depression, I wish you peace, and may God bless you.
poster:Winning again
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060604/msgs/654398.html