Posted by SandyWeb on February 8, 2011, at 17:20:51
In reply to Re: Pristiq (the new Effexor XR) » SandyWeb, posted by B2Chica on February 7, 2011, at 10:07:18
Thank you, B2Chica. You are so organized! And I appreciate that you took the time to read my thesis (lol) and responded.
I love the fact that you had some hair loss. LOL. I have thick hair, too, and it's a pain always having to get it thinned out. I'll never go BALD, so Pristiq might be my new hair-care friend! *smile*
I actually found that Pristiq (or any med that deals with norepinephrine rather than serotonin) works from Day 1. I feel the difference the very next day. It's like my brain is so happy to have the right amount of that neurotransmitter sticking around. BUT....I've found that by the next morning, I can't notice the med and I feel that depression right on the edge. I tried 100mg, thinking that might help, but there was absolutely no difference. The norepinephrine just doesn't seem to last strong enough for 24-hours. Does anyone know what Pristiq's half-life is?
As for using stimulants, I don't think that will be a problem for me. I used crystal meth for 4 years when I was in my 20's (double that age now and add a couple more..lol). We bought rocks, not the cut powder). I was SO productive and socialable and when I put my mind to a project, it got done...OVER-done! I would really focus on it. All this was before my anxiety issues, though. I've only had "mental health issues" for the past 6-7 years. Lots of past traumas. But I know stimulants help me, and the anti-anxieties plus beta blocker will keep me from freaking. I'm just not sure what my doc will think of the idea.
I definately go through mood swings, and it drives me crazy. It only happens when I'm PMS'ing, so there are many times that I'm not even aware that is the cause because I'm not keeping an eye on the calendar. I can get so depressed...but once my period starts, the depression goes away. Every month...UGH!!! I can't imagine what menopause is going to do to me!! LOL. But I also have clinical depression when stressors are just too much for me. I attempt suicide, and I don't want to be in situations like that any more. If Pristiq isn't available to me, I'm really hoping my doc will go with stimulants WITH the anti-anxieties.
By the way, I'm in Canada and so many of the meds you have available aren't ready for us yet. Cymbalta was just approved here, but only for diabetics. I don't understand that. There is not an Exception Status for it to be used in cases of depressed patients in need of norepinephrine antidepressants. Such is life.
Thanks again for all the information you posted. It was very helpful!
Hugs,
Sandy
poster:SandyWeb
thread:978767
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110130/msgs/978939.html