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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JANNBEAU on November 14, 2001, at 14:44:37
In reply to Re: RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by petey on November 13, 2001, at 13:30:09
> > > My doc has suggested I try effexor. I had terrible tinnitus develope on zoloft. I am still having severe panic attacks when the ringing elevates. Right now I am on 3 mg lorazepam daily.
> > > I'm scared to try anything new, but need to.
> > > Mary
> >
> > Hi, Mary
> >
> >
> > I have preexisting tinnitus. Effexor-XR makes it worse. However, I feel SO much better that I tolerate the ringing in my ears. I'm taking Effexor-XR 150 mg/day for chronic intractable pain and associated depression. MUCH better since starting this medication. I'm not worried about stopping it. My doctor says she has never had anyone who could not stop taking it, when properly tapered off.
>
> I have also developed tinnitus from zoloft. Will this ever go away? It really drives me crazy some days. Also, I keep developing ear infections since I've been on zoloft. could there be a connection? thanks! PeteyPetey:
First, the disclaimers: I am not a medical doctor. I just search for answers like everyone else and try to put the information together to make some sense.
Now that we have that out of the way, I found a side effect of Zoloft that may explain your ear symptoms: Apparently Zoloft (other drugs in class?) can cause rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal lining; the inflammation may be manifested by nasal congestion, which could lead to fluid retention behind the ear drum, which, in turn, could get infected (just as in infants and children) or sinusitis.
Are you sure you have had ear INFECTIONS? Have you had a diagnosis? Have you taken antibiotics for this condition with success? More than once? Have you tried nasal decongestants (Afrin; Pseudofed, etc)? Just a thought! Were you taking any other medications along with the Zoloft? Are you prone ot ear infections?
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 16:48:19
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 9:48:12
> > > Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
> > Mary
>
>
>
> Mary Teresa,
> I am not completly off the Zolft yet. I am still tapering down and not feeling very well at all. I am at 12.5 mgs. right now and will be tapering again soon. I really don't know if everything I am experiencing is from Zoloft withdrawl or not. I have flyu-like symptoms, extremly fatigued, and both my ears are infected. I go to the doctor today for the infections. I just pray that someday,I'll feel like myself again. I am very discouraged. What withdrawl symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for them to subside? Some days I just want to end it all!
> PeteyHi Petey, Please don't give up. I went through all of those symptoms including feeling soooo low and discouraged. It has been 10 weeks since I took my last zoloft, and things are starting to clear up. I'm not a doc, but have been doing alot of research. Its real imp not to take any similar medication that elevates seratonin right now. My neurologist suggested I stick with Lorazepam or something in the benzodiazepam class for 6 to 8 months. Things are settling down for me. I also went to a naturopath for help, and am following a detox program he prescribed. Its all helping. Its been the roughest thing I've ever gone through. Hold on, we will both make it through. LESSON LEARNED BIGTIME!!!!
Mary
Posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 17:26:06
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 16:48:19
> > > > Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
> > > Mary
> >
> >
> >
> > Mary Teresa,
> > I am not completly off the Zolft yet. I am still tapering down and not feeling very well at all. I am at 12.5 mgs. right now and will be tapering again soon. I really don't know if everything I am experiencing is from Zoloft withdrawl or not. I have flyu-like symptoms, extremly fatigued, and both my ears are infected. I go to the doctor today for the infections. I just pray that someday,I'll feel like myself again. I am very discouraged. What withdrawl symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for them to subside? Some days I just want to end it all!
> > Petey
>
> Hi Petey, Please don't give up. I went through all of those symptoms including feeling soooo low and discouraged. It has been 10 weeks since I took my last zoloft, and things are starting to clear up. I'm not a doc, but have been doing alot of research. Its real imp not to take any similar medication that elevates seratonin right now. My neurologist suggested I stick with Lorazepam or something in the benzodiazepam class for 6 to 8 months. Things are settling down for me. I also went to a naturopath for help, and am following a detox program he prescribed. Its all helping. Its been the roughest thing I've ever gone through. Hold on, we will both make it through. LESSON LEARNED BIGTIME!!!!
> MaryJust got back from the doctor. As I suspected, both ears are infected. Doctor gave Cipro. Should take care of the infections! She said since I already cut my zoloft to 12.5 mgs. to just stop taking it. I'm really scared because I'm afraid of the withdrawl. Guess I'll just have to try it and see what happens! I'm already feeling some anxiety about it. Thanks for your concern, and I'll keep you posted.
Petey
Posted by Allen F. on November 14, 2001, at 22:53:11
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 17:26:06
I was on Prozac for years and my Doctor suggested I change to Celexia. It didn't seem to be helping (may not have had enough time) and he moved me to Effexor. Since then I have had a constant ringing in my ears and other side effects.
Is the "ringing in the ears" a normal side effect? Does anyone have experience with Celexia and are the side effects about the same as Effexor? Is it better to go onto Prozac or just go through the withdrawal of Effexor?
A
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 10:49:50
In reply to Ringing in ears ... Prozac ... Effexor withdrawal, posted by Allen F. on November 14, 2001, at 22:53:11
>A: First, let me reiterate that I am NOT a physician, so my suggestions are just that--ideas from a fellow traveler (sufferer--longstanding intractable pain and depression) who has tried to do her homework.
To answer your question about tinnitus or "ringing or buzzing in the ears." This problem is reported in the product insert as an adverse event or "side effect" of Effexor (I cannot recall the % in drug vs % in placebo).
With regard stopping Effexor, my physician tells me that, with proper tapering--a long process--discontinuing Effexor should not be difficult and that she has not had ANYONE who could NOT do it (she generally tells me the truth). Some people may have more trouble than others.
With regard to withdrawing from Effexor, my personal advice is that you personally first decide whether the side effects are worth the benefit of the medication to you--(ALL medications have side effects. The trick seems to be to find one that helps you and the side effects of which are tolerable to you! --the so-called benefit/risk ratio). If, after thinking it through, you still wish to stop Effexor, consult with you physician and: (1)If you are taking Effexor-XR, switch to the regular formulation. (2)Take withdrawal in tiny steps--very slowly reduce the dose--(it may take several weeks or more to completely withdraw); (3)ask your doctor about adding an anxiolytic (depending on your reason for taking Effexor and your response to withdrawal) if necessary--
You could return at some point to Prozac if that WORKED for you--when your physician says it's ok. (I assume you are working with a physician who is very knowledgable of psychopharmacology?)
Good Luck and Cheers, Jannbeau
I was on Prozac for years and my Doctor suggested I change to Celexia. It didn't seem to be helping (may not have had enough time) and he moved me to Effexor. Since then I have had a constant ringing in my ears and other side effects.
>
> Is the "ringing in the ears" a normal side effect? Does anyone have experience with Celexia and are the side effects about the same as Effexor? Is it better to go onto Prozac or just go through the withdrawal of Effexor?
>
> A
Posted by witchypoo on November 15, 2001, at 11:35:18
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears ... Prozac ... Effexor withdrawal, posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 10:49:50
Hi all this is not to condem anyones religous
beliefs. so if you diagree with me sorry this is just my own opinion and i thought maybe some of you would get a kick out of it as i did.
Did anyone watch dateline, the other night?
they were preforming exorsisms on a man, they
said that he had suffered from depression. that
the meds he tried didnt help however when they
reserched it he had on taken them MAYBE 3 mos.
and i found it kinda of funny that the one man on there said that people that suffer from depression are usually possesed by demons!
if thats the case ya all were in serious trouble!
lol. just thought maybe some of you might get a kick from this!
witchypoo < [:~)
Posted by Sleepy on November 15, 2001, at 11:41:47
In reply to were all possesed, posted by witchypoo on November 15, 2001, at 11:35:18
> Hi all this is not to condem anyones religous
> beliefs. so if you diagree with me sorry this is just my own opinion and i thought maybe some of you would get a kick out of it as i did.
> Did anyone watch dateline, the other night?
> they were preforming exorsisms on a man, they
> said that he had suffered from depression. that
> the meds he tried didnt help however when they
> reserched it he had on taken them MAYBE 3 mos.
> and i found it kinda of funny that the one man on there said that people that suffer from depression are usually possesed by demons!
> if thats the case ya all were in serious trouble!
> lol. just thought maybe some of you might get a kick from this!
> witchypoo < [:~)Did hafta laugh at this (;
Sometimes it all gets so serious (and yeah, it IS serious), but it doesn't hurt to laugh and hey, isn't laughter the BEST medicine? Too bad they can't put laughter in pill form and mass market it!
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 11:59:16
In reply to were all possesed, posted by witchypoo on November 15, 2001, at 11:35:18
> Hi all this is not to condem anyones religous
> beliefs. so if you diagree with me sorry this is just my own opinion and i thought maybe some of you would get a kick out of it as i did.
> Did anyone watch dateline, the other night?
> they were preforming exorsisms on a man, they
> said that he had suffered from depression. that
> the meds he tried didnt help however when they
> reserched it he had on taken them MAYBE 3 mos.
> and i found it kinda of funny that the one man on there said that people that suffer from depression are usually possesed by demons!
> if thats the case ya all were in serious trouble!
> lol. just thought maybe some of you might get a kick from this!
> witchypoo < [:~)Yep, saw it. If depression etc is not just a conspiracy by the drug companies to sell billions of dollars of useless medicine, it's a demon--or two--or three--depending on your perspective. Maybe we're all just too caught up in the medical model of illness. Perhaps I'll call my local exorcist!--cheaper in the long run, any way, if not faster!
Jannbeau
Posted by bryanccc on November 27, 2001, at 10:52:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this. i have had success with effexor xr and it has helped me immensely i have taken it for over a year(150 mg per day) and my anxiety and depression have completly subsided i can now think more clearly and express my thoughts much better the only side effects ive had are sweating and weightloss i lost 17 lbs in 8 weeks and i am almost back to my normal weight i thought my life was about as bad as it could get and after taking effexor xr everything has changed 100% for the better if you have GAD with depression i would advise you to ask your doctor about this medication i also have taken paxil buspar and zoloft which didnt help at all and even made me worse i love effexor xr and will continue to take it as long as necessary it has really made my life worth living
Posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
In reply to Re: were all possesed » witchypoo, posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 11:59:16
i just started taking effexor (35.7mg and then i will take 75mg daily) a few days ago and i'm so nauseous that i can barely leave my bed. i also just read posts about withdrawl and they scare me. i have never taken any medication before and had a lot of reservations for a long time, then decided that the depression and anxiety weren't going away on their own and that i needed to try something new.
my fear is that i will be taking medication for the rest of my life! everyone who has posted seems to have been on medication for a long time, or they are on a lot of different meds at once. i just started college. i have a lot of life ahead of me and i can't afford (financially and figuratively) to be on meds for all of it. does anyone have any input or advice? should i stop taking it and continue trying to get over the depression on my own?
Posted by AnneL on December 1, 2001, at 16:23:18
In reply to effexor scares me, posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
Dear Breezie,
First of all, One day at a time! Secondly, before you discontinue your medication, please consult your doctor. He or she may tell you that the nausea may be transient (short-term) or may decide to switch you to another anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication. Before you worry about being on medication for the rest of your life, focus on finding help for your current situation with your depression and anxiety. I don't believe anyone should try to cure disease "on their own", after all if you had a serious illness (depression is an example of a serious illness) you would not try to cure yourself, would you? You might take antibiotics or follow any of your doctor's instructions, right? Same thing holds true for depression/anxiety. Let your doctor know that you are experiencing nausea. Sometimes a simple over the counter remedy may help and sometimes a prescription to help with nausea may be necessary
(again, short term until it passes). Whatever the solution may be, you need to speak with your doctor as soon as possible to let him or her know about your side effects.I had some start up side effects with Effexor and with some minor tweaking here and there, I am doing well on it. At this point, getting better is the whole issue, I would not concern yourself with what is known as "discontinuation syndrome" at this point. Discontinuation syndrome is managable with your physician's instructions. There is a specific formula for discontinuing Effexor once you have been on 75 mg. or more for two weeks or longer. Please call your doctor, today. I can imagine that nausea must really be a bummer!! Take Care and let us know how you are doing. :) AnneL
Posted by Spencer on December 3, 2001, at 9:41:07
In reply to effexor scares me, posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
I agree with AnneL. Stick with Effexor and don't worry about the withdrawal symptoms in the future. There are lots of problem cases but it seems to me that most people can wean themselves off with little effect with proper supervision from their doctor.
I developed very severe depression during August/September this year. My GP tried me on Prozac (fluoxetine) but I was so bad he sent me to a psychiatrist who put me on 75mg Effexor XR for 5 days and I've been on 150mg once a day since. I went through hell but was warned that I would feel worse before I got better and it would take anything up to 6-8 weeks to take full effect. I had side effects for about a month..blurred vision, impotence, poor sleeping pattern and restricted urination. I was also anxious about what I read on this site about withdrawal symptoms.
Effexor has changed my life. After about 6 weeks the severe depression and intense anxiety went away. The side effects, including the impotence, have gone away, but sleep is still a problem. I take half a Stilnox every so often and get a good night's sleep to catch up. I am enjoying life and have been seeing a psychologist who has been extremely helpful in changing my way of thinking.
Stay with it and as AnneL says, discuss your difficulties with your doctor...don't suffer on your one when you can get help.
Posted by JANNBEAU on December 3, 2001, at 10:25:29
In reply to Re: effexor scares me » beezie, posted by Spencer on December 3, 2001, at 9:41:07
> I, also, agree with AnneL! Tell your doctor about the nausea. There are ways to cope and it might be transient.
Try to peresevere with the medication and psychological treatment. Taking medication may be a lifelong thing, but may NOT be. Many people take a course of antidepressants and go on after that for years without needing meds.
I've been taking Effexor XR for about 3 months now and it has changed my life, also! I had suffered from CHRONIC depression and GAD for years and had resisted antidepressant therapy because of the side effects that I had when I took Elavil (including cardiac arrhythmias). Thankfully, this medication has had minimal side effects for me. The major side effect I still have is sweating. Just means I take more showers and change clothes more often. Not a big thing.
Hang in there!! You will make it. You can do this!
Jannbeau
Posted by Timbuk2 on December 3, 2001, at 12:48:28
In reply to effexor scares me, posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
One thing to keep in mind when on these sites, is that there seem to be very few positive postings. Why is that you ask? Because 80-90% of people do get better and get on with thier lives.(I'm not postive on that figure, but I believe I'm close) It just takes time and patients, and the right meds for YOU.
Please keep in mind when trying a new drug, "A drug without side effects is a drug without any effects!" Believe me! I work as a Pharmacy Technician in a very busy Drug store. Most side effects will go away in time. You also cannot become addicted to this drug. It has some withdrawl side effect issues.but it's not addicting! It just changes the chemical structure in your brain.
I was one of those 80%-90% of people a few months back. In fact, I was so good that I went off of my Effexor completely (ya.....with side effects.....but managable)
It was maybe 6 weeks before I suffered my second major depression. Hey I had to try! Nobody wants to be on drugs the rest of thier lives.
Guess what! I do!
It's clinical.....it came up on me so fast and unexpected. It has been very hard, but I'm back on Effexor 150 mg. I have good days and bad but I'm slowly getting better, and couldn't have done it without the support of a GREAT Wife and kids!
I'm confused why anyone would go off of thier meds a 3rd or 4th time? We sometimes feel so good that we forget what it's like to be bad. And I've been in bad shape! I've been there! I have 7 brothers and sisters, 5 of whom all suffer from Depression. My mother has suffered with depression all her life. I never did understand what she went through until now. I always thought she should "Snap out of it"! I doesn't work that way. My Granfather commited suicide before age 50.
My brother recently attempted suicide. It was by the grace of GOD that he made it. He may not have tried, had my family all talked about this disease. We do now! We all should talk more openly about this condition.
We all hide it from each other because of the stigma placed on it.
It's no different than Diabetes or Asthma.
Would a Diabetic go off thier insulin?
Would a Heart patient go off thier medications?
Would an asthmatic go of of thier inhalers?
No! Do you think those things don't have side effects? They all do! What's worse though? Certainly not the depression for me. If it doesn't work for you...their is tons of others to try. But they all take time and will have some side effects that diminish over time.
I'm going to be on Anti-Depressants for the rest of my life (I'm 35 and a father of 2)and will deal with whatever comes my way.
If your clinically depressed..stay on your meds. Find one that works for you.......and stick with it. There is HOPE for all of us! All those feelings and mixed up thoughts are a result of the disorder you have. Never give up hope!
It also doesn't hurt to have some faith in God!
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 3, 2001, at 13:57:04
In reply to effexor scares me, posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
I agree with everyone else here....one day at a time..actually I take 1/2 a day at a time!
I am on Effexor @ 75mg's....One capsule in the AM and two capsules at bedtime..For me too, Effexor literally saved my life. I am 30 and have been on MANY different anti-depressants since I was 14....this is the best I have been feeling in quite sometime.
Consult your Doctor(s) before you do any med. adjustments..ok, please? Again, don't worry about the long haul, just concentrate on the 'here and now' of your life. Ok? Good luck to you!
P.L.
> i just started taking effexor (35.7mg and then i will take 75mg daily) a few days ago and i'm so nauseous that i can barely leave my bed. i also just read posts about withdrawl and they scare me. i have never taken any medication before and had a lot of reservations for a long time, then decided that the depression and anxiety weren't going away on their own and that i needed to try something new.
>
> my fear is that i will be taking medication for the rest of my life! everyone who has posted seems to have been on medication for a long time, or they are on a lot of different meds at once. i just started college. i have a lot of life ahead of me and i can't afford (financially and figuratively) to be on meds for all of it. does anyone have any input or advice? should i stop taking it and continue trying to get over the depression on my own?
Posted by JANNBEAU on December 3, 2001, at 15:35:34
In reply to Re: effexor scares me, posted by Timbuk2 on December 3, 2001, at 12:48:28
> Amen, Faith in God (or a higher power, as you understand him) does help a lot! However, I think that the thing that struck me most about this last message is the reference to a heritary predisposition to depression. As with diabetes and many other condtions, depression must be a genetic thing. Also, as with diabetes, sometimes our environment and/or our behaviors affect the expression of depression. Therefore, it is nothing to be ashamed of, just as you wouldn't be ashamed of diabetes. What you WOULD do is take your medicine and make lifestyle changes that limit the effects of your disease on your life, yes?
The other thing that struck me as being very true is that a good reason for the many negative postings is that those who take their medicine and get better often have no need to post messages. They're too busy living. I, myself, usually do not get involved. However, I found this site while looking for information on Effexor and noted the negative feedback that predominated, so I felt compelled to send some positive feedback. Ergo---
Jannbeau
Posted by sid on December 3, 2001, at 16:44:37
In reply to Re: effexor scares me » Timbuk2, posted by JANNBEAU on December 3, 2001, at 15:35:34
Thanks JANNBEAU,
I am looking for positive feedback on all this.
I've gotten rid of major depression 5 yrs ago with psychotherapy and acupuncture, but chronic depression remains. I just started taking Effexor XR and I am hoping for the best. I did not want to take drugs, but I have done all I can on my own, so I decided to try them. I am the best I've been in years, so it's weird to take meds now, but I would like not to have even chronic depression anymore. And to avoid other episodes of major depression at all cost because the mere thought of it makes me shiver.
Anyway, thanks, it gives me some hope!
Posted by JANNBEAU on December 3, 2001, at 18:15:23
In reply to Re: effexor scares me » JANNBEAU, posted by sid on December 3, 2001, at 16:44:37
> Thanks JANNBEAU,
>Sid,
Thanks for your kind response. I know what you mean by "shiver" -- How frightening!
Remember, you have a disease for which you take a medication! Remember, also, however, that the medicine is not a miracle drug. You have to work on your depression and help the medicine. The medication will make this easier, which seems a paradox, but is really true. You will still have "down" periods--that's NORMAL! and you will gradually learn what IS normal and what is pathological. However, you should be better able to pull out of the "downs" relatively more easily!
I'd like to add a couple of other thoughts and ideas for helping yourself to benefit maximally from your medication, too.
Chronic depression just seems to slowly suck the life and soul from its sufferers, who gradually slide into the pit and may not even recognize what's happening until they begin to recover-as we are both beginning to experience with Effexor--and wonder how they survived the inertia and chaos.
I think that much of what we do in any situation is just HABIT and habits CAN be changed, although with difficulty. It's just habit to withdraw, to go to sleep, to attempt escape in whatever way. With the help of the medication, you will be able to change behaviors that actually deepen your depression, isolation, avoidance, etc.
Some ways to help yourself in addition to swallowing your pills:
1) Use the technique of "thought-stopping"--just like Scarlett O'Hara did in "Gone with the Wind" --Tell yourself "I'll think about that tomorrow; Just say "STOP" to yourself when sel-defeating thoughts arise, or when anything you don't want to think about comes up, until you feel more ready to deal with it. This is a GOOD defense mechanism, and is NOT denial or avoidance behavior. Rather, it is one aspect of cognitive therapy--you've probably heard all of this from your therapist, I guess. Again the medicine HELPS you to do this.
2) Take a limited time each day (don't ruminate), or week or whatever, and DO use this time time to think about whatever is bothering you. At this time, try to pose some solutions for the problem. That's the differenc between "worrying" and problem solving! Write down your "solutions" in the form of goals and objectives. Don't make these complex!
3) Even though it may seem as if you don't have the energy to put one foot in front of the other, take heed of ANY impulse you have to do something you used to like to do, but dropped at some point--any little thing that returns your behavior to a more "normal" state. The "new" activities will gradually take the place of the old behaviors and you will find yourself doing more and more. Then you will find your attitude changing to reflect you new behaviors--you'll get your zest for life back! It's circular, just like the vicious circle of depression and anxiety. The medication will help immensely with this process!
4) REWARD YOURSELF FOR EACH STEP YOU TAKE (you don't have to spend much, or any money on this reward, as you've probably learned from your psychotherapy--we're just talking behavior modification here).5) Accomplish SOMETHING useful each day, be it ever so little--just one task each day. Make lists and check off each item, but DO NOT worry yourself if you don't finish--that's self-defeating. What you want to do is get the positive feedback from the check (star)!
6) Again, reward yourself for EACH small step forward! but don't berate yourself for backwards steps-everyone goes backwards at some points, even those who don't suffer from our ailment!
7) Try to do something nice for yourself or your loved ones each day. Start with once a week (or whatever you can manage) and MAKE yourself do it--whatever it is that you choose to do or that your family chooses. You will be amazed at how little it takes to reassure them and make them happy and you will also be amazed at how little it takes to make YOU happy.
8) (or FIRST, perhaps) Spend some time with God each day. Ask his help and blessings, not only for yourself, but for others. Enumerate your own blessings!
9) Though it may seem trite--Take time to smell the roses!
Sorry this was so long--I've learned a lot, some of which I actually use, during my protracted battle with chronic depression. I felt like sharing these thoughts with you.
God Bless and Good Luck.
Jannbeau
Posted by sid on December 3, 2001, at 18:59:29
In reply to Re: effexor scares me » sid, posted by JANNBEAU on December 3, 2001, at 18:15:23
Well, thanks again,
Yes, I've been doing many of those things and managed to stay out of major depression for 5 years. It is the chronic depression (low level, I can still function but don't feel quite right) which I'm trying to beat with meds. I am so close to being OK, but I seem to have reached a plateau. I hope the meds can help me get past that. So far, cognitive and behavioral changes have not worked to get out of the chronic depression. I am functioning, doing a lot, doing OK on a day to day basis, but scared of the next major episode if there is one, and not looking forward to the future. Making few plans, not dreaming much. That's what I'd like to fix. I want to live, not just survive on a day to day basis.
Anyway, I am hopeful about all this. I never took anti-depressant meds before, and from what I read, it means they have a higher potential of benefiting me. I hang on to that and hope for the best.
Best to you. Take care, as always !
Posted by AnneL on December 3, 2001, at 22:55:49
In reply to Re: effexor scares me » JANNBEAU, posted by sid on December 3, 2001, at 18:59:29
And to all who are there for all of us when the going gets tough, you all are an inspiration and a source of information and comfort. A special word of thanks to Sid, Jannbeau, Timbuk2, Pamela Lynn and Spencer and especially to Beezie for taking a chance and posting his/her fears and concerns about taking medication and this illness we call depression. :) AnneL
Posted by Allen F. on December 3, 2001, at 23:07:37
In reply to effexor scares me, posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
I don't like the side effects of the Medication ... or at least that's what I think is happening. I have been on anti-depresants so long that I am not sure what "normal" is anymore. What I wouldn't give to feel a "real" emotion, to cry, to laugh, to feel free.
I realize that they work well for some, and that some feel the feelings I long for, but for me I don't think they are. The ringing in my ears is driving me crazy, the loss of memory, the slowness of my cognative abilities, I miss being me. I am tired of being "tired" all the time, I want to be able to sleep without having to take something.
All medication scares me, but I think the effects on my mind have scared me the most.
Allen
Posted by sid on December 4, 2001, at 9:30:02
In reply to Re: effexor scares me, posted by Allen F. on December 3, 2001, at 23:07:37
Dear Allen F.,
that's what depression feels like too though...I've been out of major depresion for a few years now, but I do remember how it felt, and your description is darn close to it.
I don't like meds either and I minimize my taking them... my doctor is warned! But I felt I needed an extra boost as I had done all I could but chronic depression remained and I did not know what else to do but try meds.
If there is no progress in your condition you should talk with your doctor and therapist if you have one. There needs to be progress although sometimes it is slow. One thing I learned in the process: patience. It is frustrating at times, but it does take time. Do you exercise? Eat well? Depresion has a way of getting you back on track as far as healthy living goes. Do you have a therapist or a good friend you can talk to about your depression? All these things can help.
Anyway I hope you find a way to get out of the rut you seem to be in. And also patience, it does take time.
Take care.
Posted by Denise528 on December 5, 2001, at 10:13:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by kid47 on November 8, 2001, at 15:50:33
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Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 5, 2001, at 10:40:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Denise528 on December 5, 2001, at 10:13:50
Denise...when I was on 150mg's of Effexor I didn't notice much. When I was raised to 225mg's the very next day I noticed, kinda, well...like a 'jolt of happy energy'. The raise in dosage helped me immensely!
P.L.
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> To those who had success with Effexor, did you notice a slight improvement as soon as you started taking it or did you have to wait for weeks before feeling any effect at all. I am currently taking Zyprexa and Prothiaden and although I feel that the Zyprexa is helping, I don't think the prothiaden is doing anything. Am now considering Effexor.
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Posted by Mary-Teresa on December 5, 2001, at 10:59:15
In reply to RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 3, 2001, at 16:41:49
Allen, how are you doing? Have your side effects cleared up. How's the ringing in your ears?
Mary
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