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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bdc on May 15, 2002, at 20:43:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I don't take Effexor...found this website doing research to help me decide whether or not to fill my first prescription.
You might want to check out www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/
You have all helped me decide "NO". Thanks.
Posted by supergirl on May 15, 2002, at 23:48:06
In reply to Re: watch out girls, posted by renelso1 on May 15, 2002, at 8:55:18
I didn't want to scare anyone, its just that it took almost 3 weeks to figure out what was wrong with me. Effexor and Depo both have bad side effects, but in most cases, its better than the alternative? I could never go through a pregnancy while I'm still trying to get my head together, let alone raising a child.
I have been on Effexor for 2 1/2 years and it was starting to not work properly anyways. I think that had something to do with my reaction. Don't stop taking Effexor unless it isn't working for you. Thats the trouble with all these different drugs; they don't all work the same on everybody.
How has Effexor been working for you so far? Don't be afraid of it because of what you hear or read, all that matters is that you feel better.Always remember to tell your doctor everything you feel, no matter how hard it is. And remind him what you are taking and of possible side effects. Doctors won't know anything unless they are informed.
Don't get yourself down in the dumps over a guy, no matter how good of a relationship it was, they will keep coming in and out of your life. The last guy you date is always the one that hangs around. Until you find that man, MEN ARE ALL PIGS! :) no offense to any guys... Thats just relationships for you.
Good luck to you
supergirl
Posted by gare on May 16, 2002, at 7:08:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bdc on May 15, 2002, at 20:43:53
> I don't take Effexor...found this website doing research to help me decide whether or not to fill my first prescription.
>
> You might want to check out www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/
>
> You have all helped me decide "NO". Thanks.The Web site mentioned above is quite informative but doesn't really add on to what is printed in the pharmacological insert that comes with the sample "introduction" pack.
If you haven't had a moment to read the insert when you first began taking Effexor or Effexor XR, then you could have either made a better informed decision as to whether you would even want to take this medication rather than just going on your prescribing physician's best medical guess or experience.
As a person who had taken plenty of experimental drugs, I have learned to read almost everything about a drug or drug regimen before I take it so that I won't be surprised of what may or may not occur.
In the case of the original post, the consumer was able to do some research before filling his/her first prescription and make a better informed decision about his health and situation.
When you do this, take a proactive stance in your therapy, you will feel much better and I believe more mentally prepared to accept the treatment that YOU and YOUR doctor have chosen.
Again, the Web site referenced above is full of information that is practically lifted off the pharmacological insert that comes with Effexor/Effexor XR and if you haven't had a chance to read it, I recommend it.
The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you are. That makes you a better advocate for your own health care and choices.
But to answer the question of has anyone had success on Effexor/Effexor XR, yes, I have, even after reading the insert, I was willing to go on therapy and I am happy to say that I didn't really experience most of those side effects during or after discontinuation.
Clinical trials observe all possible effects, which may be small in number, not an average reaction, in addition to those that are common and quite adverse, so that you may be informed of what may or may not occur within your own body.
Posted by SandraDee on May 16, 2002, at 11:23:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bdc on May 15, 2002, at 20:43:53
I'm sort of sorry to hear you decided against it. I did that too (after 4 days of taking it 37.5mg) but then everything went back to how it was right away... anxiety/snapping at my daughter for little things, etc. So I talked to my doctor and she said she likes this one above all the others... and she always weens off. I'm only "scheduled" to be on it for 3 months, due to the stress of buying this house, being an at home mom trying to pack... By Sept my daughter will be in preschool 2x a week and that will help my attitude tremendously I am sure of it. What dose where you prescribed and why? If I can ask... :)
I hope you find something that works for you if you stick with your decision to not do take it... for me, it's worth a little dry mouth (I need to drink more water anyhow!) That's really the only side effect I've noticed.> I don't take Effexor...found this website doing research to help me decide whether or not to fill my first prescription.
>
> You might want to check out www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/
>
> You have all helped me decide "NO". Thanks.
Posted by Spencer on May 17, 2002, at 1:45:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bdc on May 15, 2002, at 20:43:53
The information we get from these chat groups and web sites is invaluable in indentifying the side effects and the problems associated with Effexor. I read this site almost every day, but I think the number of contributions are heavily biased towards those who have serious problems rather than those who have had success, simply because the success stories probably won't even try to find sites like this.
I'm one of the lucky ones......I have had tremendous success with Effexor. I had lots of side effects at the beginning, but they went away after a couple of months. I was in a state of deep depression and intense anxiety before taking Effexor and it took about 4-6 weeks before I really started feeling the benefits. My anxiety led to all sorts of irrational thoughts about the drug and this site scared the hell out of me. Still I was in such a state that I felt that Effexor was the only thing that could help me (in the short to medium term).
Maybe you shouldn't be too heavily influenced by what you read. You may not have made the right decision not to take Effexor. I started weaning off 150mg XR yesterday and I may or may not suffer bad withdrawal symptoms. I'm prepared to go through them if they happen because of the benefits the drug has given me. Without Effexor, I'm not sure where I would have ended up......probably committing suicide the way I was feeling. And if I find myself slipping back into depression, I will go back onto Effexor if necessary.
I'm not a doctor, but there are clearly many causes of depression and anxiety. Effexor may be effective only with some of them and anyway not everyone responds to medication in the same way. So we can't just condemn the drug outright because it doesn't work with everyone.
I just want say that I am extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to this site. It has helped me better understand my condition and the effects of Effexor.
Posted by Butterfly on May 17, 2002, at 9:49:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » bdc, posted by Spencer on May 17, 2002, at 1:45:36
Spencer
thanks for your testimony, which makes a lot of sense to me.
As you say, those who are not experiencing bad side-effects or who see improvement of their condition probably don't come here to share their bad experiences.
It can be really scary to read some of the posts made here when you first begin the treatment.
For me, I have discontinued taking Effexor XR although it was really helping on both the depression and anxiety sides, because of some bothersome side-effects (for me).
I will talk to my physician and see what other alternatives I have.
All the best,George
Posted by Lilypad on May 17, 2002, at 21:15:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Good Evening all! I started taking Effexor XR a week ago. Was on 150mg for 2 days then went to 150mg morning and evening. So far, so good. I've been on every SSRI the pharmaceutical companies make. Was taking Paxil until the day I was switched to Effexor XR. I feel fine. No side effects except I'm not particularly hungry. I've had bi-polar disorder for about 40 years. Lithium and the tricyclics didn't work for me. The depression was so bad it's' a wonder I'm still alive. I recently had to quit my job for medical reasons and undergo two surgeries in one month. I was told I had about 2-3 years before I become a "cardiac cripple". The Paxil just couldn't deal with all the bad news and I got severly depressed. I recognized the warning signs of severe depression and sought medical treatment and hospitalization before I could do something really stupid. The Effexor seems to be doing the trick.
I realize I'm fortunate not to have the side effects that some of you have mentioned. I can empathize. I had VERY serious side effects with Wellbutrin.
Here's to all of us trying to cope with depression......
Posted by kpo2002 on May 18, 2002, at 1:53:32
In reply to Effexor - Exercise and Pain Relief, posted by kpo2002 on May 14, 2002, at 15:58:44
Whatever I said before--I changed my mind. I started Effexor XR 37.5 at the end of March. The first 4 weeks were very good, increased energy and pain relief. A few regular swimmers even commented on my stroke. Then, I experienced a dramatic decrease in pain relief and energy, which was replaced by a sense of calm, causing 10 days of depression. I shook myself out of that convincing myself that I had at least held on to a portion of the pain relief, plus I did feel less aggravated by my whole "pain, poverty and filth" situation. But then the CALM just kept on coming, until I realized that I had been unable to do anything all week. Most of my time from Sun.-Thurs. had been spent lounging on the couch. The problem was that I didn't feel bad or tired, I actually felt very awake and alert--I thought that I was just being lazy, I felt good, I just had no energy for physical movement. On Friday I felt weak and dizzy upon getting out of bed--But I didn't feel bad. I went straight to the couch, then back to bed, then I decided that I had had enough of that Effexor and made the decision to discontinue. I spent the day on the couch,I went to the pool in the evening and sat in the car for 45 minutes before I could face that pool. I could not finish my normal 15 minute workout and became dizzy and weak. In the shower my hand passed over my heart and it was racing. My pulse was 120 and the paramedics were called. My blood pressure was 136 the first time that they took it and 126 the second time they took it after they had given me oxygen for a minute or two (normally 110 is high for me). I'm finished with Effexor, unless I need to take some to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Butterfly on May 18, 2002, at 11:51:59
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi
Went to my physician to find an alternative to Effexor. Not been long on Effexor, but long enough to see some bothersome (sexual for the most part) side-effects as I have reported before.
This time we picked Remeron, 15mg to begin with.
I like the idea of Remeron since it's supposed to help sleep and I'm sleeping bad for years, a condition worsened by Effexor lately; it's not supposed to have any impact on sexuality either.
I will monitor my weigh closely though, since weight gain is one possible side-effect (I'm 6'2" 200 lbs right now; I hope Ican write the same thing in 3 months !).First pill yesterday at 9 PM. Maximum effect is supposed to come 2 hrs after taking the pill. 90 min later I was so groggy and drowsy I had to sleep. Couldn't concentrate, read or do anything. Almost walking as if I was drunk.
Slept long, but awakened a few times during the night.
This morning I'm feeling OK, not drowsy as I was anticipating, but fairly well rest. I don't have this light "euphoria" I was having when on Effexor, - and which I liked (...).
I was also anxious to check if sex would be impaired (seriously delayed ejaculation with Effexor), but everything seems OK on this side as well (...).
So far so good as we say. If things stay like this and I can bring the depression/anxiety to a more reasonable level, I will be very happy.
Georges
Posted by kpo2002 on May 18, 2002, at 15:39:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Nat A., posted by marlene on January 3, 2002, at 16:22:59
If you have been on this medication for 3 years and there are no positive benefits, but a slew of adverse effects--THEN WHY ARE YOU STILL ON IT???
Posted by SandraDee on May 18, 2002, at 19:45:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Well, I started Effexor XR last Thursday, took it for 4 days, and quit due to all the postings and worrying about side effects. I went back on it at 37.5mg for the other three days (starter pack) and today was my first 75mg day. Actually nice... other than the serious dry mouth and having to pee every ten minutes (exageration) reminding me of NOT fun pregnancy side effects hahahaha. Anyhow, I think I can live with the side effect of dry mouth, although it is really annoying to me. I felt well enough to take a walk with my family today as the weather was great here. Just wanted to post a "good" Effexor XR post.
Posted by LynnPerley on May 18, 2002, at 19:57:22
In reply to Dry mouth day 7, posted by SandraDee on May 18, 2002, at 19:45:50
I noticed that the dry mouth decreases a little after a couple of months at 150 mg. It does not occur every day to the extent it does during the initial period. Besides, drinking lots of water is good for you!
Posted by me too on May 19, 2002, at 10:00:48
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR, posted by Sara T. on April 16, 2000, at 12:17:40
>We have a 21 yr old daughter with ADD.OCD symptoms that were triggered by ritalin about 14 yrs ago and have seemed to subside with medication. Latest diagnosis was depression treated with prozac which helped, but the ADD has always been a problem. About 9 months ago our pediatrician, who has been the most help to her throughout these years, prescribed Effexor XR. She tried it and seems to have had good effects from it. Her grades at Jr.College were the best this semester than in her whole life, and she seems to be on a smoother more relaxed mood with the med. The only problem we see is her resistence to med. She simply does not like the idea of being on med. I'm not sure why, and she never has been able to express her feelings or ideas very well. So she takes the med when she feels like it and may skip a day or two or week now and then. What do you think? me too
Posted by gare on May 20, 2002, at 7:15:27
In reply to Dry mouth day 7, posted by SandraDee on May 18, 2002, at 19:45:50
Hi SandraDee:
Thank you and to others who have been posting positive experiences with the drug. Reading about Effexor/Effexor XR, the good and bad about it, is refreshing and at least there are success stories.
I guess now that you mention having to empty your bladder quite frequently, I too remember having to go pee about every 15 minutes - not joking.
So if you are experiencing dry mouth and are urinating a lot, please make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, especially in these warmer getting hotter months coming up ahead.
Continuous luck with the journey on Effexor!
Gare
Posted by gare on May 20, 2002, at 7:21:00
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR, posted by me too on May 19, 2002, at 10:00:48
I think it is important for your daughter to take Effexor as prescribed; when you are tinkering with your brain's manufacturing of serotonin, NE, and dopamine, you want to make sure there is a constant level of the drug going in.
As we all know, there are side effects coming off of Effexor and perhaps there are others that we are unaware of it the medication isn't taken as prescribed.
Just to be on the safe side, maybe if your daughter is doing well at the current dosage, but skipping, is the question really about adherence to the medication or not liking the drug itself?
If it is an adherence issue, then talk with your medical doctor.
However, if it isn't so much a problem taking the drug, then perhaps a lower dose than the one being prescribed now could do just as well since she is skipping doses but having good results.
Just some food to think about.
Posted by me too on May 20, 2002, at 9:34:15
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR, posted by gare on May 20, 2002, at 7:21:00
It's hard to say. We think she is doing better, but can definitely tell when she is not taking it. I really think it is a matter of her forgetting to take it and also not wanting other people to know she is taking it.But she's 21 and has always been "the strong-willed child".
Thanks for responding. me too
Posted by JANNBEAU on May 20, 2002, at 10:27:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Lilypad on May 17, 2002, at 21:15:33
>Lilypad, what is your cardiac diagnosis? Why are you being told you will be a "cardiac cripple?" There are many ways to reverse some cardiac problems, including significant changes in diet and exercise--this from a fat old woman who does not exercise or watch what she eats and who has hypertension! JUst curious. Good luck with your treatment both cardiac and central.
Cheers,
Jannbeau
Good Evening all! I started taking Effexor XR a week ago. Was on 150mg for 2 days then went to 150mg morning and evening. So far, so good. I've been on every SSRI the pharmaceutical companies make. Was taking Paxil until the day I was switched to Effexor XR. I feel fine. No side effects except I'm not particularly hungry. I've had bi-polar disorder for about 40 years. Lithium and the tricyclics didn't work for me. The depression was so bad it's' a wonder I'm still alive. I recently had to quit my job for medical reasons and undergo two surgeries in one month. I was told I had about 2-3 years before I become a "cardiac cripple". The Paxil just couldn't deal with all the bad news and I got severly depressed. I recognized the warning signs of severe depression and sought medical treatment and hospitalization before I could do something really stupid. The Effexor seems to be doing the trick.
>
> I realize I'm fortunate not to have the side effects that some of you have mentioned. I can empathize. I had VERY serious side effects with Wellbutrin.
>
> Here's to all of us trying to cope with depression......
Posted by supergirl on May 20, 2002, at 20:43:08
In reply to Re: Dry mouth day 7 / Peeing, posted by gare on May 20, 2002, at 7:15:27
I'm noticing the same thing while getting off of effexor (still at 75 from 150), I am peeing 3X as much as is normal for me
supergirl
Hi SandraDee:
>
> Thank you and to others who have been posting positive experiences with the drug. Reading about Effexor/Effexor XR, the good and bad about it, is refreshing and at least there are success stories.
>
> I guess now that you mention having to empty your bladder quite frequently, I too remember having to go pee about every 15 minutes - not joking.
>
> So if you are experiencing dry mouth and are urinating a lot, please make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, especially in these warmer getting hotter months coming up ahead.
>
> Continuous luck with the journey on Effexor!
>
> Gare
Posted by azurebay on May 20, 2002, at 22:35:15
In reply to Re: watch out girls-renelso 1, posted by supergirl on May 15, 2002, at 23:48:06
> I didn't want to scare anyone, its just that it took almost 3 weeks to figure out what was wrong with me.
> How has Effexor been working for you so far? Don't be afraid of it because of what you hear or read, all that matters is that you feel better.
The last guy you date is always the one that hangs around. Until you find that man, MEN ARE ALL PIGS! :) no offense to any guys... Thats just relationships for you.
>
> Good luck to you
> supergirlTFF supergirl <smiles>,
Yet you're right about Effexor XR or any other AD med; there is NOT one med that works for everyone. However, I can tell you as one of those "male pigs" (lmao), it's definitely worked well for me in combination with other such neuro-selective drugs.
In all seriousness... my personal opinion after being in this game for, let's say several YEARS, is that Effexor-XR is by far the most promising medication on the horizon!! To be frank (no, not that jerk you dated last week), I use Effexor with a small dose of Celexa. Now why this combo works is a mystery, but by god it does for me. Perhaps it's the enhancement of SSRI with the SNRI's or something along those lines. You'd think one of the old drugs like Trazadone would boost the NE component.... NAWT! And I guarantee most of you you're General Practitioner would think you whacked in the head to consider such a combination :) However, in these matters... GET THE BEST PSYDOC you can find!
The one peev I have is seeing people post on this (and other sites) where a family practioner has prescribed a psycotropic medication. That's as NUTS and the psychos... JEEEESH! Get to a professional with years of experience, stay out of the health food stores, and mostly feel what your heart (not your mind) is telling you!
Smiles Always,
Von
Posted by sly on May 21, 2002, at 10:38:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm new to Effexor XR, been on it for about a month, 2 weeks at 37.5mg and now 2 weeks at 75mg. I'm not having any troubling side effects, but I don't really feel any better.
My Dr. said I should be starting to feel better after 4 weeks, less sad, less crying, but all I really feel is numb, spaced out, distant, isolated, almost invisible... my mind is foggy, I can't concentrate, I hardly do any work anymore. A few days ago I started to cry at my desk, I've never done that before, but lately it seems like everything upsets me, before I used to wish I was dead, couldn't really bear living, couldn't see a way for life to get better so why draw it out, every day is so painful - now that I'm on Effexor I've started planning to kill myself, where, how, when... I thought I was supposed to get better, how long until this medication starts to work?
Did anyone else feel like this?
Posted by gare on May 21, 2002, at 11:12:16
In reply to how long until you felt better?, posted by sly on May 21, 2002, at 10:38:23
yes, at the beginning i asked myself the same things when i began to wonder what it would be like to jump into oncoming traffic while i was out for a jog....but i believe that was just the real me being dramatic and not really the Effexor.
i wonder when people describe feeling numb if that is somewhat similar to the zombie phase that i had experienced - basically a month of not really having motivation - desire was there but certainly there was a lack of motivation and a plethora of sleeping.
i tend to think of suicide only when i don't get my way and i have come to realize it's the little inner child who is throwing a temper tantrum and i have to somehow find a creative way to soothe him rather than indulge him in his reactions to the way things are.
i hope that you are seeing a therapist and that a psychiatrist prescribed the Effexor for you as opposed to a family practitioner, as they tend to not follow up with how you are feeling on Effexor and allow you some room to talk about your feelings.
if you do get anxious or feel that you can't stop thinking about suicide, please consider visiting your mental health services unit in your hometown or call a suicide hotline. ironically, i use to volunteer for one and it can help when you have no one else to talk to.
i hope that you can work through why you have these thoughts as opposed to just giving them more power and time to develop a progression of how, when, where, etc.
i know it sounds silly to try to stop what you are thinking, count to twenty or even one hundred very slowly, but go somewhere completely different than where you were thinking suicidally, and just breath.
i took Effexor because i couldn't escape from my racing thoughts, my anxiety rollercoaster. my mind was my worst enemy and now even though i do have a disasterous thought about every four days or so, i can control it and ask myself why am i feeling like that? what am i missing or didn't get that i could possibly fullfill myself in the moment.
then i notice it's time to bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies and curl up with my cat, Pooh, who gives me the perfect excuse to not commit suicide, as i would never want to imagine him be mistreated by anyone ever. he's the best thing in my life.
i hope you can find that one best thing in your life that will give you purpose to work through your thoughts, realize that yes they seem strong but they will only be as strong as you let them be.
the dilemma is knowing this and not being overpowered or disillusioned.
if you can, please talk to someone about your feelings.
gare
Posted by Denise528 on May 21, 2002, at 12:04:23
In reply to how long until you felt better?, posted by sly on May 21, 2002, at 10:38:23
Sly, this time round I had really bad suicidal ideations on Prozac, seroxat and prothiaden although they all worked really well about 4 years ago. Anyway I too have recently started Effexor (about two weeks ago) and am now taking 150mg a day. Thankfully this drug has not caused the anguish that I experienced on the other SSRIs but I am however not really feeling an uplift of the depression.
I just feel really tired all the time, listless and like I could just stay in bed all day. I'm not sure whether or not to increase the dose, I am just really glad I haven't felt any agitation this time.
One thing you might try and it really helped me when I was feeling desparate and I mean really desparate, I have never felt so agitated and deranged in all my life, but the only thing that helped at the time was 10mg of Zyprexa. It might be worth you asking your psychiatrist about this to get you through the really bad spells. It is an antipsychotic and it may not work for you but many other people who have posted on here say that it has helped them with their suicidal ruminations. But then again a few people have said it made them worse. But there is no harm in trying if you are feeling that bad anyway.
Denise
Posted by supergirl on May 21, 2002, at 12:52:49
In reply to Re: watch out girls-renelso 1, posted by azurebay on May 20, 2002, at 22:35:15
Hey, I take offense at your pet peev! No, not really, it was probably the worst thing for me to go to a physician and get on a drug, but the only other person that could get me something (according to my therapist) was gone for 3 weeks. oh well, its all in the past now and there isn't anything I can do about it except clean up the doc's mess. Glad to know I'm not the only one that hates that.
supergirl
supergirl> > I didn't want to scare anyone, its just that it took almost 3 weeks to figure out what was wrong with me.
>
> > How has Effexor been working for you so far? Don't be afraid of it because of what you hear or read, all that matters is that you feel better.
> The last guy you date is always the one that hangs around. Until you find that man, MEN ARE ALL PIGS! :) no offense to any guys... Thats just relationships for you.
> >
> > Good luck to you
> > supergirl
>
> TFF supergirl <smiles>,
>
> Yet you're right about Effexor XR or any other AD med; there is NOT one med that works for everyone. However, I can tell you as one of those "male pigs" (lmao), it's definitely worked well for me in combination with other such neuro-selective drugs.
>
> In all seriousness... my personal opinion after being in this game for, let's say several YEARS, is that Effexor-XR is by far the most promising medication on the horizon!! To be frank (no, not that jerk you dated last week), I use Effexor with a small dose of Celexa. Now why this combo works is a mystery, but by god it does for me. Perhaps it's the enhancement of SSRI with the SNRI's or something along those lines. You'd think one of the old drugs like Trazadone would boost the NE component.... NAWT! And I guarantee most of you you're General Practitioner would think you whacked in the head to consider such a combination :) However, in these matters... GET THE BEST PSYDOC you can find!
>
> The one peev I have is seeing people post on this (and other sites) where a family practioner has prescribed a psycotropic medication. That's as NUTS and the psychos... JEEEESH! Get to a professional with years of experience, stay out of the health food stores, and mostly feel what your heart (not your mind) is telling you!
>
> Smiles Always,
>
> Von
Posted by gare on May 21, 2002, at 13:00:45
In reply to Re: watch out girls-renelso 1, posted by supergirl on May 21, 2002, at 12:52:49
i can't believe how many (okay i've only read a handful of posts) of us were prescribed Effexor (and possibly other psychotropic medications) by a family physicial or general health practitioner.
at least in my experience, the internal medicine doctor who wrote out my prescription for Effexor XR at my request (because this is the second time I am on it and it worked the first time so why bother with anything else - however, the first time it was prescribed by a psychiatrist) back in March 2002 hasn't even bothered to check-in with me.
I knew anyway that I was already set up with an appointment with a psychiatrist but I couldn't wait for a prescription for another month.
So I started my sample pack and worked my way up to 150 mg per day, which brings me to present time.
And with a decent psychiatrist and very generous therapist.
gare
Posted by renelso1 on May 21, 2002, at 13:05:32
In reply to how long until you felt better?, posted by sly on May 21, 2002, at 10:38:23
sly,
i have also been on effexor xr for a month. i started much quicker than you though. 75 for a week and then jumped up to 150 right away. looking back i wish my doc had started me out slower cos the side effects were horrid. once i had been on 150 for about a week the numbness went away. i certainly don't feel 100% better but my suicidal tendencies are really decreasing and i'm making slow progress. i would talk to your doc about bumping up your dose. then give it another month. i know the waiting is crazy, but i'm all out of other solutions. good luck to you!!
r.
> I'm new to Effexor XR, been on it for about a month, 2 weeks at 37.5mg and now 2 weeks at 75mg. I'm not having any troubling side effects, but I don't really feel any better.
>
> My Dr. said I should be starting to feel better after 4 weeks, less sad, less crying, but all I really feel is numb, spaced out, distant, isolated, almost invisible... my mind is foggy, I can't concentrate, I hardly do any work anymore. A few days ago I started to cry at my desk, I've never done that before, but lately it seems like everything upsets me, before I used to wish I was dead, couldn't really bear living, couldn't see a way for life to get better so why draw it out, every day is so painful - now that I'm on Effexor I've started planning to kill myself, where, how, when... I thought I was supposed to get better, how long until this medication starts to work?
>
> Did anyone else feel like this?
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