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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PeterJG on December 9, 2002, at 8:49:24
I am male, 47. I am going through a very painful separation from my wife. It's been 3 month. I am seeing a therapist and we are jointly starting marriage counseling.
I started on Effexor 4 days ago.
From what I've read in some of the postings it appears that the best time to take the medication is morning. I already have terrible sleep problems and don't want to complicate that issue any farther.
What should I expect from Effexor? I am going through the worst depression that I have ever experienced. I know that if I can't show my wife that I am strong we will never get back together.
I need to make this work.Any and all information is appreciated.
My heart goes out to all of you. I know what you are going through.
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 9, 2002, at 12:26:14
In reply to I've just started on Effexor. , posted by PeterJG on December 9, 2002, at 8:49:24
I was only on Effexor at 75mg per day for about 3 months. So I don't know how well it pans out in the long term. But I found it was amazing for getting rid of my anxiety/panic attacks if taken cautiously. Caution was needed, as it eventually turned out, because I was Bi-Polar and well, Bi-Polars aren't supposed to be taking anti-depressants by themselves or it could lead to hypomania or rapid cycling.Anyways, Effexor will most likely make you feel horrible for about 10 days or so. If you feel "anything" out of the ordinary that you feel that you could actually live with, don't worry about it. There are so many possible side effects to this drug that I don't feel like listing them, but they almost all disappear within 2 weeks to 1 month.
I'm not sure how well it works for depression because I was on the opposite end of the spectrum when I started on it (manic). I do know, however, that it made things at least semi-bearable untill we got the full diagnosis down pat. I wasn't freaking out anymore every day, that's for sure.
Anyways, if it doesn't work for your depression, don't give up because there are like billions of other drugs out there that could help. You can also switch from Effexor to many of them without too much trouble or too long of a "dry-out" period.
I think the key to remember now though is that if it doesn't work there are many other drugs that can, and that for whatever medication you do take (Effexor currently) to give it at least 4-6 weeks to see what it can do for you. If you give up too soon on any of the medications, then they most likely will not work.
Posted by AnneL on December 10, 2002, at 0:39:40
In reply to I've just started on Effexor. , posted by PeterJG on December 9, 2002, at 8:49:24
I agree with Mr. Cushing. If you can tolerate the start-up side effects, please consider continuing with the medication for at least 6 weeks to know whether or not it is helping. The start-up side effects can include feeling "high" or kind of "strange", maybe some sleepiness during the day and some insomnia at night. Most side effects can be dealt with simply and efficiently by your prescribing physician. Often times just knowing that they are temporary and common is helpful. I feel that if I can tolerate medication like Effexor, anyone can. You have to understand that I am the biggest baby, the biggest "chicken" when it comes to meds. If I read about side effects when starting a new drug, I am convinced I will have them and I usually do.
So in a nutshell, I think that if you can have your doctor help with any side effects that are more like "nuisance" than being intolerable, you should do just fine. Good luck in your marriage counseling. :) Anne
Posted by David131 on December 10, 2002, at 14:03:36
In reply to I've just started on Effexor. , posted by PeterJG on December 9, 2002, at 8:49:24
Christ join the club. My wife just had an affair on me and confessed it. We are in exactly the same boat as you are. However we are still living together to try to work it out. I have serious anxiety and depression so I feel for you man I really do. Hang in there cause the feelings won't last forever. They just seem like they will. Be strong, be still and know that other people have the same problems as you.
Posted by PeterJG on December 10, 2002, at 14:15:44
In reply to Re: I've just started on Effexor. , posted by David131 on December 10, 2002, at 14:03:36
>Sorry to here that Dave. Thanks for your words of support. I'm going to do all I can. The rest is in Gods hands. Best of luck to you. I'll include both of you in my prayers.
Posted by PeterJG on December 10, 2002, at 15:11:48
In reply to Re: I've just started on Effexor. » PeterJG, posted by AnneL on December 10, 2002, at 0:39:40
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I'm still on the low startup dose for 2 more days but so far I haven't noticed any side effects except for maybe very slight light-headedness for a minute of two. I may have just stood up to quick.
Anyway thanks again. It's comforting to chat with others with these problems. Maybe someday we will all be over them!
This is the end of the thread.
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