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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Winston on June 26, 2004, at 21:04:35
Hi, I've been on Effexor XR for 2 years. Boy, if I miss a dose, I feel it. Headache and dizziness. This reminds me to take it. Also, it still causes some nausea. It takes a while to go away. I am on 112.5 mg. I take 3 37.5 capsules 1X/day. I still feel depressed but not as bad. My anxiety attacks are gone. I was wondering if a feeling of apathy and lack of energy was a side effect of the drug. Or maybe it isn't treating my depression well enough and I need to add another drug.
Can anyone share their experiences?
Posted by jay on June 27, 2004, at 13:27:58
In reply to I've been on Effexor XR for 2 years., posted by Winston on June 26, 2004, at 21:04:35
> Hi, I've been on Effexor XR for 2 years. Boy, if I miss a dose, I feel it. Headache and dizziness. This reminds me to take it. Also, it still causes some nausea. It takes a while to go away. I am on 112.5 mg. I take 3 37.5 capsules 1X/day. I still feel depressed but not as bad. My anxiety attacks are gone. I was wondering if a feeling of apathy and lack of energy was a side effect of the drug. Or maybe it isn't treating my depression well enough and I need to add another drug.
>
> Can anyone share their experiences?Hi....yes maybe adding another drug will help with the 'apathetic' symptoms. There are many good drugs to try and add, and hopefully you have a doctor open minded enough to mix around a bit. If you find the Effexor *best* for your depression, it's best to stick with it. *Never* come off a med that is helping you.(Unless absolutely needed.....) People have used various combinations of the following meds to help with the apathy that antidepressants cause, and don't be afraid to combine (with your doctors nod):
adding a tricyclic (like nortriptyline); a benzo like clonazepam; a stimulant like Ritalin or Adderall; an atypical antipsychotic such as Zyprexa; a mood stabalizer like Lamictal. There may be others I am sure folks can/will add. A good, competent doctor will offer you as much choice as possible, and even if that means going on a "cocktail" of these meds.
Let us know what you think...and/or how you make out.
Best,
Jay
Posted by sooshi on June 27, 2004, at 18:57:03
In reply to I've been on Effexor XR for 2 years., posted by Winston on June 26, 2004, at 21:04:35
Hi Winston,
Sounds to me like Effexor is working for you, so I wouldn't go changing meds...it's just that you aren't taking a therapeutic dosage. At this point, I would ask the pdoc for an increase in dosage to see if that helps with the apathy and lack of energy (symptoms of depression).
I, too, feel a whacked out sensation if I miss a dose, and that is exactly how I know whether or not I've taken it that morning! But it's a small price to pay for sanity. Keep some with you at all times, in case you might be away from home and you're meds.
I've been on Effexor XR 300mgs for close to 5 years at this point, so you definately have some room to keep moving upwards if need be....
Good luck,
Sooshi
Posted by Mike634 on June 27, 2004, at 19:08:41
In reply to I've been on Effexor XR for 2 years., posted by Winston on June 26, 2004, at 21:04:35
Effexor was the only antidepressent that ever worked for me, but the dosage was definately a factor. AT 112.5 a day, you definetely have room to go up, maybe that is all you need - good luck!
This is the end of the thread.
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