Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tapanga on September 28, 2004, at 9:39:01
Hi, I am new to the group and I have a couple of questions about Effexor before I start taking it. I am very worried about the possibility of gaining weight like I have on other meds (Zoloft and Prozac). I have been off of all my meds altogether for 6 months but the depression is destroying me and the Panic Attacks are daily. I thought that I could handle them with other alternatives, until last week. I found myself in the Emergency Room having the worst attack ever. I have just began to lose the weight from Prozac and rebuild my self-esteem, I am just not clear whether to start another med or not and I don't know enough about Effexor. Has this happened to anyone else? How well has Effexor worked for depression and anxiety? I would appreciate any thoughts or opinions. Thanks!
Posted by Colleen D. on September 28, 2004, at 10:56:13
In reply to Questions about Effexor before starting, posted by Tapanga on September 28, 2004, at 9:39:01
Effexor has worked well for me for both my anxiety and depression. I have also lost about 20 lbs. since I started it at the end of May. I've struggled with being overweight for most of my life, so I know what you mean about the self-esteem thing.
Good luck!
Colleen
PPD, GAD and OCD
Posted by ants on September 28, 2004, at 11:22:47
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor before starting » Tapanga, posted by Colleen D. on September 28, 2004, at 10:56:13
I have been on Effexor for exactly one week and so far I love it. I know its probably too early to tell, but it has worked wonders, it seems, for my anxiety and general moodiness and irritability. My boyfriend loves the effects as well, except for the fact that I have my sex drive is non-existant (hoping that will pass with time).
I have noticed that my appetite is back to "normal", so I probably will gain some weight after losing a lot in the past few months (i was too wound up to eat), but i will keep you posted and see if it gets excessive.
Good luck. Don't be too freaked by all the negative comments about Effexor. I was, and almost stopped taking it right after I started, but I am going to give it a month and see how it goes.
Posted by saw on September 29, 2004, at 2:28:26
In reply to Questions about Effexor before starting, posted by Tapanga on September 28, 2004, at 9:39:01
I have found Effexor to be very effective for my severe depression and GAD. I felt a difference within the first week. My physical side effects have been bearable and I am trying to adjust my life around them. I yawn frequently, throat closing yawns. I am hypervigilent (I startle very easily) and I have a lot of stomach irritability such as gas. There are a couple of other niggly things aswell. I have tried not to let these things bother me as I think a quality of life without depression is far more important. Sadly, though, my weight gain has been devastating for me. I have not changed my eating habits. I don't want to change Effexor but am thinking seriously about it because of the weight gain.
Please do not let any negative comments influence you. Not everyone gains weight and I think Effexor is worth a try.
Good luck and let us know how things are with you.
Sabrina
Posted by Tapanga on September 29, 2004, at 7:38:14
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor before starting » Tapanga, posted by saw on September 29, 2004, at 2:28:26
I just wanted to thank all of your for your quick replys. The last week has been so horrible that I think I will go ahead and start Effexor today and continue my diet and exercise program. If I am unhappy with it then I am sure I can ask for something else. I will keep you all posted, you may hear alot from me in the coming weeks! Thanks again.
This is the end of the thread.
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